If you want to sell products on Amazon, eBay, Walmart, or retail stores, you'll need an officially registered barcode recognized worldwide. These barcodes come from GS1 — the global organization that manages barcode standards.
⚠️ Important: Barcodes generated with free online tools (including ours) are for testing, internal use, and personal projects only. For selling on Amazon, Walmart, or major retail chains, you need an official GS1-registered barcode.
What is GS1?
GS1 is a non-profit international organization that develops and maintains global standards for barcodes and supply chain communication. It operates in 116 countries.
When you buy a product at a store, the first digits of its barcode indicate the country of origin. For example, 869 = Turkey, 00–13 = USA/Canada, 400–440 = Germany. GS1 assigns these country codes and company prefixes.
💡 How it works: GS1 gives your company a unique Company Prefix. You then assign individual product numbers using that prefix. The last digit is a check digit calculated automatically.
Who Needs an Official GS1 Barcode?
- Sellers on Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Target, or other major marketplaces
- Manufacturers or importers selling to retail stores
- Companies exporting products internationally
- Anyone whose products will be scanned at a POS system
- Businesses requiring GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) compliance
Step-by-Step: How to Get a GS1 Barcode
Visit Your Local GS1 Member Organization
Go to gs1.org and find your country's GS1 member organization (e.g., GS1 US, GS1 UK, GS1 Turkey). Each country has its own registration process.
Choose Your Plan
Select how many products you need barcodes for. Plans range from a single GTIN to thousands of product codes.
Register Your Company
Fill in your company information, tax/business registration number, and contact details.
Pay the Annual Fee
GS1 membership is paid annually. The cost varies by country and number of products.
Receive Your Company Prefix
GS1 assigns you a unique Company Prefix. You use this to create individual GTINs for each of your products.
Generate Your Barcode Images
Once you have your GTIN numbers, you can use barkodkarekod.com to generate the actual barcode images (PNG/SVG) for printing.
✅ Pro tip: Once you have your official GTIN from GS1, come back to barkodkarekod.com to generate the barcode images for free — just enter your GTIN and download PNG or SVG!
GS1 vs Free Online Barcode Generator
| Feature | GS1 Official | barkodkarekod.com |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Annual membership fee | Free |
| Globally recognized | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Sell on Amazon/Walmart | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Use for testing/internal | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Generate barcode image | ✅ Yes (paid tools) | ✅ Yes (free) |
| Speed | 1–5 business days | Instant |
Which Platforms Require GS1 Barcodes?
- Amazon — requires valid UPC/EAN/GTIN for most product listings
- Walmart — GTIN required for all marketplace sellers
- eBay — strongly recommended, required for many categories
- Target, Costco, Home Depot — GS1 required for vendor onboarding
- Major supermarkets worldwide — GS1 mandatory
Amazon's Barcode Exception
Amazon allows sellers to apply for a GTIN exemption in certain categories (handmade, private label, etc.). However, this is category-specific and not guaranteed. For most sellers, a valid GS1 barcode is the safest path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy barcodes from third-party resellers?
You may see services selling "cheap barcodes" online. Be careful — Amazon and major retailers now verify barcodes against the GS1 database. Resold barcodes can get your listings rejected. Always buy directly from your local GS1 member organization.
Do I need a different barcode for each product variation?
Yes. Each unique variation (color, size, flavor) needs its own GTIN/EAN-13 barcode number.
How long does GS1 registration take?
Most GS1 member organizations process applications within 1–5 business days after payment.
Can I use barkodkarekod.com after getting my GS1 number?
Absolutely! Once GS1 gives you your GTIN numbers, use our free tool to generate the barcode images (PNG/SVG) for printing on labels and packaging.
Already have your GS1 number?
Generate your barcode image for free — enter your GTIN and download PNG or SVG instantly.
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