Which Barcode Should I Use?
EAN-13 vs UPC-A vs ITF-14 vs GS1-128: choose the right barcode for retail units, cartons, or logistics.
Which Barcode Should I Use?
(EAN-13 vs UPC-A vs ITF-14 vs GS1-128)
Choosing the right barcode isn't about geography alone — it's about where your product sits in the supply chain.
Are you selling an individual product in retail? Shipping cartons to distributors? Sending pallets with expiry dates and batch numbers?
This guide explains exactly when to use:
Clear, practical, and retailer-ready.
Best for: Individual retail products
Digits: 13
Issued by: GS1
If you are selling a single product unit in stores or online marketplaces, EAN-13 is usually the correct choice.
Where It's Used
- UK & Europe
- Australia & New Zealand
- Asia
- Middle East
- Africa
- Latin America
- Widely accepted in the US
EAN-13 is the global retail standard. Even in North America — where UPC-A originated — EAN-13 scans without issue in modern systems.
When to Choose EAN-13
- You sell in multiple countries
- You may expand internationally
- You want one globally recognised retail barcode
- You are registered with GS1 outside North America
For most brands selling physical products, EAN-13 is the default choice. See our GTINs Explained guide for when to use GTIN-13.
Best for: US & Canadian retail
Digits: 12
Issued by: GS1 US
UPC-A is the traditional retail barcode used in the United States and Canada.
Technically, it's very similar to EAN-13 — it simply contains 12 digits instead of 13 (it can be represented as an EAN-13 with a leading zero).
When to Choose UPC-A
- A US retailer specifically requires it
- You only sell in North America
- Your GS1 registration is with GS1 US
If you plan to expand internationally later, EAN-13 may be the more flexible long-term option.
If your retailer says "UPC", use UPC-A. Otherwise, EAN-13 is often simpler globally.
Best for: Shipping cartons and wholesale cases
Digits: 14
ITF-14 is not for products on shelves. It is for outer cartons containing multiple retail units.
For example:
- A carton containing 12 notebooks
- A wholesale case shipped to a distributor
- Export master cartons
Why ITF-14 Is Used
- Designed for printing on corrugated cardboard
- Thicker bars improve warehouse scanning
- Encodes a GTIN-14 derived from your product GTIN (see GTINs Explained)
If it's a box containing multiple units — use ITF-14.
Best for: Advanced logistics, pallets, traceability
Format: Based on Code 128
GS1-128 is used when you need to encode more than just a product number.
It can include:
- GTIN
- Expiry date
- Batch / lot number
- Serial number
- SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)
- Production dates
Example format: (01)12345678901234(17)250630(10)BATCH123
This allows structured data to be embedded in one barcode.
When You Need GS1-128
- Supermarket distribution centres
- Food & beverage supply chains
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pallet labels
- Retailers requiring expiry tracking
If you need traceability or pallet-level labelling, this is the correct choice.
Instead of asking "Which country am I selling in?", ask:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is this a single retail product? | EAN-13 (or UPC-A if specifically required in North America) |
| Is this an outer carton containing multiple units? | ITF-14 |
| Is this a pallet or shipment requiring batch/expiry data? | GS1-128 |
Most brands only need:
- One retail barcode format
- One carton barcode format
Keep it simple unless your supply chain requires more.
Do I need both EAN-13 and UPC-A?
No. EAN-13 works globally and scans in North America. UPC-A is mainly used when a US retailer specifically requests it.
Can I use the same barcode on retail units and cartons?
No. Retail units use EAN-13 or UPC-A. Cartons use ITF-14 or GS1-128.
What is a GTIN?
GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number. All of these barcode types encode a GTIN in different formats: EAN-13 → GTIN-13, UPC-A → GTIN-12, ITF-14 → GTIN-14, GS1-128 → GTIN plus structured logistics data. See our GTINs Explained guide for the full picture.
Do I need GS1-128 if I'm not selling food?
Not usually. It becomes necessary when retailers require pallet labels, you need expiry or batch tracking, or you operate in regulated industries.
Can I generate barcode images myself?
You can generate images, but the numbers must come from GS1 to be legitimate and retailer-compliant. Using unofficial barcode resellers can cause listing or compliance issues.
What barcode size should I use?
GS1 defines standard dimensions. Many brands successfully reduce barcode height while maintaining full width. Always test before mass printing. You can verify scannability using a free barcode scanner app on your smartphone.
Most product brands need:
- EAN-13 (or UPC-A) for individual retail units
- ITF-14 for cartons
- GS1-128 only when logistics data is required
Choose based on the product's level in the supply chain — not just the region.
Get the structure right once, and your barcodes will work anywhere your products travel.
The barcode generator supports EAN-13, UPC-A, ITF-14, and GS1-128. You can produce the right format for each packaging level, with print dimensions aligned to our size guide.