Do Barcodes From Bar Codes Talk Work Internationally?

  • The UPC and EAN formats together allow GS1-compliant GTINs to be scanned virtually anywhere in the world.
  • UPC-A (GTIN-12) is used in the United States and Canada, while EAN-13 (GTIN-13) is used throughout the rest of the world.
  • Both formats are included with every purchase, ensuring your products can be listed and scanned internationally.
  • All GTINs provided by Bar Codes Talk originate from GS1-USA and support global marketplace requirements, including Amazon compliance.

Yes. The barcodes we provide work in nearly all locations where UPC or EAN (GTIN) barcodes are scanned. Two formats are recognized worldwide and work together to create a global identification system.

What is the UPC-A format?

The UPC-A (GTIN-12) format contains 12 digits and is used primarily in the United States and Canada. It is fully supported by major marketplaces and retailers, including Amazon, when paired with valid GS1-compliant product data.

What is the EAN-13 format?

The EAN-13 (GTIN-13) format contains 13 digits and is used internationally. It ensures that your products can be scanned and recognized correctly across global retail and online systems.

*Between these two formats, you can sell products internationally. Some companies’ POS systems may allow the use of one format interchangeably, but if you have concerns, check with the retailer first.

Are both UPC and EAN formats included with my purchase?

Yes. All GTINs we provide are issued by GS1-USA and are Pre-2002 numbers. The EANs we provide begin with a leading zero because they originate from GS1-USA. Every purchase includes both the UPC-A and EAN-13 versions of your barcode.

Why are GS1-USA GTINs the only barcodes that can be owned?

GTINs from GS1-USA are the only barcodes in the world that can be legally owned. In all other countries, GS1-issued EAN numbers must be rented or licensed directly from GS1 for significant ongoing fees. This difference exists because GS1-USA (formerly the U.C.C.) lost a major class-action lawsuit in 2002 regarding barcodes issued before August 2002. All barcodes we sell originate from those pre-2002 ranges and are grandfathered in under the settlement terms.