Global Shipping Barcodes: Complete Guide for International Sellers (2026)

Selling across borders means dealing with a new layer of barcode complexity. Your product barcode stays the same, but the shipping label, customs documentation, and logistics identifiers all have their own standards. This guide breaks down everything international sellers need to know.

The Main Barcode Types in Global Shipping

1. EAN-13 — Product Identification Worldwide

EAN-13 is the global standard for product barcodes. It's accepted in over 100 countries and is the same barcode you see on retail shelves worldwide. When selling internationally, your EAN-13 does not change per country — it's a universal product identifier.

• 13 digits — encodes country prefix, company, product and check digit
• Required for retail sales in Europe, Asia, Latin America and beyond
• Must be registered with GS1 for commercial retail use
• Same code works in all markets — no country-specific version needed

2. CODE128 — The Universal Shipping Barcode

CODE128 is the most widely used barcode in logistics and shipping. It can encode any combination of letters, numbers and special characters with high density. Most carrier shipping labels (DHL, UPS, FedEx, Royal Mail) use CODE128 for tracking numbers.

• High data density — encodes tracking numbers, order IDs, reference codes
• Used by virtually all major international carriers
• Variable length — can encode as much data as needed
• Readable even on slightly damaged labels

3. GS1-128 — Supply Chain Standard

GS1-128 is a specific application of CODE128 that follows GS1 standards. It uses Application Identifiers (AIs) — two-digit codes in parentheses that define what the following data means.

For example:

• (01) — GTIN (product identifier)
• (10) — Batch/lot number
• (17) — Expiry date
• (21) — Serial number
• (00) — SSCC (pallet identifier)

GS1-128 is required by major retailers (Walmart, Carrefour, Tesco) and logistics providers for supply chain shipments.

4. SSCC — Pallet and Container Identification

The Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) is an 18-digit GS1 barcode that uniquely identifies a pallet, box, or shipping unit. It's used in B2B and wholesale shipping when sending large quantities to distribution centers or retailers.

• 18 digits — includes extension digit, GS1 company prefix, serial reference, check digit
• Required by most major retailers for pallet deliveries
• Must be registered with GS1 to get a valid company prefix

Which Barcode for Which Shipping Scenario?

International Shipping Label Requirements by Carrier

DHL Express

DHL uses CODE128 barcodes on all shipping labels. Labels must be printed at minimum 300 DPI. The barcode encodes the DHL waybill number (10 digits). Labels are generated through DHL's online portal or API — you cannot create DHL tracking barcodes manually.

FedEx International

FedEx uses CODE128 and PDF417 (2D) barcodes on international labels. Similar to DHL, FedEx tracking barcodes are generated by FedEx systems — they cannot be self-generated. You need a FedEx account and their shipping software.

UPS Worldwide

UPS labels use CODE128 barcodes. The tracking number (1Z format) is encoded in the barcode. Generated through UPS WorldShip or online portal.

Royal Mail International

Royal Mail uses CODE128 for domestic tracking and 4-State Customer Code (4SCC) for sorting. International tracked services use a barcode with a 13-character reference starting with two letters (e.g., AA123456789GB).

What You Can Generate Yourself

While carrier tracking barcodes must come from the carrier, there are several shipping-related barcodes you can generate for free:

• Product EAN-13 — for retail product identification (needs GS1 registration for commercial use)
• Internal reference barcodes — CODE128 with your own order/SKU numbers for warehouse use
• Return authorization codes — CODE128 with RMA numbers for your own return process
• Packing list barcodes — CODE128 with invoice/order numbers
• QR codes linking to customs documentation — URL QR codes pointing to digital paperwork

Country-Specific Barcode Requirements

GS1 Registration for International Sellers

If you're selling products internationally through retail channels, you need an official GS1-registered barcode. Register with the GS1 member organization in your country:

• GS1 US — gs1us.org
• GS1 UK — gs1uk.org
• GS1 Global — gs1.org (find your local office)

Once registered, you receive a Company Prefix. You then assign product numbers and generate the barcode images — which you can do for free at barkodkarekod.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What barcode is used for international shipping?

Most international shipping carriers use CODE128 or GS1-128 on their shipping labels. For product identification across borders, EAN-13 is the global standard accepted in over 100 countries.

What is the difference between GS1-128 and CODE128?

CODE128 is a general-purpose barcode for any alphanumeric data. GS1-128 is a specific application of CODE128 that uses Application Identifiers (AIs) to add structured meaning — like batch numbers, expiry dates, and GTINs. GS1-128 is required for supply chain and logistics applications.

Do I need a different barcode for each country I ship to?

No. EAN-13 is globally accepted and does not change per country. The shipping label barcode changes per shipment but is generated by your carrier, not by you.

What is an SSCC barcode?

SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is an 18-digit GS1 barcode used to identify pallets and shipping units in the supply chain. Required by major retailers when shipping large quantities on pallets.

Can I generate shipping barcodes for free?

You can generate CODE128 and EAN-13 barcode images free at barkodkarekod.com — suitable for internal references and product labels. Official carrier tracking barcodes must be generated through your carrier's system.