How Do I Get a Barcode for My Product?

Retail barcode packages (EAN-13 or UPC-A format) can be purchased on our Retail Barcodes page.

You can also order via email (we will supply you with information so that you can pay by bank transfer or debit/credit card).

What will I get?

If you order a standard retail barcode package, we will email the barcode numbers to you with the images as attached files.

You will receive:

– a unique EAN-13/UPC-A barcode number;
– a PDF guarantee certificate
– barcode images (3 formats: JPEG, PDF & PNG)
– Barcode registration on barcodesdatabase.org
– Instructions for How to Use your Barcode

You can then easily incorporate the barcode images into your product packaging and start using your barcode. When a retailer first receives your barcode and product, they will scan the barcode into the system and input the product information. After this, whenever the barcode is scanned at the checkout, the product information will automatically appear.

The official retail barcode size is 37.29×25.93mm. The barcode can be officially reduced to 80% of its original size (i.e., around 20x30mm) without affecting scannability; however, if it is reduced significantly more, barcode scanners may occasionally have trouble scanning the barcode. Additionally, some retailers require that the barcode meet minimum specifications; therefore, if possible, the barcode should be at least 80% of the standard size. Full specifications can be seen here.

EAN-13 Barcode Image

Should I use a UPC or EAN barcode?

Within the USA, barcodes are usually in 12-digit UPC format; however, outside of the USA, the 13-digit EAN format is preferred.

EAN-13 barcodes are the most commonly used retail barcode worldwide and have a leading 0.

UPC-A barcodes are the preferred barcode format in the USA and Canada and do not have a leading 0.

If you are selling your product in multiple countries, including the USA, it is your choice whether to use a barcode in EAN-13 format or UPC-12 format. Most new barcode scanners can read both EAN and UPC barcodes,

What more can you get?

1. ITF-14 Carton Codes

These are barcodes for the outer cartons, created from your EAN-13 barcode, for use on cartons of a set quantity of the item. i.e. a box of 12 may have an ITF-14 carton code on it. These are required by some retailers, but are not always needed.

2. ISBN or ISSN Images

These are only required for books and magazines.