If you're shipping to customers in the EU, you'll need to provide additional information to identify the products in your shipments in order to comply with EU customs regulations.
Product Identifiers (PIDs) are unique codes used to identify specific products. They help customs authorities verify shipment contents, improve product traceability and facilitate customs clearance.
There are three types of Product Identifiers:
Do I need Product Identifiers to ship to the EU?
Yes! Product Identifiers are required for shipments entering any of the 27 EU member countries, regardless of shipment value.
When preparing an EU-bound shipment with Chit Chats, you'll need the following information for each item:
Merchant PID : Required. Your unique product reference or SKU used to identify the item in your inventory.
Manufacturer Product ID (Non-Standardized Manufacturer PID): Required. A model number, part number or product code assigned by the manufacturer.
GTIN / EAN / UPC / ISBN (Standardized Manufacturer PID): Optional. An internationally recognized product identifier, if available.
Although some products fall under special categories, Chit Chats cannot currently identify these categories automatically. As a result, the required Product Identifiers must be provided for all items shipped to the EU through Chit Chats, including handmade products, antiques and artwork.
Where can I find my Product Identifiers?
You may already have the required information available in your product catalogue!
SKU (Merchant PID)
Check your online store, marketplace listings or inventory management system for the SKU or internal reference number assigned to your product.
Manufacturer Product ID (Non-Standardized Manufacturer PID)
Look for the manufacturer's model number, part number or product code on the product packaging, supplier documentation or manufacturer's website.
If you're unsure where to find this information, we recommend contacting your manufacturer or supplier.
GTIN / EAN / UPC / ISBN (Standardized Manufacturer PID)
These identifiers can often be found on product packaging, barcodes or in the product's specifications. Remember, this field is optional! If you do not have the information available, please leave the field blank.
How do I add Product Identifiers to my Chit Chats shipments?
You can enter or update Product Identifiers in the following areas of your account:
Shipment details
When shipping to the EU ensure that the following fields are filled:
SKU: For the Merchant PID (M-PID), enter a SKU or internal product reference number.
Manufacturer Product ID*: Enter the product identifier assigned by the manufacturer, such as a model number or part number
GTIN / EAN / UPC / ISBN*: Optional, enter your product's standardized identifier, if available.
*Fields have a maximum limit of 70 characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
I sell books. Where can I find my SKU and Product Identifiers?
If you're shipping books to customers in the European Union (EU), you'll need to provide the required Product Identifiers for each item in your shipment. Books generally have an ISBN (International Standard Book Number), but an ISBN is not the same as a SKU or Manufacturer Product ID.
Here's what you'll need:
SKU (Merchant PID): A unique reference number you assign to your product for inventory management. If you don't already use SKUs, you can create your own internal reference numbers to identify your books.
Manufacturer Product ID (Non-Standardized Manufacturer PID): A product identifier assigned by the manufacturer, producer or supplier. For books, we recommend checking with your publisher or supplier to determine whether an internal product reference or code is available.
GTIN / EAN / UPC / ISBN (Standardized Manufacturer PID): You can enter your book's ISBN in this optional field. ISBNs can typically be found on the back cover of the book, near the barcode or on the copyright page.
Please note: An ISBN does not replace the required SKU or Manufacturer Product ID fields when creating EU-bound shipments with Chit Chats.
What if my product doesn't have a Manufacturer Product ID?
Not all products have an existing Manufacturer Product ID, especially handmade goods, books or products from smaller suppliers.
According to official EU customs guidance, if a Non-Standardized Manufacturer PID (NS-PID) does not already exist, the manufacturer, producer or product supplier is expected to assign one. There's no specific format or structure required for this identifier! If you are the manufacturer of the product, you can determine an appropriate identifier.
Reminder: Chit Chats currently requires a SKU and Manufacturer Product ID for all EU-bound shipments, regardless of shipment value or product category. The standardized identifier (GTIN, EAN, UPC or ISBN) remains optional.