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Product identifier (GTIN, UPC, ISBN or EAN) policy
Last updated on Sep 18, 2025
Reading time: 4 min
Overview

Product Identifiers (more commonly known as product IDs) are universally accepted codes that are unique to every item sold. As a Marketplace seller, you’re required to comply with the product ID policy after you begin selling to build customer trust and provide a consistent experience for customers. Keep reading to learn about this policy.  

What is the policy?

Walmart requires that all items sold on Walmart Marketplace have product IDs. Walmart uses product IDs to help identify which item you're selling and if the same item is sold elsewhere. Product IDs also help establish variant groups across different sellers.  

Walmart ensures the authenticity of product IDs and accuracy of product information by cross-referencing them with the GS1 database. GS1 is a global standards organization that provides unique identifiers, such as the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), to help businesses efficiently manage their supply chains and track products. Listings with invalid product IDs will be removed and may lead to the temporary or permanent suspension of your Marketplace account. 

Any product IDs that aren't recognized by GS1 and not designated for Marketplace will be deemed invalid such as: 

  • Those assigned to coupons, refunds or restricted circulation numbers 

  • Product IDs that aren't used correctly (e.g., an apparel item assigned a product ID designated for books) 

  • An item registered for one brand but set up under a different brand 

  • An item registered by a company set up under a brand name not related to that company 

Pro tip

To avoid discrepancies with the GS1 database, we recommend obtaining your product IDs directly from GS1.

Learn more about the scope and assignment of ISBNs. 


Additional guidelines

Each product must have its own unique product ID for setup, even if multiple identifiers like GTIN and UPCs exist. The reuse of product IDs for separate items is strictly prohibited. 

This table indicates the four types of products IDs accepted by Walmart. If you have a different type of product ID, you must convert it to one of these types. Check with the organization that manages your product ID to learn how to convert it to an acceptable type.  


Accepted type

Name

Purpose

Acceptable digits

GTIN

Global Trade Item Number

General purpose, used worldwide

14 digits

UPC

Universal Product Code

General purpose, used primarily in North America

12 digits

ISBN

International Standard Book Number

For use only with books and publications

10 or 13 digits

EAN

European Article Number

Used primarily outside of North America

13 digits

Notes:

Model numbers or SKU numbers aren't considered valid product IDs. 

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