Barcodes for Shopify & Shopify POS
UPC-A vs EAN-13: Which Barcode Format Should You Use?
When setting up barcodes for your products, especially in Shopify or multi-channel retail, choosing the right format is critical. UPC-A and EAN-13 are the two most common barcode types used globally—but they are not interchangeable in every context.
What Is the Difference Between UPC-A and EAN-13?
- UPC-A is a 12-digit barcode format primarily used in the United States and Canada.
- EAN-13 is a 13-digit format used widely in Europe, Asia, and other international markets.
Both are part of the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) family and are recognized by most retail systems. Most barcode scanners and POS systems can read both formats, but the distinction matters depending on where your products are sold and how they’re registered.
When to Use UPC-A
Use UPC-A if your business primarily operates in North America and you are registering your barcodes through GS1 US. Most major North American retailers and marketplaces expect products to use this format by default. UPC-A is also what most Shopify sellers in the U.S. start with when creating GTINs for their listings.
When to Use EAN-13
Use EAN-13 if you are selling internationally, particularly in regions like Europe or Australia, or if your barcodes are registered outside the U.S. EAN-13 is the global standard in many countries and is accepted across international marketplaces and distributors.
What Happens If You Choose the Wrong Format?
In most cases, Shopify and modern POS systems will accept either format, but some external platforms may reject your product data if the wrong format is used or if your barcode isn't officially registered. It's best to match your barcode type to the region and sales channels you target.
For internal tracking or shelf labels, you can also use other formats like Code 128. However, these are not substitutes for UPC or EAN barcodes when selling through retail or online marketplaces.
The SKUGen App helps stores stay organized by generating internal SKUs and supporting barcode assignment workflows. If you’re combining internal and external barcoding, tools like this reduce duplication and simplify variant-level tracking.
Want to learn more?
Below are expert guides on key topics every Shopify merchant should understand
- SKUGen for Shopify: SKU Format Rules, Examples, and Bulk Setup
- Set Up a SKU Format That Works for Variants
- What Needs to Be on a Retail Shelf Label
- SKU vs UPC: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Use?
- Do You Need a UPC for Every Shopify Product?
- What Is Code 128 and When Should You Use It Instead of UPC?
