ISBN cannot be verified by GS1
I have been with Amazon support for 2 days non-stop and running in circles with same replies. I also see lots of folks are running into the same issue and I have no clue how they resolve it.
This is my situation:
I'm self publishing a book that I manufactured here in Ukraine and got a valid ISBN code. While listing the book on Amazon I got error of validating my ISBN and got redirected to support to provide them with more information. Support 1) keeps asking me for my brand name (i am a small self-published author with no brand name) 2) they keep trying to validate my ISBN in GS1 database - unsuccessful of course so they tell me to provide me a valid product id. Finally my last phone conversation with support was different and they told me that no matter the ISBN, Amazon requires product id to be verified in GS1 and it can be done in two ways: 1) purchasing a barcode from GS1; 2) applying for GS1 exemption for my book. So my question is which course of action is correct (if any)? If I go with purchasing a barcode - do i need to register a brand? Or if i go with second option and apply for exemption - is that any way better or worse? Have anyone resolved same situation?
I'm looking forward for the advise, thank you!
0 replies
Seller_LVZcgxAgZ2xBv
GS1 is only for GTIN/UPC barcodes, not ISBNs, which are almost always issued by the national ISBN authority in your country.
If you are self-publishing, Amazon doesn't want you to send in books you print on your own via Seller Central. It's not set up for new printed books. Amazon typically wants to see the book's ISBN first come in through KDP, Amazon Advantage, Ingram, or a distributor, at which point inventory can be made available through Seller Central (with some exceptions, as used booksellers have learned).
There is a supposed workaround to your situation here, but no other comments/reports that it works consistently:
Cooper_Amazon
Good Afternoon @Seller_u4KKC6f7OTQFy,
Thanks for writing into us on the Seller Forums and congrats on your new book!
I see that you reached out to Selling Partner Support regarding this concern. The last case you filed on October 17th, 2024 was a GTIN exemption request (CASE ID ending in 9231) which was approved.
Was that for your book you were trying to list?
I also wanted to share some additional reference information help pages in case you wanted to learn more about the Product ID (GTIN) requirements for Books and the Books ISBN Requirements – FAQs help page.
Lastly, you may be interested in looking into Author Central to see if that is a way that you would like to have your book listed on Amazon.
Looking to hear back from you soon with an update. I hope you have a fantastic rest of your Friday and take care.
Sincerely, Cooper_Amazon
