GS1 Japan: JAN Codes and Company Registration
GS1 Japan (流通システム開発センター) explained: prefixes 45/49, JAN registration, requirements for Amazon Japan and Rakuten, and a free generator for testing.
GS1 Japan (formally: Distribution Code Center, 流通システム開発センター, abbreviation JIPDEC) is the Japanese member organization of GS1 International. It issues JAN code (EAN-13) prefixes 45 and 49 for officially distributed Japanese products.
To sell on Amazon Japan, Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Japanese convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart), or large retailers (AEON, Yodobashi, BIC Camera), you need a company code registered with GS1 Japan. Annual fees depend on registered GTIN count; the smallest tier starts at around ¥11,000/year (2026).
For prototyping, internal testing, or low-volume Brand-Registry-free sales, the generator below produces a valid 13-digit JAN/EAN-13 for free. The check digit is computed automatically and passes GS1 Mod 10 validation.
FAQ
What is GS1 Japan?
GS1 Japan (Distribution Code Center, JIPDEC) is the Japanese member organization of GS1. Founded 1972. Issues GS1 company prefixes and oversees JAN/EAN-13, ITF-14, GS1-128 adoption in Japan. Headquartered in Minato, Tokyo.
How much does JAN code registration cost?
GS1 Japan annual fees depend on revenue and GTIN count. For companies under ¥100M revenue with ≤10 GTINs, around ¥11,000/year (2026). Pricing tiers up from there. Exact pricing at dsri.jp.
Is GS1 Japan registration required to sell on Amazon Japan?
Required for Brand Registry. For standard listings, Amazon increasingly verifies JANs against the GS1 database and rejection rates for unregistered codes climb yearly. For serious sales, register with GS1 Japan.
What's the difference between prefix 45 and 49?
Both are GS1 Japan country prefixes. 45 was assigned in 1978; 49 was added in 2002 when 45 ran out. Functionally identical — scanners worldwide recognize both as Japan-registered JAN codes.
Is there a short JAN format?
Yes. JAN-8 (8 digits, equivalent to EAN-8) is for small packaging — registered separately with GS1 Japan. Used for cosmetics samples, small candies, single-serve items where a full 13-digit JAN won't fit physically.