How to uniquely identify products and any APIs

Hi,

I want to be able to allow user's to catalog items via a unique number like model number(perhaps paired with manufacterer as well). However, I'd like to be able to interface with some web APIs like Amazon.com to lookup those products based off of model number as a verification of the product or store some of that info locally.

I know amazon has it's own product numbers but, those are unique to amazon and user's probably won't know those by looking at the item.

The items can be just about anything appliances, computers, car parts, etc.

Is there an industry standard? Is this problem tackled in some other places?

Any insights would be helpful.

I don't believe that there's any industry standard. You just have to work around what data is in the feeds that you get. Most times there will be something like that but if not you'll have to get creative on how you find it.