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Straight answers about EU product identifiers
Short, checkable answers for sellers outside the EU. Each answer links to the full guide. Last reviewed 25 September 2026.
What are M-PID, NS-PID and S-PID?
Three product identifiers required on EU customs declarations for consumer parcels: M-PID is the seller's code (SKU), NS-PID is the manufacturer's or supplier's own product code, S-PID is a standardised barcode such as GTIN/EAN/UPC. Mandatory from 1 November 2026. More →
When do EU product identifiers become mandatory?
1 November 2026. They can be declared voluntarily from 1 July 2026. Legal basis: Regulation (EU) 2026/1022, Article 2. More →
Does a Shopify export contain the manufacturer product identifier?
Not in a column made for it. The standard Shopify product CSV has Variant SKU and a barcode column. Shopify's sample files also show a Google Shopping MPN column, but our own test export on 25 September 2026 had none. Collect the codes from suppliers and keep one per variant in a variant metafield (not included in the product CSV export) or a side sheet keyed by SKU. More →
What is customs code Y081?
A declaration code stating that no standardised product identifier (GTIN/EAN/UPC) exists for the item. It replaces the barcode field only; the merchant and manufacturer codes are still required. More →
What are C127, C128 and C129?
Document codes in the Commission's guidance for the merchant identifier (C127), the non-standardised manufacturer identifier (C128) and the standardised identifier (C129) on H1, H6 and H7 declarations. More →
Can I use the barcode as the manufacturer code?
Only if the manufacturer or supplier actually uses the barcode as its own product code; the Commission guidance (section 3.5.4) accepts that, so record their confirmation. Otherwise the manufacturer code (NS-PID) is a separate value: the maker's model, part or article number. More →
Is the €3 EU parcel duty the same as the product identifier rule?
No. The EUR 3 per-item duty on low-value consumer imports started 1 July 2026 and concerns money; product identifiers concern data on the declaration and are mandatory from 1 November 2026. More →
Does the rule apply to B2B shipments?
Generally no. It targets distance sales of imported goods to consumers. Confirm B2B treatment with your customs representative. More →
Do handmade items without barcodes need a product identifier?
Yes: the maker's own reference serves as merchant code and manufacturer code, and the missing barcode is declared with Y081. More →
Where do FedEx, UPS and DHL take the product identifiers?
On commercial-invoice line items or the equivalent item fields in their shipping tools and APIs. Confirm exact field names with your carrier and send a test parcel before November. More →
How do I check whether a barcode is valid?
Check the length (8, 12, 13 or 14 digits) and the check digit: multiply digits from the right by 3,1,3,1…, sum, and the check digit completes the next multiple of 10. A valid check digit does not prove ownership. More →
What should I ask my supplier for?
Their own product code per variant (model or part number) and the barcode if one exists, or a written 'none'. Use a one-page sheet with SKU, product, variant, code, barcode, source. More →
Does having an HS code or IOSS number cover product identifiers?
No. HS classifies the goods, IOSS handles VAT; product identifiers identify the exact item and are a separate requirement. More →
Which columns should my product data have for EU customs?
SKU (merchant code), manufacturer code, barcode, barcode status (present/confirmed_none), and a source note, one row per variant. More →
What does TITANTH Catalog Check do?
It reads a Shopify product CSV in your browser, flags missing or invalid merchant codes, manufacturer codes and barcodes, builds supplier question sheets and records verified corrections. US$59 one-time per store; a free version checks 25 rows. More →
Is the free checker safe to use with real data?
The CSV never leaves your browser; nothing is uploaded and no account is needed. Close the tab and nothing remains. More →
My supplier only gives a barcode — what is the manufacturer identifier?
If the supplier uses the barcode as its own product code, the guidance allows reporting the barcode as the manufacturer identifier as well as the standardised one. Record the supplier's confirmation. More →
Are handmade goods exempt from EU product identifiers?
Only specific commodity codes (some wood, basketwork, paper, carpets, lace, glassware), unprocessed agricultural goods and antiques get a tolerance: the literal values 'M-PID' and 'NS-PID' are accepted. Other handmade items follow the normal rule. More →
What identifiers do print-on-demand or personalised goods use?
Those of the underlying product: the blank shirt's maker code and barcode, plus your own SKU as merchant code. Second-hand goods use the original product's identifiers. More →
Is there a penalty during the voluntary period (July–October 2026)?
No. The guidance states that during the voluntary period no sanction, penalty or other measure may be taken because the data is missing or incorrect. Enforcement starts 1 November 2026. More →
Who actually files the product identifiers with customs?
The declarant: for consumer parcels under €150 usually the IOSS holder, a special-arrangement operator or an indirect customs representative — in practice your carrier, broker or IOSS intermediary, using data you supply. More →
What is the Union handling fee in the new EU customs code?
A fixed per-item fee that customs will collect on goods sold at a distance to EU consumers, introduced by Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 (Article 20). The amount is set by a Commission delegated act and the fee applies ten days after it; Parliament says at the latest from 1 November 2026. The importer for distance sales or the declarant pays, not the consumer. More →
Does Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 change the product identifier deadline?
No. The new Union Customs Code does not mention product identifiers; the 1 November 2026 date stays in Regulation (EU) 2026/1022. The Data Hub for e-commerce follows from 1 July 2028. More →
Questions
What are M-PID, NS-PID and S-PID?
Three product identifiers required on EU customs declarations for consumer parcels: M-PID is the seller's code (SKU), NS-PID is the manufacturer's or supplier's own product code, S-PID is a standardised barcode such as GTIN/EAN/UPC. Mandatory from 1 November 2026.
When do EU product identifiers become mandatory?
1 November 2026. They can be declared voluntarily from 1 July 2026. Legal basis: Regulation (EU) 2026/1022, Article 2.
Does a Shopify export contain the manufacturer product identifier?
Not in a column made for it. The standard Shopify product CSV has Variant SKU and a barcode column. Shopify's sample files also show a Google Shopping MPN column, but our own test export on 25 September 2026 had none. Collect the codes from suppliers and keep one per variant in a variant metafield (not included in the product CSV export) or a side sheet keyed by SKU.
What is customs code Y081?
A declaration code stating that no standardised product identifier (GTIN/EAN/UPC) exists for the item. It replaces the barcode field only; the merchant and manufacturer codes are still required.
What are C127, C128 and C129?
Document codes in the Commission's guidance for the merchant identifier (C127), the non-standardised manufacturer identifier (C128) and the standardised identifier (C129) on H1, H6 and H7 declarations.
Can I use the barcode as the manufacturer code?
Only if the manufacturer or supplier actually uses the barcode as its own product code; the Commission guidance (section 3.5.4) accepts that, so record their confirmation. Otherwise the manufacturer code (NS-PID) is a separate value: the maker's model, part or article number.
Is the €3 EU parcel duty the same as the product identifier rule?
No. The EUR 3 per-item duty on low-value consumer imports started 1 July 2026 and concerns money; product identifiers concern data on the declaration and are mandatory from 1 November 2026.
Does the rule apply to B2B shipments?
Generally no. It targets distance sales of imported goods to consumers. Confirm B2B treatment with your customs representative.
Do handmade items without barcodes need a product identifier?
Yes: the maker's own reference serves as merchant code and manufacturer code, and the missing barcode is declared with Y081.
Where do FedEx, UPS and DHL take the product identifiers?
On commercial-invoice line items or the equivalent item fields in their shipping tools and APIs. Confirm exact field names with your carrier and send a test parcel before November.
How do I check whether a barcode is valid?
Check the length (8, 12, 13 or 14 digits) and the check digit: multiply digits from the right by 3,1,3,1…, sum, and the check digit completes the next multiple of 10. A valid check digit does not prove ownership.
What should I ask my supplier for?
Their own product code per variant (model or part number) and the barcode if one exists, or a written 'none'. Use a one-page sheet with SKU, product, variant, code, barcode, source.
Does having an HS code or IOSS number cover product identifiers?
No. HS classifies the goods, IOSS handles VAT; product identifiers identify the exact item and are a separate requirement.
Which columns should my product data have for EU customs?
SKU (merchant code), manufacturer code, barcode, barcode status (present/confirmed_none), and a source note, one row per variant.
What does TITANTH Catalog Check do?
It reads a Shopify product CSV in your browser, flags missing or invalid merchant codes, manufacturer codes and barcodes, builds supplier question sheets and records verified corrections. US$59 one-time per store; a free version checks 25 rows.
Is the free checker safe to use with real data?
The CSV never leaves your browser; nothing is uploaded and no account is needed. Close the tab and nothing remains.
My supplier only gives a barcode — what is the manufacturer identifier?
If the supplier uses the barcode as its own product code, the guidance allows reporting the barcode as the manufacturer identifier as well as the standardised one. Record the supplier's confirmation.
Are handmade goods exempt from EU product identifiers?
Only specific commodity codes (some wood, basketwork, paper, carpets, lace, glassware), unprocessed agricultural goods and antiques get a tolerance: the literal values 'M-PID' and 'NS-PID' are accepted. Other handmade items follow the normal rule.
What identifiers do print-on-demand or personalised goods use?
Those of the underlying product: the blank shirt's maker code and barcode, plus your own SKU as merchant code. Second-hand goods use the original product's identifiers.
Is there a penalty during the voluntary period (July–October 2026)?
No. The guidance states that during the voluntary period no sanction, penalty or other measure may be taken because the data is missing or incorrect. Enforcement starts 1 November 2026.
Who actually files the product identifiers with customs?
The declarant: for consumer parcels under €150 usually the IOSS holder, a special-arrangement operator or an indirect customs representative — in practice your carrier, broker or IOSS intermediary, using data you supply.
What is the Union handling fee in the new EU customs code?
A fixed per-item fee that customs will collect on goods sold at a distance to EU consumers, introduced by Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 (Article 20). The amount is set by a Commission delegated act and the fee applies ten days after it; Parliament says at the latest from 1 November 2026. The importer for distance sales or the declarant pays, not the consumer.
Does Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 change the product identifier deadline?
No. The new Union Customs Code does not mention product identifiers; the 1 November 2026 date stays in Regulation (EU) 2026/1022. The Data Hub for e-commerce follows from 1 July 2028.