Barcode Format – EAN & UPC
Barcode Format – EAN & UPC
There are 2 main formats of barcode numbers – 13 digit EAn13 numbers, and 12-digit UPC numbers. The UPC numbers are more commonly used in the USA, and the EAN13 numbers are used in the rest of the world. They are part of the same system – the UPC numbers are actually a subset of the larger EAN13 system. These numbers are protected – so you need to purchase these barcode numbers if you want to use them on your retail products.
We normally supply barcode numbers in 13 digit EAN-13 format, with a leading 0 (eg 0799439112766 ). However, these numbers can also be used in 12 digit UPC-A format without the leading 0 (eg 799439112766 ). The actual bars produced for both of these are identical (see the picture below).
In the UK, it is common to print the barcode on products in the EAN-13 format. However, some retailers have software systems that don’t like numbers with a leading 0, and hence they will prefer to use your barcode in the 12 digit format (eg 799439112766 ). This is fine – the number is still the same and still unique and will work OK. You can let the retailer work out which version of your barcode number they will use.
To buy a barcode for your retail product, look here.
And look here for more information about what makes Barcode1 UK different.