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GTIN-13 Barcodes - Information

What are GTIN-13 Codes?

GTIN-13 barcode is the new name GS1 has given to the EAN-13 barcode recently. GTIN-13 codes consist of a barcode symbol in the EAN-13 symbology and are used to scan a given 13-digit GTIN number, formerly called EAN number. This change was purely a name change and does not affect any of the functionality of the barcodes.

GTIN stands for Global Trade Identification Number. The GTIN-13 code is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies retail products. The GTIN-13 system is the new name of the EAN number system was originally developed by EAN International in Europe back in the 1970's and recently renamed by GS1.

The GTIN-13 system is no longer limited to just Europe. GTIN-13 barcodes are now standard in just about every country in the world except for the United States and Canada where the 12-digit UPC system, now often called GTIN-12, is prevalent.

To answer the question of whether you need a GTIN-13 barcode, you should consider in which countries you plan on selling your products. For products to be sold in the USA or Canada, we recommend that you use a 12-digit UPC code (GTIN-12), which you can order from our UPC Code website here. For products to be sold on all other countries, we recommend that you use GTIN-13 barcodes, formerly known as EAN barcodes.

Can you supply GTIN-13 barcodes?

Yes, we can. As previously stated, GTIN-13 vs. EAN is simply a name change. Nothing much else has changed. We still refer to these codes as EAN codes, as do most retailers, distributors, importers, exporters, and others in the retail chain.

Yes, we supply GTIN-13 numbers with the corresponding GTIN-13 barcode symbol emailed to you as a digital print-ready file. You can order your GTIN-13 codes here.

How does the GTIN-13 (or EAN) barcode compare to the GTIN-12 (or UPC) barcode?

Here is a comparison of the GTIN-13 barcode versus a UPC barcode:


13-digit GTIN-13 Barcode (=EAN)	12-digit GTIN-12 Barcode (=UPC)

The structure of the GTIN-13 barcode is 1-6-6. The GTIN-13 code has one digit to the left of the barcode and two groups of six digits below. YES, the first digit on the left IS PART of the EAN NUMBER!

The structure of the GTIN-12 or UPC barcode, by comparison, is 1-5-5-1. The GTIN-12 or UPC code has one digit to the left of the barcode, two groups of 5 digits below the barcode, and one digit to the right of the barcode. YES, the first and last digits out to the left and right of the GTIN-12 or UPC barcode are part of the GTIN-12 or UPC number!

To request more information regarding GTIN-13 barcodes, please call 1-404-885-6066 (international) or 1-877-768-4977 (toll-free in USA and Canada). We sell authentic GTIN-13 barcodes that originate through GS1. You can also order online - Buy a single GTIN-13 code for only US$89 and receive fast email delivery of the barcode image. There are no memberships, renewals or annual fees, setup charges, or any other ongoing commitments.


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