Barcode guide

EAN-13 vs UPC-A: Which Barcode Do You Need?

For product teams and sellers deciding whether to use EAN-13, UPC-A or another barcode format for packaging and retail sales.

Direct answer

UPC-A is common for North American retail, while EAN-13 is widely used for international retail. Both are product barcode formats, so packaging and marketplace listings typically require a valid UPC, EAN or GTIN source. For internal labels, Code 128 is often more flexible.

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EAN-13 vs UPC-A

Item
EAN-13
UPC-A
Common region
International retail
North American retail
Digits
13 digits
12 digits
Typical use
Product packaging, e-commerce, retail
US and Canadian retail products
Number source
Needs a valid product number
Needs a valid UPC/GTIN number
Internal labels
Often not ideal
Often not ideal; Code 128 is more flexible

Recommended workflow

1

Confirm the sales market

For North American retail, check UPC-A requirements. For international retail, check EAN-13 or GTIN requirements.

2

Check marketplace rules

Amazon, retailers and e-commerce platforms may have specific UPC, EAN or GTIN requirements.

3

Verify the number source

Generate an image only after the number itself is valid for the use case.

4

Create and validate the barcode artwork

Check length, check digit, quiet zone and print size.

5

Test before packaging print

Scan the label and validate it in the target POS, marketplace or product data system.

Common mistakes

Inventing random 12- or 13-digit product barcodes.
Changing the check digit manually.
Using internal SKU codes as retail EAN-13 or UPC-A product codes.
Skipping platform or POS validation before packaging print.

FAQ

Can UPC-A be represented as EAN-13?

In some systems, UPC-A can be represented as an EAN-13 value with a leading zero, but retail use still depends on platform and numbering rules.

Do US products always need UPC-A?

UPC-A is common in North American retail, but requirements depend on the sales channel, retailer and product data rules.

Should I use EAN-13 or UPC-A for internal product labels?

For internal SKUs and warehouse labels, Code 128 is often more flexible because it supports mixed letters and numbers.