EAN-13 vs UPC-A: Which Barcode Do You Need for Retail?

You're launching a product and suddenly you're faced with a choice: EAN-13 or UPC-A? Both look like simple lines on a label, but picking the wrong one can get your product rejected by Amazon, Walmart, or your local retailer. This guide breaks down exactly what each format is, where it's used, and which one you need.

What is EAN-13?

EAN-13 stands for European Article Number (Wikipedia), and it's the international standard for product barcodes. Despite the name, it's used worldwide — not just in Europe. The "13" refers to its 13-digit structure.

When you see a barcode on a product in a supermarket anywhere in the world, it's almost always an EAN-13. The first 2-3 digits indicate the country where the barcode was registered.

Full list available at gs1.org.

EAN-13 Structure

• Digits 1-3: GS1 country prefix (e.g., 690 = China, 890 = India)
• Digits 4-7/8: Company prefix (assigned by GS1)
• Digits 8/9-12: Product reference number
• Digit 13: Check digit (calculated automatically)

What is UPC-A?

UPC-A stands for Universal Product Code, and it was developed in the United States in the 1970s. It's a 12-digit barcode and is primarily used in the US and Canada.

Here's an interesting fact: UPC-A is technically a subset of EAN-13. If you add a leading zero to any UPC-A code, you get a valid EAN-13. This is why most modern barcode scanners can read both formats interchangeably.

UPC-A Structure

• Digit 1: Number system digit
• Digits 2-6: Manufacturer code
• Digits 7-11: Product code
• Digit 12: Check digit

EAN-13 vs UPC-A: Side-by-Side Comparison

Which One Does Amazon Require?

Amazon accepts both EAN-13 and UPC-A. However, there's an important catch: Amazon verifies barcodes against the GS1 database. This means you can't just generate a random barcode and use it — Amazon will check whether the GTIN is registered to your company.

Amazon's official policy states that GTINs must be obtained directly from GS1 — not from third-party barcode resellers. Using resold barcodes can result in your listing being suppressed.

Which One Do Major Retailers Require?

Can I Convert UPC-A to EAN-13?

Yes — and it's simple. Just add a leading zero to your UPC-A code. For example:

• UPC-A: 012345678905
• EAN-13: 0012345678905

Most modern point-of-sale systems and barcode scanners handle this conversion automatically. However, always verify with the specific retailer before assuming the conversion will be accepted.

When Should You Use Each?

How to Get an Official Barcode

For commercial retail use, you need to register with your local GS1 member organization:

• GS1 US — gs1us.org (for US/Canada companies)
• GS1 UK — gs1uk.org
• GS1 Germany — gs1-germany.de
• GS1 Global — gs1.org (find your local office)

Once you receive your Company Prefix from GS1, you can assign product numbers and generate the barcode images using our free tool.

How Much Does GS1 Registration Cost?

GS1 membership fees vary by country and company size:

* Fees are approximate and subject to change. Always check the official GS1 website for your country.

Free EAN-13 and UPC-A Generation for Testing

Before purchasing a GS1 membership, you can use barkodkarekod.com to:

• Test barcode formats and see what they look like on your labels
• Verify your label design with any barcode scanner or phone camera
• Generate barcodes for internal inventory that doesn't go to retail
• Practice CSV bulk generation for your product catalog

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EAN-13 in the USA?

Yes. EAN-13 is accepted by Amazon US, Target, and most major US retailers. While UPC-A was historically the US standard, all modern barcode scanners read both formats interchangeably. EAN-13 is the globally recommended choice.

What is the main difference between EAN-13 and UPC-A?

EAN-13 has 13 digits and is the international standard used worldwide. UPC-A has 12 digits and was developed in the USA. UPC-A is technically a subset of EAN-13 — adding a leading zero to any UPC-A code creates a valid EAN-13.

Do I need to register with GS1 to use a barcode?

For internal use, testing, Etsy, or your own website — no registration is needed. For selling on Amazon, Walmart, or in physical retail stores, you need an officially registered GTIN from GS1.

How do I convert UPC-A to EAN-13?

Simply add a leading zero to the front of your 12-digit UPC-A code. For example: UPC-A 012345678905 → EAN-13 0012345678905. Most modern scanners and POS systems handle this automatically.

Can I generate EAN-13 barcodes for free?

Yes. barkodkarekod.com generates EAN-13 and UPC-A barcodes for free — no signup, no watermark. Download as PNG or SVG. Free barcodes are perfect for testing, internal inventory, and direct-to-consumer sales.