In continuation from our recent sharing of Google’s announcement highlighting the benefits of GS1 GTINs for better product information, GS1 Malaysia would like to reveal our special business collaboration with Amazon.com in the fight against unauthorised barcode numbers.
Over the course of their business, Amazon has come across the presence of unauthorised numbers in their marketplace, and determined that they adversely affecting customer trust in the integrity and authenticity of listed products.
The integrity of product data is more important than ever. Amazon, Google and many other marketplaces have a set of requirements to provide shoppers with a robust experience according to the foundational need; access to high quality, accurate, unique and verifiable trusted product data by unlimited consumers for a better buying experience and to reduce the risk of counterfeiting and IP infringement.
Amazon has enforced the decision that all sellers on Amazon’s platform must present a valid GS1 membership certificate to authenticate the validity of their products, which must have valid GS1-issued barcodes, or their GTINs will be deemed invalid and their listings will be removed, as stated in their Seller Central portal. Amazon said [EcommerceBytes April 8 2021] that “it recommended merchants obtain GTINs directly from GS1 and not from other third parties selling GTIN licenses to ensure that the appropriate information is reflected in the GS1 database”. They have approached GS1 Malaysia as a strategic partner to further their goal in ensuring the ubiquity of unique product identification. GS1 Malaysia wholeheartedly supports Amazon’s goals to ensure accuracy and visibility of product information.
GS1 Malaysia’s License Certificates are available to all GS1 Subscribers and are connected to our services and platforms to support Amazon’s call for GTIN validity and product information visibility.
The importance of an active GS1 membership license cannot be underestimated. Having an active GS1 membership license means your details are recorded inside the Member Product Databank, a trusted product information repository governed and managed by GS1 Malaysia as well as on the GS1 Global Registry Platform (GRP), a GS1 Global Member and Product data repository and validation platform referenced by marketplaces, e-marketplaces, regulatory agencies and consumers.
You lose access to many services and platforms offered by GS1 Malaysia should your membership become inactive and your company information will be removed from the Member Product Databank and GRP as stated in GS1 Malaysia’s membership policy. Click here to find out more about unauthorised numbers and resellers.
The following are examples of unauthorised resellers that will compromise your brand’s integrity and image. Industries and Brands must pay strict attention and say “No!” to Unauthorised Numbers and Resellers!
If you have any questions, you may contact GS1 Malaysia through email at gs1malaysia@gs1my.org or via WhatsApp or WeChat at +6011-16168228 and +6014-3933228.