Retail Barcodes

What Are Retail Barcodes?

Retail barcodes are the scannable codes you see on almost every product in supermarkets, shops, and online stores. They allow retailers to:

  • Identify products instantly at checkout.

  • Manage inventory and stock levels.

  • Track sales data and reorder efficiently.

For most retail products, you will use either EAN-13 or UPC-A barcodes. Books and magazines require specialized formats: ISBN and ISSN respectively.

This page guides you through each option, helping you choose the right barcode for your target market.

EAN-13 Barcodes – The Global Standard

Best for: Products sold outside the United States and Canada.

The EAN-13 (European Article Number) is the most widely used retail barcode format in the world. It consists of 13 digits and is accepted in virtually every country across Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania.

Key Features:

  • Global acceptance – Works in supermarkets, shops, and online marketplaces worldwide.

  • 13-digit format – Includes a country code, manufacturer code, product code, and check digit.

  • Scanner friendly – Compatible with all modern point-of-sale (POS) systems.

Who should use EAN-13?

  • Manufacturers exporting to multiple countries.

  • Businesses selling primarily in Africa, Europe, or Asia.

  • Online sellers on platforms like Amazon (outside the US), Alibaba, and Jumia.

Buy EAN-13 Barcodes

UPC-A Barcodes – For the US and Canadian Markets

Best for: Products destined for the United States and Canada.

The UPC-A (Universal Product Code – Version A) is the standard retail barcode in North America. It consists of 12 digits and is required by most major US retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Costco.

Key Features:

  • North American standard – Essential for selling in the USA and Canada.

  • 12-digit format – Includes a number system, manufacturer code, product code, and check digit.

  • Widely recognised – Used by all major US retailers and e-commerce platforms.

Who should use UPC-A?

  • Exporters sending products to the United States or Canada.

  • Manufacturers supplying large US retail chains.

  • Online sellers on Amazon.com, eBay.com, and Walmart Marketplace.

Buy UPC-A Barcodes

ISBN Barcodes – For Books and E-Books

Best for: Books, e-books, and educational materials.

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) barcode is a specific format used exclusively for books. It converts your ISBN number into a scannable retail barcode.

Key Features:

  • Book industry standard – Required by most bookstores and online retailers.

  • Global recognition – Works worldwide for physical and digital books.

  • Includes your ISBN – Encodes the unique identifier for your publication.

Who should use ISBN barcodes?

  • Authors and publishers of physical books.

  • Self-published authors selling on Amazon or in bookstores.

  • Educational institutions producing textbooks or course materials.

Buy ISBN Barcodes

ISSN Barcodes – For Magazines and Periodicals

Best for: Magazines, journals, and serial publications.

An ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) barcode is the standard format for periodicals. It encodes your ISSN number for retail scanning.

Key Features:

  • Serial publication standard – Used for magazines, journals, and newspapers.

  • Global acceptance – Works with retailers and subscription services worldwide.

  • Encodes your ISSN – Unique identifier for your publication.

Who should use ISSN barcodes?

  • Magazine and journal publishers.

  • Newsletter and periodical creators.

  • Subscription-based publications sold in retail outlets.

Buy ISSN Barcodes

Comparison Table: Which Barcode Do You Need?

Barcode Type Number of Digits Primary Market Best For
EAN-13 13 Worldwide (except USA/Canada) Retail products – global sales
UPC-A 12 USA and Canada Retail products – North American sales
ISBN 13 (based on ISBN) Global Books and e-books
ISSN 13 (based on ISSN) Global Magazines and serial publications

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use one barcode for multiple products?
No – each unique product (different size, colour, or flavour) requires its own barcode.

Do I need different barcodes for online and retail sales?
No – the same EAN-13 or UPC-A works for both physical stores and online marketplaces.

What if my product sells in both the USA and Europe?
We recommend purchasing both an EAN-13 and a UPC-A for the same product. Alternatively, an EAN-13 starting with ‘0’ has identical bars to a UPC-A – many retailers can use either format.

How long does it take to receive my barcodes?
After payment, we email your barcode numbers and images within 2 minutes.

Do I get a certificate of ownership?
Yes – every purchase includes a guarantee certificate with your company name.

Please see our FAQ page or contact us if you have any questions or would like advice.