EAN-13 vs UPC-A — Which Barcode Do You Need for Your Product?
Choosing the wrong barcode format can mean your products get rejected at retail stores. Here is exactly when to use EAN-13 vs UPC-A.
What is EAN-13?
EAN-13 (European Article Number) is the international standard barcode used on almost all consumer products sold outside North America. It contains exactly 13 digits. The first 2-3 digits represent the country of origin (Pakistan is 890, UAE is 629, UK is 50).
Use EAN-13 when: You are selling products in Pakistan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, Europe, Australia or any country outside North America.
What is UPC-A?
UPC-A (Universal Product Code) is the standard barcode used in the United States and Canada. It contains exactly 12 digits. If you want to sell in American retail stores like Walmart, Target or Amazon US, you need UPC-A barcodes.
Use UPC-A when: You are selling products in USA or Canada only.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | EAN-13 | UPC-A |
|---|---|---|
| Digits | 13 | 12 |
| Used In | Worldwide (ex. N.America) | USA, Canada |
| Country Code | First 2-3 digits | No country code |
| Register With | GS1 Pakistan / GS1 local | GS1 US |
For Pakistani Products — Use EAN-13
If you are a Pakistani business selling locally or exporting to Middle East, UK or Europe, always use EAN-13. Pakistan country code prefix is 890. Register your company barcode prefix with GS1 Pakistan (gs1.org.pk) to get globally unique barcodes.
For Internal Use — Use CODE128
For internal inventory, warehouse labels or private use (not retail shelves), CODE128 is the best choice. It accepts any text or numbers, is compact and highly reliable. You do not need to register with GS1 for internal use barcodes.
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