If you are NOT selling your product(s) in the United States or Canada and strictly out of these countries, you should use the EAN barcode. A UPC — or Universal Product Code — can be read in all countries that have adopted the EAN code plus the United States and Canada.

Is EAN better than UPC?

The EAN contains a 13 digit number and the UPC contains a 12 digit number. ... The only major difference is the placement of the numbers below (human readable numbers) which are there only as a back-up in case the barcode doesn't scan properly and the information has to be manually entered into the point of sale system.

Can I use EAN instead of UPC?

In the world of retail sales there are primarily two barcode formats used, UPC and EAN. The UPC format (as shown below) is 12 digits while the EAN is 13. These two formats are predominantly used in their own regions, the UPC is used only in the US and Canada, while the EAN is used everywhere else globally.

Can I use EAN in the USA?

Both EAN and UPC codes are compatible with most scanning systems, so they can usually be used in any country: a) EAN-13 codes are compatible with most scanning systems in the USA. This means that imported products labeled with EAN-13 codes do not have to be re-labeled with a different barcode for USA retail sale.

Does UK use UPC or EAN?

GS1 GTINs, EAN and UPC barcodes are used in the UK and all over the world. Over 150 countries use the GS1 System – with over 6 billion GS1 barcodes scanned every day!

All about EAN and UPC Barcodes

Is EAN and GTIN the same?

GTIN-13 & EAN

An EAN, which stands for European Article Number, is a 13-digit GTIN is used globally, except in the United States and Canada. Like a GTIN-12 or UPC, an EAN is a 13-digit number attached to barcodes.

Do I need an EAN?

One of the first things to understand is that not everyone who sells online will need an EAN code. ... However, if you're selling digital products (even to Europe), you don't need an EAN code. If you do hope to sell your products within Europe, then you need to ensure each item has an EAN number.

Is an EAN a barcode?

EAN Code. EAN is a standardized barcode and marked on most commercialized products currently available at the stores. EAN is used in POS system that is widespread through the convenience stores. EAN is compatible with UPC of U.S.A. and Canada and JAN of Japan.

Does Canada use UPC?

The UPC-A (GTIN-12) which is 12 digits long, is used in the United States & Canada. The EAN-13 (GTIN-13) which is 13 digits long, is used everywhere else globally.

Can EAN be used in Canada?

EAN is the standard adopted worldwide except for the U.S. and Canada.

What type of barcode do I need for retail?

If your product will be sold at retail point of sale (or checkout), you'll want to use a UPC-A barcode. It's the most common barcode required by retailers in North America. U.P.C. barcodes help to ensure that all products are properly identified at retail point of sale.

What is EAN UPC in Flipkart?

What are UPC and EAN codes? UPC or EAN are part of a barcode. They are unique identifiers for products. These codes are printed on most consumer goods, like electronics, clothing, accessories and other physical merchandise.

What does EAN stand for?

What does 'EAN' mean? EAN stands for 'European Article Number'. It was introduced by the predecessor institution of today's GS1 with the aim of providing all European products with individual article numbers. In 2009 the EAN was replaced by the 13-digit Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).

Does Australia use UPC or EAN?

What are the EAN & UPC barcode systems? Most barcode numbers consist of 12 or 13 numbers. EAN-13 is the European standard, which is used in Australia and has 13 numbers. The UPC bar code system is typically used in the USA and is 12 digits long.

What type of barcodes does Australia use?

In Australia, retailers have adopted the GS1 system of barcoding and numbering. This means that if you are selling your products to a retailer or into the healthcare system, you need a barcode. Some major retailers such as Coles, Woolworths and Metcash will not accept your products without GS1 barcodes.

Do UPC barcodes work in Australia?

Yes it will. The barcodes issued by Australian Barcodes are unique worldwide. They work anywhere where either UPC or EAN bar codes are used. This includes Canada, Australia, the UK, Europe, Asia, Mexico, South America, the Middle East, and anywhere else that they use bar codes.

Are UPC codes the same in US and Canada?

"UPC" stands for Universal Product Code. Retail products sold within the U.S. and Canada feature a single standard UPC barcode. ... Retail products sold outside of North America feature an EAN barcode.

What is the purpose of a UPC code?

The purpose of UPCs is to make it easy to identify product features, such as the brand name, item, size, and color, when an item is scanned at checkout.

Do I need a GS1 company prefix?

Even though GS1 is technically a non-for-profit, it is our opinion they encourage clients to get Prefixes with too much initial capacity. Their application for new members also has an immediate option to license more than one Company Prefix, which is not necessary.

What is UPC and EAN code?

UPC. Universal Product Code (UPC) is a 12-digit bar code used extensively for retail packaging in United States. EAN. The European Article Number (EAN) is a barcode standard, a 12- or 13-digit product identification code.

What is EAN in Amazon?

European Article Number (EAN): EANs are a barcode standard with a 12 or 13-digit product identification code. ... They are relevant for most products that are sold within Amazon's European marketplaces. Universal Product Code (UPC): Similar to EAN numbers, UPCs are used to identify retail products within the United States.

How do I get a UPC or EAN number?

1. Calculate how many products need UPC codes. ...
2. Join GS1 US and apply for your GS1 company prefix. ...
3. Assign a unique product number. ...
4. Choose a barcode design. ...
5. Determine how to display the barcode. ...
6. Order your UPC barcodes. ...
7. Test the printed barcodes.

Do I need EAN for Amazon?

Most categories require sellers to use a Global Trade Identification Number (GTIN), such as an EAN, a UPC, EAN or an ISBN as a product identifier when creating new product pages or matching up with existing pages in the Amazon catalogue. ... Certain products are not allowed on the Amazon website under any conditions.

Do I need a barcode for each product?

No matter what you're selling or where it comes from, it needs a barcode. Every product sold in a marketplace requires a barcode, even–or especially– if you make it yourself. If you are selling“private label” products, those will require a unique bar code number.

Can I use EAN code for Amazon?

The EAN/UPC barcode is not given to you by Amazon, you have to buy them from GS1. You can also apply for an exemption. Amazon use FNSKU labels to help track a seller's stock, which is also a barcode, and is generally put over the top of the UPC barcodes.