Overview

An Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN) is a ten‑character alphanumeric code that uniquely tags each product in Amazon’s marketplace. The moment a seller submits a brand‑new listing, Amazon’s system generates an ASIN, which then drives search results, inventory reports, and advertising placements. Mastering the mechanics of ASINs and the correct way to create them is vital for sellers who want their items to surface in relevant queries and avoid catalog conflicts.

Key Points

• Ten‑character identifier — Every catalog entry receives a distinct code such as B08J4K5L9M, separating it from all other products.
• One code per variation — A green‑size‑S hoodie and a black‑size‑XL hoodie each obtain their own ASIN, even though they share a parent listing.
• System‑generated for new entries — When a seller lists a product that does not already exist in Amazon’s database, the platform automatically assigns a fresh ASIN during the submission process.
• Visible in URLs and reports — The ASIN appears in the product link (amazon.com/dp/ ASIN), on the “Manage Inventory” page, and within bulk inventory files, making it easy to locate and reference.
• Foundation for ads and SEO — Sponsored Product campaigns, Brand Registry tools, and keyword‑based search all rely on the ASIN to match advertising spend with the correct detail page.
• Duplicate ASINs trigger errors — Trying to list a product that already has an ASIN under a different identifier (for example, a new UPC) results in a “duplicate ASIN” warning and can suspend the listing.

How to Create an ASIN

1. Confirm the item is absent from Amazon’s catalog — Conduct a search using the product name, brand, or UPC/EAN; if no matching ASIN surfaces, you can proceed. Example: A vendor of a specialty ginger supplement searches “Organic Ginger Capsules” and finds no existing listing, confirming the need for a new ASIN.
2. Open a new product listing in Seller Central — Go to Inventory > Add a Product and select .