EAN-13 Barcode: Complete Guide for New Product Sellers

The EAN-13 barcode is the world's most widely used product identification standard. If you're launching a product in any market outside the US — or even globally including the US — EAN-13 is the barcode you need.

What is an EAN-13 Barcode?

EAN-13 stands for European Article Number — 13 digits. It is the international product barcode standard created as an extension of the US UPC system to serve global markets. Today, EAN-13 is accepted in over 150 countries and on all major e-commerce platforms including Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Shopify.

The Structure of an EAN-13 Number

An EAN-13 number consists of three parts:

The prefix does NOT necessarily indicate where the product was made. It indicates which GS1 member organization issued the barcode number.

Where is EAN-13 Used?

In short, EAN-13 is the safest choice for any seller who plans to sell products in more than one country, as it is universally accepted.

EAN-13 vs UPC: Can They Be Used Interchangeably?

Yes, for most practical purposes. A UPC-A (12-digit) barcode is equivalent to an EAN-13 with a leading zero added. Modern barcode scanners and retail systems read both formats without any configuration change. Amazon, for example, accepts either format in its GTIN field.

The recommendation for new sellers: buy EAN-13. It works everywhere, including the US, without any restrictions.

How to Read an EAN-13 Barcode

An EAN-13 barcode consists of black lines and white spaces of varying widths, with 13 digits printed below. The digits encode:

Consumers and retailers never need to decode these manually — scanners do it automatically. The structure just ensures global uniqueness.

How to Get an EAN-13 Barcode

EAN-13 for Amazon Listings

When creating an Amazon listing, enter your EAN-13 number in the 'External Product ID' field and select 'EAN' as the identifier type. Amazon's system will accept the EAN and create or link to the appropriate catalog entry.

FAQ: EAN-13 Barcodes

How much does an EAN-13 barcode cost?

Visit gs1upc.shop for current pricing. EAN-13 barcodes are available individually or in bulk packs with no annual renewal fees.

Can I use an EAN-13 barcode on Amazon US?

Yes. Amazon US accepts EAN-13 barcodes alongside UPC codes. Both satisfy Amazon's GTIN requirement.

Does an EAN-13 barcode contain product information?

No. The barcode contains only a unique identifying number. Product details like name, price, and description are stored in a separate database and linked to the barcode number.

Buy your EAN-13 barcode instantly at gs1upc.shop. Certificate included, globally accepted, lifetime validity.

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