UPC vs EAN Barcode: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?

If you're new to selling products online, the difference between UPC and EAN barcodes can be confusing. This guide breaks it down clearly so you can buy exactly what you need.

UPC vs EAN: The Key Differences at a Glance

Both UPC and EAN are types of barcodes used to identify products worldwide. They look almost identical — parallel black lines with numbers underneath. The main differences are the number of digits, the regions where they are most commonly used, and some technical encoding differences.

UPC-A (Universal Product Code)

UPC-A contains 12 digits and is the standard for products sold in the United States and Canada. It was created in the 1970s and has been the North American product identification standard for decades. If you plan to sell on Amazon US, Walmart US, Target, or any major US retailer, a UPC code is what you need.

EAN-13 (European Article Number)

EAN-13 contains 13 digits and is the international standard used in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia. It was developed as a global extension of the UPC system. The 13th digit is a prefix that identifies the country of origin of the barcode.

Can EAN Barcodes Be Used Instead of UPC?

Yes — and this is the most important thing to understand. An EAN-13 barcode is universally accepted everywhere a UPC barcode is required. Amazon, Walmart, and all major US retailers now accept EAN-13 codes. This means you can purchase one EAN-13 barcode and use it globally — in the US, Europe, and everywhere else — without needing separate barcodes for different markets.

Which Barcode Do You Need?

Selling only in the USA/Canada: Either UPC or EAN-13 works. Both are accepted by Amazon and US retailers.

Selling globally (US + Europe + Asia): Buy EAN-13. It is accepted everywhere including the US market.

Selling on Amazon: Either UPC or EAN-13 is accepted. Amazon requires a GTIN (which is the umbrella term for both).

Selling in European retailers: EAN-13 is required. UPC alone may not be accepted by European store chains.

Selling in supermarkets or physical stores: EAN-13 is safer as it is accepted globally.

Are UPC and EAN the Same Thing?

They are part of the same family. Technically, a UPC-A barcode is a 12-digit number, while an EAN-13 barcode is a 13-digit number that begins with a leading zero for US products. A UPC barcode like 012345678901 is identical to the EAN-13 barcode 0012345678901 with a leading zero added. Modern scanners and retail systems read both formats automatically.

GTIN: The Umbrella Term

You will often see the term GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) used by Amazon and other platforms. GTIN is simply the umbrella name for all GS1 product numbers, including UPC (GTIN-12) and EAN-13 (GTIN-13). When a platform asks for your GTIN, you can provide either your UPC or EAN-13 number.

How Many Barcodes Do You Need?

Each unique product variant requires its own unique barcode. This means:

Where to Buy UPC and EAN Barcodes

You can buy GS1-certified UPC and EAN barcodes instantly from gs1upc.shop. Each barcode comes with a digital barcode image file, an official certificate, and lifetime validity. There are no annual renewal fees, and delivery is instant after purchase.

FAQ: UPC vs EAN

Does Amazon accept EAN barcodes instead of UPC?

Yes. Amazon accepts both EAN-13 and UPC barcodes for product listings. Either format satisfies Amazon's GTIN requirement.

Can I use the same EAN barcode in different countries?

Yes. EAN-13 barcodes are globally recognized and can be used to sell the same product in multiple countries simultaneously.

Is there a price difference between UPC and EAN barcodes?

At gs1upc.shop, the pricing for UPC and EAN barcodes is the same. You can choose either format based on where you plan to sell your product.

Buy your UPC or EAN barcode today at gs1upc.shop. Instant delivery, certificate included, no renewal fees.

Ready to get your barcode? Buy GS1-certified barcodes here →