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What Is an MPN? Manufacturer Part Number Explained
MPN is the manufacturer's internal identifier for a part. Here is how it differs from UPC, SKU, and GTIN — and when each one matters.
MPN stands for Manufacturer Part Number. It is the unique identifier a manufacturer assigns to a specific product in its catalog — for example, the printed part number on a circuit board, the SKU printed on an OEM box, or the model number printed on the back of a TV. The MPN is the manufacturer's perspective on the product; UPC is the retail perspective; SKU is the retailer's perspective.
MPNs are NOT globally standardized like GTINs. Each manufacturer chooses their own MPN format. Two different manufacturers can use the exact same MPN string for completely different products — the MPN is unique only within that manufacturer's namespace. To uniquely identify a product globally, you also need the Brand or Manufacturer name alongside the MPN.
MPN vs UPC vs SKU vs GTIN: the four codes
GTIN — global product identifier (UPC, EAN, ISBN, ITF-14 are all GTIN formats), managed by GS1, unique worldwide. UPC — specific 12-digit GTIN used in North American retail. SKU — internal product code, set by the retailer (or seller), unique within their business. MPN — manufacturer's part number, set by the original manufacturer, unique within their catalog. Same physical product has all four codes simultaneously: GTIN/UPC for global retail scanning, SKU for retailer inventory, MPN for manufacturer reference, plus any others (FNSKU, ASIN, etc.).
When MPN is required: Google Shopping and marketplaces
Google Merchant Center asks for BOTH a GTIN and an MPN+Brand on product listings. The GTIN handles global identification; the MPN+Brand combination handles the cases where the same physical product is listed by multiple manufacturers under different brand names (rebranding, white-label, OEM/private-label). Amazon's catalog also stores MPN as a separate field — useful for B2B/electronics where the MPN is the customer-recognized identifier.
How to find an MPN
Three places: (1) On the product packaging — usually printed near the UPC barcode, often labeled 'P/N' or 'Part No'. (2) On the manufacturer's website — search their product catalog. (3) On the physical product itself — for electronics, the MPN is typically printed on the back of the device, on a sticker on the bottom, or etched directly. For OEM components without retail packaging, the MPN may be the ONLY identifier — there's no UPC.
MPN as part numbers vs SKU as inventory codes
MPNs are designed to identify the product DESIGN — every unit manufactured to the same spec gets the same MPN. SKUs are designed to identify the inventory ENTRY — different SKUs can represent the same physical product at different warehouses, with different stock levels, different packaging, or sold in different bundles. A retailer might have 5 SKUs for the same MPN (case packs, bundles, refurbished, sample, demo).
FAQ
What is an MPN number?
MPN stands for Manufacturer Part Number — the unique product code a manufacturer assigns to a specific item in its catalog. Two different manufacturers can use the same MPN string for different products; the MPN is unique only within one manufacturer's catalog.
What's the difference between MPN and UPC?
UPC is the global 12-digit retail barcode managed by GS1 — unique worldwide across every retailer. MPN is the manufacturer's internal part number — unique only within that manufacturer's catalog. Most products have both: UPC for retail scanning, MPN for manufacturer/customer reference.
What's the difference between MPN and SKU?
MPN identifies the product DESIGN (set by the manufacturer, same across every unit ever made). SKU identifies the inventory ENTRY (set by a retailer, can vary per warehouse, bundle, or packaging configuration). A retailer might have 5 different SKUs all pointing to the same MPN — different stock locations or bundles of the identical product.
Do I need an MPN for Google Shopping?
If your product has both a UPC and a recognized MPN+Brand, supply both — Google uses each for different matching purposes. If your product has no real MPN (handmade, single-source), supply just the GTIN. Google requires either GTIN or MPN+Brand for most categories.
How do I find a product's MPN?
Three places: (1) printed on the packaging near the UPC barcode (often labeled 'P/N' or 'Part No'), (2) the manufacturer's product catalog or website, (3) the physical product itself — typically printed on a sticker on the back/bottom, or etched into electronics.
Is MPN the same as model number?
Often yes, for consumer products. The 'model number' printed on a TV's back panel is typically that TV's MPN. For electronics components (resistors, chips, capacitors), the MPN is more granular — distinguishing voltage, package type, temperature spec — while the 'model number' may refer to the broader product family.
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