Many channels require or recommend various product IDs. We have compiled the below list of common product IDs and their definitions. 

• SKUs (stock-keeping unit) also called Unique IDs are assigned by the merchant; for internal identification of inventory and sales.
• MPN (Manufacturer part numbers) are assigned by the Manufacturer; a static Identifier of a product which is universal to all distributors, wholesalers, resellers. This can usually be found near the UPC number on the box or label.
• ISBN (International standard book number) is a ten-digit number assigned to every book before publication, recording such details as language, provenance, and publisher
• UPCs (Universal Product Code)
  • U.P.C. is the acronym for Universal Product Code. It is the most used barcode in the world and is seen on just about every product in physical stores and online. You may find that your customers will ask you to place a U.P.C. barcode on your products or packages.
    
• GTIN (Global Trading Item Number) 
  • A GTIN® (pronounced Gee-Tin) is the acronym for Global Trade Item Number® It’s a number that uniquely identifies a product and can be found below a U.P.C. barcode symbol. GTINs are used as the global standard to identify products.
• GTIN/UPC/ISBN Resources:
  • GS1 US - The Global Language of Business 
  • GTIN INFO
  • UPC DATABASE
  • ISBNdb

Video Resources

GS1 US

Introduction to GS1 System of Standards

Understand how GS1 makes it possible for companies worldwide to move their business forward through the adoption and use of GS1 Standards.

Understanding the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)

GTIN, the numbering sequence within barcodes and commonly called Universal Product Codes (U.P.C.), are the foundation of the GS1 System of Standards and have identified products at point-of-sale for 40 years. Many people call GS1 US to ask questions about identifying their products and how to get started.

Playlist: How Do Barcodes Work?

Retailers such as Amazon and Walmart use GTINs to identify what your products are and who they belong to. Tiffany explains the value of a barcode.

Amazon Seller University

What are UPC, EAN, and GTIN Product IDs & How to Get an Exemption

Understand what a Product ID is and how to obtain one. Also, learn how you do not need to get barcodes to list products on Amazon with their GTIN Exemption program.

Google Ads

Google Shopping GTIN Requirement Hangout on Air

Providing GTINs is vital to ensuring that Google recognizes your products and can offer the best experience possible for consumers. Including GTINs can unlock performance improvements that may directly benefit your advertising efforts; in fact, we've seen that offers matched to the Google Shopping product catalog may receive up to 40% more clicks than unmatched offers. On May 16, 2016, we will require merchants targeting the US, Australia, Brazil, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK to submit correct GTINs and the corresponding brand for all new products with GTINs assigned by the manufacturers.  Join us as we review the new GTIN requirements, go over tips and best practices to update your product data to include GTINs, and host a Q&A with Google Shopping.