The term “Category Control Number” (CCN) is not a standardized global product identifier; it is typically a proprietary or internal designation. For many users, CCN is a stand-in for primary numbers used to track and manage products worldwide, such as the Universal Product Code (UPC) or the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). In specific technical contexts, a CCN can also refer to a code assigned by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to classify a product’s safety compliance. When listing a product for sale or managing inventory, the goal is to locate its globally recognized retail identifier or a platform-specific equivalent, like an Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN).
Understanding Product Identifier Terminology
The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is the overarching standard for product identification in the global supply chain. This system is managed by the non-profit organization GS1 and includes several formats. The two most common forms of GTIN are the Universal Product Code (UPC), a 12-digit code primarily used in North America, and the European Article Number (EAN), a 13-digit code used internationally.
These global identifiers contrast with codes used internally or by specific platforms. A Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) is an internal, non-standardized alphanumeric code created by a retailer for inventory management. For e-commerce, the Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN) is a unique, 10-character alphanumeric identifier assigned by Amazon to every product in its catalog. Although a product’s initial listing often requires a GTIN, the ASIN functions as the primary control number within the Amazon ecosystem.
Step-by-Step Search for Physical Identifiers
The most direct way to find a product’s primary identifier is by examining the physical packaging or the item itself. The UPC or EAN is typically found beneath the linear barcode, which is a sequence of black lines. This number is generally located on the back or bottom of a product box, or printed directly on labels or hang tags for apparel items. Always record the numerical sequence, as this is the GTIN; the barcode graphic is only a machine-readable representation of that number.
In addition to the retail barcode, look for the Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) or model number. This internal code is assigned by the company that made the product and is often printed near the manufacturer’s logo or on a specification sticker. While an MPN is not a GTIN, it serves as a reliable reference point for cross-referencing product details or searching online databases.
Searching Major E-commerce Platforms and Databases
When the physical code is unreadable or the product is unavailable, the internet offers several ways to locate the identifier. If you have an image of the product, utilize a reverse image search on platforms like Google Shopping, which may link directly to a product page showing the associated codes. Alternatively, a detailed text search using the brand name, model number, color, and size can often lead to a matching product listing.
For items already listed on major marketplaces, the platform-specific code is a readily available control number. On Amazon, the ASIN is easily identifiable on the product detail page, often located in the “Product details” section or visible within the item’s URL. Once you have a potential GTIN, you can cross-reference it using global databases to verify its legitimacy. GS1’s Global Electronic Party Information Registry (GEPIR) allows users to input a known UPC or EAN to confirm the company prefix and product details associated with that number.
Accessing Manufacturer and Distributor Data
When product identifiers cannot be found on the item or through public searches, supply chain documentation is the next reliable source. Official procurement paperwork, such as invoices, packing slips, or purchase orders, typically lists the official GTIN or UPC for each line item. Since the identification number is a fundamental data point for logistics and billing, these documents serve as a definitive record of the product’s assigned code.
If documentation is unavailable, the most accurate information can be obtained directly from the source. Contacting the brand or authorized distributor and requesting a Product Data Sheet (PDS) is an effective strategy. A PDS is a master document that contains all relevant identifiers, including the GTIN, MPN, and sometimes suggested SKUs, ensuring the accuracy of the number before it is used for cataloging or listing.
Generating New Product Identification Numbers
If you are introducing a brand-new product, a private-label item, or a kit, no existing GTIN will be found, and you must create one. To obtain a globally unique and legitimate UPC or EAN, you must register with GS1, the non-profit organization that manages the global standard. Registration provides your company with a unique Company Prefix, which is the starting sequence for all the GTINs you generate.
For products sold only through private channels or for proprietary tracking, you can generate your own internal SKUs to manage inventory. However, if you are selling on a major e-commerce platform, the platform may require a registered GTIN. Some platforms allow sellers to apply for an exemption under specific circumstances, such as for products in certain categories or for unbranded goods.
Advanced Troubleshooting and Verification
During the search process, you may encounter codes that fail verification, often due to a single digit error or a checksum issue. The final digit of a GTIN is a calculated check digit, and online validation tools can confirm if a number is mathematically valid, helping to identify transcription errors. It is important to differentiate between single retail units and product bundles or kits. Each unique configuration sold to a customer, including a multi-pack or a set of different items, must be assigned its own distinct GTIN to ensure accurate tracking and pricing. Verifying the final identifier against the product’s classification and specifications ensures the number is correctly associated with the item before it is committed to a catalog or listing.