MPN Definition
A Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) is an alphanumeric code assigned by a manufacturer to uniquely identify a specific product or component within their own catalog. Unlike a GTIN or UPC, an MPN is not issued by a standards body. It is defined entirely by the manufacturer and may follow any format they choose.
How does an MPN differ from a SKU or GTIN?
These three identifiers serve related but distinct purposes. A SKU is an internal code assigned by a retailer or distributor to track a product within their own system, specific to the business using it. A GTIN is a globally standardized identifier governed by GS1, designed for use across trading partners. An MPN sits between the two: it is defined by the manufacturer and stays consistent across all their trading partners, but it is not globally standardized and can theoretically clash with MPNs from other manufacturers.
Where are MPNs used?
MPNs are particularly common in technical and industrial categories such as electronics, automotive parts, machinery components, and medical equipment, where buyers need to match a specific part to a specific specification. In B2B commerce, buyers frequently search and order by MPN rather than product name. On consumer marketplaces, MPNs are often a required or strongly recommended field that helps match listings to the correct product in the platform's catalog.
Why do MPNs matter for product data?
An MPN is one of the most reliable identifiers for matching a product record across systems, between a supplier's feed, a retailer's catalog, and a marketplace listing. In a PIM system, the MPN is typically stored as a core product attribute and used alongside GTINs to support accurate product onboarding, deduplication, and channel syndication.
