MPN (Manufacturer Part Number)
The code a manufacturer assigns to a product or part, shared by every reseller — used by marketplaces to match listings, especially when no GTIN exists.
An MPN (Manufacturer Part Number) is the unique code a manufacturer assigns to a specific product or part. Unlike a SKU — which each retailer designs for itself — the MPN is set by the manufacturer and is the same across every reseller that sells the item. That shared consistency is exactly what makes MPNs useful for matching listings.
MPN vs SKU vs GTIN
- MPN — assigned by the manufacturer, identical across all resellers of the product.
- SKU — assigned by each retailer, internal and unique to that business.
- GTIN/UPC/EAN — globally standardized identifiers administered by GS1.
Why MPNs matter on marketplaces
Google Shopping and many marketplaces use the MPN — often combined with the brand — to match your offer to a known product, especially for items that lack a GTIN (custom, bundled, or older products). Providing an accurate brand + MPN pair improves matching, eligibility, and discoverability.
Managing MPNs in a PIM
A PIM stores the MPN as a governed attribute alongside SKU, GTIN, UPC, and EAN on one canonical record. Apimio keeps the manufacturer’s MPN linked to your internal SKU and pushes both to the right Shopify fields and marketplace feeds, so listings match correctly even when a GTIN is missing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an MPN and a SKU?+
An MPN is set by the manufacturer and is identical across all resellers of the product. A SKU is invented by each retailer and is internal and unique to that business.
Is an MPN the same as a GTIN?+
No. An MPN is manufacturer-assigned and not globally standardized; a GTIN/UPC/EAN is a GS1-administered global identifier. Marketplaces often accept brand + MPN when no GTIN is available.
When do I need an MPN?+
Use an MPN to help marketplaces match products that lack a GTIN — custom, bundled, or older items — by pairing the manufacturer brand with the part number.