How to Create a New ASIN on Amazon: A Full Guide

Last updated on August 16th, 2023

Written by Mohamed Aden

As a new seller on Amazon, you’re probably wondering what Amazon Standard Identification Numbers (ASINs) are. But more importantly, do you know how to create a new ASIN on Amazon?

In this article, let’s explore the roles of ASINs and the how to’s of creating them. 

Back to Basics: What Is Amazon ASIN?

An Amazon ASIN is a special sequence of ten digits and letters assigned by Amazon to various items in their product catalog. This unique identifier helps Amazon organize and manage its extensive product inventory, making it easy for you and other customers to find and purchase products. 

You’ll find an ASIN of a product on the product details page. For example, the ASIN number for these ASICS running shoes is B08VS9VK42. 

Each ASIN is exclusive to a specific product to avoid confusion between items in the Amazon Marketplace. Some ASINs, however, may differ depending on the Marketplace. For example, an ASIN for a product on the Amazon Marketplace in the US might not correspond to the same product on the UK Marketplace. 

Why ASINs Matter

Now that you know what an Amazon ASIN is, let’s find out why they are important when selling on Amazon. Check out these reasons why ASINs matter. 

1. Provides Accurate Product Searches

Amazon's entire product catalog is organized using ASINs. These unique codes allow Amazon sellers to monitor their inventory accurately. Aside from how it benefits sellers, ASINs also make it easier for shoppers to find the items they wish to buy. 

Through ASINs, Amazon indexes catalog pages. This results in buyers receiving accurate search results on Amazon. ASINs also enable potential buyers to find the exact product they want to purchase by just typing the ASIN into the search bar. 

Think about this: ASINs make it easier for customers to find your products, improving their overall shopping experience on Amazon.

2. Tracks Inventory Levels

An ASIN also helps you, as a seller, to keep track of your inventory levels. Since each product has a unique ASIN, you can easily monitor how many units of a product are available and when it's time to restock. 

ASINs help sellers in reducing overselling by providing unique codes for each product. This makes inventory management more efficient. 

3. Compliance with Amazon Policies

Complying with Amazon's policies is essential for maintaining a healthy seller account. One such policy is the correct use of ASINs. By assigning the correct ASIN to each product, you’re adhering to Amazon’s guidelines and ensuring your products are displayed properly. 

This helps maintain a positive customer experience and protects you from possible issues such as an account suspension. 

How to Use an Existing ASIN

When adding a new product to your Amazon Seller Central account, it’s essential to check whether an existing ASIN exists for that item. Using an existing ASIN can save you time and effort, enabling you to list your product quickly and efficiently.

Listing your item under an existing ASIN also allows your product to appear on the same page as other sellers who are offering the same item. This increases your chances to sell more of your product, as customers can compare prices and seller ratings within one listing. 

Aside from these reasons, Amazon doesn’t allow the creation of a new entry for a product that’s already listed. If you want to sell something already in the catalog, you must match your product to the existing item by making an offer. If you break this rule, Amazon may temporarily or permanently remove your selling privileges.

Here are the steps to using an existing ASIN in Amazon:

1. Log in to your Amazon Seller Central account. 
2. Proceed to the "Add a Product" section. 
3. Search for existing ASIN numbers for the product you want to sell by typing its name, model, number, or ASIN. 
4. If your search shows that your product is already listed on Amazon, you can simply click the "Sell Yours" button next to the existing ASIN.
5. When using an existing ASIN, ensure your product is identical to the one listed. This includes aspects such as brand, model, color, and size. 

How to Create a New ASIN on Amazon

Usually, you’ll find an existing ASIN for your product; brand owners are typically the ones who add a new ASIN to the product catalog. But if the product you want to sell doesn't match any existing ASIN, you'll need to create a new ASIN. This could mean you’ve discovered a new product with low competition. 

To create a new ASIN, log in to your Amazon Seller Central account and go to "Add a Product.” Choose the appropriate product category, then input the necessary product details such as product name, color, and more. Finally, submit it for approval. Comply with ASIN guidelines to list it successfully.

Here’s a full step-by-step guide: 

1. Go to Your Amazon Seller Central Account

After signing in, go to the “Manage Inventory” tab. 

2. Proceed to “Add a Product”

After clicking “Add a Product,” you’ll be directed to a new webpage. If you’re adding a new product listing, click the “I’m adding a product that is not on Amazon.” 

3. Select the Product Category

Select the correct product category, subcategory, and product type. Product categories guide customers to your product, so ensure you list the item in the right category. 

4. Enter Your Product Information

After choosing the right product category, you will be asked to complete a form with all the necessary information about your product. This includes your product name, brand, color, size, and material composition.

Aside from the usual product details, you must also enter the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). You can find these numbers on product labels. Here are the most common GTINs. 

5. Submit the Form

After filling out the form, click on “Save and Finish.” Amazon will review your listing. If approved, Amazon will give your product a unique ASIN code and create a product details page for it. 

However, remember that just as you use existing ASINs, other sellers may also use the ASIN you created. Amazon also imposes certain restrictions on adding ASINs, particularly for new sellers. 

Initially, new Amazon sellers can only create a limited number of new listings until they have built a proven sales record on the platform. As their sales increase, so does their ability to create new ASINs. 

Tips for Managing ASINs

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned seller on Amazon, knowing how to manage your ASINs efficiently will help you avoid extra stress later on. Here are some tips to help you manage your ASINs: 

1. Understand the Parent-Child ASIN

Parent-Child ASIN relationships occur when multiple variations of the same product are listed under one Parent ASIN. For example, if you sell a t-shirt in different colors and sizes, each variation will have its own unique Child ASIN, linked to the main Parent ASIN. 

Understanding this link is essential because it allows you to maintain updated product information. It also streamlines inventory management.

2. Organize Your ASINs

Effectively organizing your ASINs is essential for smooth inventory management. Create a well-structured inventory system that categorizes ASINs, making locating and managing specific products easier. 

3. Regularly Update Your ASINs

You can use inventory management tools, custom labels, or spreadsheets to help with organization. Properly labeled ASINs also make updating your listings easier. It's also beneficial for tracking performance and identifying best-selling products. 

Maintaining accurate and up-to-date information on your product listings is vital for customer satisfaction and Amazon's search algorithm. Updated ASIN information will help customers find your products easily, especially if they are at the top of the search rankings. It also reduces the risk of negative customer feedback due to inaccurate information.

Regularly review your product details, including titles, descriptions, images, and features. Ensure that any changes to the product, such as updated packaging or new specifications, are reflected in your ASINs promptly. 

4. Comply with Amazon's Policies

Always adhere to Amazon’s ASIN creation policy when creating or managing your ASINs. Violating these policies may result in the suspension or removal of your listings. Provide accurate and complete information to avoid these issues and follow specific category requirements.

Amazon also has strict policies governing product listings. As an Amazon seller, familiarize yourself with Amazon’s guidelines for product titles, images, product descriptions, and other category-specific requirements. 

Compliance protects your business and maintains a level playing field for all sellers. 

Get Assistance from Seller Interactive

Creating a new ASIN in Amazon requires careful attention to detail and compliance with Amazon’s guidelines. It might be quite challenging, especially for inexperienced Amazon sellers. But it’s an important part of selling on the platform.

Remember, success on Amazon lies in the little details like ASINs. Failure to create new ASINs or improper use of existing ones could lead to harsh punishments. But, if you aren’t confident with creating new ASINs or managing them, don’t worry, Seller Interactive can help you!

Our team of experts is ready to help you with account management services. Focus on your Amazon business, and we’ll protect your seller account health. 

Book a call with us today to know more!