Prepare your products for the European Union's Product Identifier (PID) requirements with EaseCert. Our EU Product Identifier (PID) Compliance Service helps manufacturers, brands, merchants, and online sellers structure and validate the product identification data used for B2C shipments into the European Union.
EaseCert reviews your product portfolio and helps you correctly map the three relevant product identifiers: M-PID (Merchant Product Identifier), NS-PID (Non-Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier), and S-PID (Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier).
The result is a structured PID Master List that your sales, logistics, fulfillment, and customs teams can use when preparing EU shipments and commercial documentation.
What Are the EU Product Identifier (PID) Requirements?
Product Identifiers provide structured information that connects a product being shipped with the merchant, manufacturer, and standardized product identification data associated with that product.
For affected EU B2C shipments, three PID fields may need to be provided:
- M-PID: Merchant Product Identifier
- NS-PID: Non-Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier
- S-PID: Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier
Each identifier serves a different purpose. EaseCert helps determine which information from your existing SKU, product, and barcode systems should be assigned to each PID field.
The Three Product Identifiers Explained
M-PID: Merchant Product Identifier
The Merchant Product Identifier (M-PID) is the merchant's internal SKU or unique product code. It identifies the product within the merchant's own catalog or inventory system.
Where a retailer, marketplace seller, or other merchant uses its own SKU, that merchant SKU will normally serve as the M-PID. Where the merchant uses the manufacturer's SKU within its own system, the same identifier may be used where appropriate.
NS-PID: Non-Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier
The Non-Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier (NS-PID) is the manufacturer's SKU, part number, model number, or another unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer.
For brands that manufacture or commission their own products, this will commonly be the brand's existing product or variant SKU.
EaseCert reviews the manufacturer's product structure and determines how the NS-PID should be mapped consistently across the product portfolio.
S-PID: Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier
The Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier (S-PID) is a globally recognized product identifier where one exists. Depending on the product, this may include:
- GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
- EAN (European Article Number)
- UPC (Universal Product Code)
- ISBN (International Standard Book Number)
EaseCert reviews the available standardized identifiers and maps them to the relevant products and variants. Where no standardized product identifier exists, we provide guidance on how the relevant PID field should be handled.
EU PID Compliance at Product Variant Level
Product identification should not be managed only at general product-family level. Different styles, sizes, colors, models, and other product variants may have different SKUs or standardized identifiers.
EaseCert therefore reviews the PID structure at variant level where necessary.
Example of PID Mapping
For a product sold by a retailer using its own SKU, while the manufacturer has a separate SKU and UPC, the structure could be:
- M-PID: Retailer's internal SKU
- NS-PID: Manufacturer's product or variant SKU
- S-PID: Product UPC / GTIN / EAN
EaseCert helps establish a consistent methodology that can be applied across your complete EU product portfolio.
What Is Included in the EaseCert PID Compliance Service?
Our service provides a practical review of your existing product identification system and prepares the information needed for consistent PID implementation.
Product and SKU Structure Review
We review your existing product catalog, internal SKUs, manufacturer identifiers, product names, variant structure, and standardized product codes.
M-PID Assessment and Mapping
We identify the appropriate Merchant Product Identifier and establish how merchant SKUs should be mapped to individual products and variants.
NS-PID Assessment and Mapping
We identify the appropriate manufacturer SKU, model number, part number, or other manufacturer identifier for use as the Non-Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier.
S-PID and Barcode Review
We review available standardized identifiers such as GTIN, EAN, UPC, and ISBN and map them to the corresponding products and variants.
Product Variant Review
We review relevant style, color, size, and model variations to help ensure that PID information is assigned consistently at the appropriate variant level.
PID Master List
EaseCert prepares a structured PID Master List containing the relevant product identification information for your reviewed portfolio.
The PID Master List provides your internal teams and external service providers with a central reference for:
- Product SKUs
- Merchant identifiers
- Manufacturer identifiers
- GTIN, EAN, UPC, or other standardized identifiers
- Individual product variants
- PID field allocation
Commercial Invoice PID Guidance
We provide guidance on presenting the relevant PID information within commercial shipping documentation, including the separation and ordering of the M-PID, NS-PID, and S-PID fields.
B2B and B2C Shipment Guidance
EaseCert helps businesses understand how the PID requirements affect their shipping model, including the distinction between business-to-consumer (B2C) and qualifying business-to-business (B2B) shipments.
Final PID Compliance Review
Once your PID dataset has been completed, EaseCert performs a final review for consistency across the supplied product, SKU, barcode, and variant information.
Who Is the EU PID Compliance Service For?
The service is particularly suitable for non-EU and international businesses shipping consumer products into the European Union.
Typical clients include:
- Manufacturers exporting consumer products to the EU
- International consumer brands
- Shopify and other direct-to-consumer sellers
- Amazon and marketplace sellers
- UK, US, Canadian, Australian, and Asian companies selling into the EU
- Companies using international fulfillment providers
- Businesses shipping directly to EU consumers
- Brands managing large numbers of SKUs and product variants
- Companies receiving PID requests from customers, carriers, distributors, or logistics providers
Why Is Accurate PID Data Important?
PID information needs to correspond with the underlying product data. Inconsistent SKUs, missing standardized identifiers, incorrect variant mapping, or incomplete PID fields can create problems during shipping and customs processing.
A structured PID system also helps ensure that the same product identification data is used across your:
- Product database
- Online store
- ERP or inventory system
- Commercial invoices
- Fulfillment provider
- Carrier documentation
- Customs documentation
How the EaseCert PID Compliance Process Works
Step 1: Submit Your Product Information
You provide your available product list, SKU information, manufacturer identifiers, standardized barcodes, and relevant product variants.
Step 2: EaseCert Reviews Your PID Structure
We review how your existing product identification system corresponds with the M-PID, NS-PID, and S-PID structure.
Step 3: We Identify Gaps and Inconsistencies
We identify missing identifiers, inconsistent SKU structures, variant-level issues, and other information that should be corrected or clarified.
Step 4: We Prepare Your PID Master List
The relevant identifiers are consolidated into a structured PID Master List for your reviewed product portfolio.
Step 5: Final Review
EaseCert performs a final review of the completed PID information so your team has a consistent dataset for EU shipping and commercial documentation.
EU PID Compliance Service Pricing
€250 One-Time Fee
The EaseCert EU Product Identifier (PID) Compliance Service is available from €250 as a one-time fee for a standard company product portfolio.
There is no annual EaseCert subscription fee for the PID compliance review.
For particularly large or complex portfolios involving a substantial number of SKUs or variants, EaseCert will review the portfolio before confirming the final scope and fee.
PID Compliance and EU GPSR Compliance
Product Identifier compliance should be considered as part of a company's broader EU product compliance and market-access structure.
EaseCert specializes in helping international manufacturers and online sellers comply with the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) and related European product compliance requirements.
Depending on your business and products, EaseCert can also support you with:
- EU GPSR compliance
- Product risk assessments
- Technical documentation
- EU Responsible Person services
- EU Authorised Representative services for applicable CE-marked products
- Safety and compliance labeling reviews
- EU Safety Gate registration support
- EU EPR and packaging compliance guidance
- Digital Product Passport compliance support
Get Your Products PID Ready for EU Shipments
If your company sells consumer products into the European Union, EaseCert can review your existing SKU and barcode structure and help establish a clear, consistent PID system for your product portfolio. Our EU Product Identifier (PID) Compliance Service gives your logistics, fulfillment, sales, and compliance teams a structured reference for M-PID, NS-PID, and S-PID data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EU Product Identifier (PID)?
A Product Identifier (PID) is information used to identify products in EU shipments. The PID structure distinguishes between the Merchant Product Identifier (M-PID), Non-Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier (NS-PID), and Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier (S-PID).
What is an M-PID?
The M-PID (Merchant Product Identifier) is the merchant's internal SKU or unique product code. It identifies the product within the merchant's own catalog, inventory, or order management system.
What is an NS-PID?
The NS-PID (Non-Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier) is the manufacturer's SKU, part number, model number, or another unique identifier assigned to the product by the manufacturer.
What is an S-PID?
The S-PID (Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier) is a globally recognized product identifier, such as a GTIN, EAN, UPC, or ISBN. If a product does not have an applicable standardized identifier, the relevant carrier's instructions should be followed for handling the S-PID field.
What is the difference between M-PID, NS-PID, and S-PID?
The M-PID identifies the product within the merchant's system, the NS-PID identifies it within the manufacturer's system, and the S-PID uses a standardized product identification system, such as GTIN, EAN, or UPC. Depending on the supply chain, the M-PID and NS-PID may sometimes be the same identifier.
Is a barcode the same as an S-PID?
Not necessarily. A barcode is the machine-readable representation of underlying data. If the barcode represents a recognized product identifier such as a GTIN, EAN, or UPC, that identifier may be used as the S-PID.
Do PID requirements apply to B2C shipments into the EU?
PID requirements are particularly relevant to business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments into the European Union. Applicability can depend on the shipment, recipient, carrier, and customs process. EaseCert can review your shipping structure and help determine how the PID requirements should be implemented.
Do PID requirements apply to B2B shipments?
The treatment of B2B shipments can differ from B2C shipments. For example, carrier guidance may distinguish qualifying business recipients based on their VAT registration in the destination country. EaseCert reviews the relevant circumstances and provides guidance based on your distribution model.
Do I need PID information for every product variant?
Where individual styles, sizes, colors, models, or other variants have separate merchant SKUs, manufacturer SKUs, or standardized identifiers, the PID data should reflect those individual variants. EaseCert reviews the portfolio at variant level where necessary.
Where should PID information appear?
PID information may be required as part of the commercial and shipping information submitted for EU shipments. Carrier-specific processes can differ. EaseCert provides guidance on structuring the M-PID, NS-PID, and S-PID information for commercial documentation and your internal product database.
What is included in EaseCert's EU PID Compliance Service?
EaseCert reviews your existing SKU, product, variant, and barcode structure and maps the relevant M-PID, NS-PID, and S-PID information. The service includes a product identifier review, variant-level assessment where applicable, commercial invoice guidance, identification of missing or inconsistent data, and preparation of a structured PID Master List.
What is a PID Master List?
The PID Master List is a structured record connecting each relevant product or variant with its merchant identifier, manufacturer identifier, and standardized identifier. It can be used as a central reference by your compliance, sales, logistics, fulfillment, and customs teams.
Does EaseCert issue GTIN, EAN, or UPC numbers?
No. EaseCert does not issue GTIN, EAN, UPC, or ISBN identifiers. We review, structure, and map the identifiers already assigned by the manufacturer, brand, merchant, or applicable product identification system.
Does EaseCert register PIDs with an EU database?
No. The EaseCert service is a PID compliance review and product data mapping service. It should not be confused with registration in a central EU PID database. We help establish the correct product identifier structure and prepare the relevant data for use in your shipping and commercial processes.
Does EaseCert act as a customs broker or freight forwarder?
No. EaseCert is a product compliance consultancy. We do not act as a customs broker, freight forwarder, carrier, or customs authority. Carrier and customs submission procedures remain subject to the requirements of the relevant service provider and authority.
Can EaseCert also help with EU GPSR compliance?
Yes. EaseCert specializes in EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) compliance for consumer products. Our services include product risk assessments, technical documentation, safety and labeling reviews, EU Responsible Person services, and related EU product compliance support.
How much does the EU PID Compliance Service cost?
The EU Product Identifier (PID) Compliance Service starts from €250 as a one-time fee for a standard product portfolio. For particularly large or complex portfolios with a substantial number of SKUs or variants, EaseCert will review the scope before confirming the final fee.
Is there an annual fee for the EaseCert PID Compliance Service?
No. EaseCert does not charge an annual subscription fee for the standard PID compliance review. The standard service is provided for a one-time fee based on the agreed scope.
How do I get started with EU PID compliance?
Contact EaseCert with your product list and available SKU, manufacturer identifier, barcode, and variant information. We will review your existing product identification structure, identify any gaps, and prepare the appropriate PID mapping for your EU shipments.
Important Service Information
EaseCert provides regulatory and product compliance consulting services. EaseCert does not issue GTIN, EAN, UPC, or ISBN identifiers and does not act as a customs broker, freight forwarder, carrier, or customs authority.
The PID Compliance Service is based on the product and commercial information provided by the client and the applicable shipping and product identification requirements. Carrier-specific submission procedures may differ and remain subject to the requirements of the relevant carrier, customs authority, marketplace, or logistics provider.