North America Barcodes
What type of barcode do I need for North America?
UPC barcodes are the best type of barcode to use in the USA & Canada.
North America Barcodes for Retail Products are UPC Format Barcodes. Most products in North American retail stores use UPC barcodes (also called UPC-A barcodes). If you are selling your product only in the USA or Canada then we recommend putting UPC barcodes on your products because they are the most common type of retail barcode used in North America. However if you are selling your products internationally too, then we recommend putting EAN-13 barcodes on your products (EAN-13 are the international standard for retail barcodes, and they can be used on retail products anywhere worldwide including in the USA and Canada).
If you’re not sure which kind of barcode you need for your product, our quick rule of thumb is as follows:
Selling in the USA or Canada only = UPC-A
Selling in any other country (or internationally) = EAN-13
Buy UPC Barcodes for North America here
What you’ll receive:
- Quick and easy barcode service!
- One-off payment (no renewal or annual fees)
- Instant delivery of your EAN or UPC barcode numbers (GTINs) and images by email after you make payment.
- Globally unique GS1 origin barcode numbers are suitable for use on retail products in North America and worldwide.
- High-quality barcode images generated in several formats
- Certificate of GTIN assignment (proof of GTIN ownership).
- Free product registration on International Barcodes Database and also on IBN Verified (International Barcodes Network Registry).
Our UPC barcodes are suitable for use on products either made or sold in the USA or Canada. They can also be used internationally.
How many barcodes do I need?
How to use your barcodes on your retail products:
- When you receive your barcodes by email, you can choose which barcode number to assign to which product.
- Apply the barcode image to your product label or packaging. You can resize the barcode image, but make sure it is at least 20mm high x 30mm wide (this is the minimum recommended size).
- Give your retailer a list of your barcode numbers & the product details associated with them (including the price). Your retailer may ask you to complete some product information forms.
- Your retailer will connect the barcode number & product details together in their inventory system. After that, when your barcode is scanned the correct product details and price will appear on the retailer’s system.
- You may also want to register your barcode on International Barcodes Database and also on IBN Verified (International Barcodes Network Registry). This is optional but increases the profile of your products on the internet. Instructions for how to register your barcodes will be in your barcode order email.