When you list products to your eBay store, product identifiers such as MPN/UPC/EAN/ePID are needed. As you know, eBay requires product identifiers in many categories. They make it easy for buyers to find your items on eBay or through external search engines.

This article will talk about the meaning of these product identifiers and suggestions for obtaining the codes.

1. What are product identifiers?

a. MPN-Manufacturer Part Number;

b. UPC-Universal Product Code;

c. EAN-European Article Number;

d. ePID-eBay Product ID.

2. Suggestions for obtaining the codes.

Detailed explanations:

1. What are product identifiers?

To display related products to buyers and encourage search engines to place eBay listings higher in the results, sellers are asked to add “product identifiers” to their listings. 

When you list from CJ, there will be relevant information need you to fill in.

a. MPN-Manufacturer Part Number.

MPNs are codes created by individual manufacturers to identify their products internally, to their customers, and to partners such as installers and service centers.

There is no shared standard for how MPNs should be used. The length or format of MPNs are not fixed, and it is common for different manufacturers to use the same code.

The MPN can work as a unique product identifier. A company could re-use the number for a different product, or change the number and use it for the same product. For retailers, using MPNs to identify products for sale might make them become confused.

b. UPC-Universal Product Code.

UPCs stand for Universal Product Code that consists of a series of unique black bars and 12 numeric digits. These codes are used for tracking trade items in stores and help to identify a particular item and its features, e.g. the brand name, item, size, or color.

UPCs are mainly used in the United States and printed on retail product packaging. The codes are primarily used for scanning trade items at the point of sale (per GS1 specifications, based on international standards).

c. EAN-European Article Number.

EANs have the same purpose as UPCs – to identify a specific retail product from a specific manufacturer.

The codes refer to the standard product identifier used in Europe.

Both EANs and UPCs are Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs). The main difference is that UPCs are one digit shorter than EANs. Further, UPCs are more commonly used in the US and Canada.

d. ePID-eBay Product ID.

ePIDs identify products within eBay catalogs, equivalent to the Amazon ASIN. They are like product IDs, which can be used to search for particular products.

2. Suggestions for obtaining the codes.

a. Applying via formal access, GSI, e.g.;

b. Seeking support from eBay Seller Center;

c. Trying to fill in “Does not Apply” as a temporary solution;

d. You could also consult with our professional mentors who are studying the eBay platform.

Feel free to contact us with any further questions.