How Do I Get a Barcode for My Product?

Retail barcode packages (EAN-13 format) can be purchased on our Retail Barcodes page.

You can also order via email (we will supply you with a pro forma invoice to pay by bank transfer).

What will I get?

If you order a standard retail barcode package, we will email the barcode numbers to you with the images as attached files.

You will receive:

– a unique EAN-13 barcode number;
– a PDF guarantee certificate
– barcode images (3 formats: jpeg, pdf, png, SVG)
– Barcode registration on barcodesdatabase.org
– Instructions for How to Use your Barcode

You can then easily incorporate the barcode images into your product packaging and start using your barcode.

2D Barcodes in 2025+

In 2025 onwards we recommend you also add 2D Barcode images to your packaging. These 2D Barcodes are generated from your EAN numbers and will eventually replace the EAN image. For now, add both. You can generate basic 2D Barcodes for free through our Customer Portal once you have bought barcodes from us.

Send to retailers

When a retailer first receives your barcode and product, they will scan the barcode into the system and input the product information. After this, whenever the barcode is scanned at the checkout, the product information will automatically appear.

The official retail barcode size is 37.29×25.93mm. The barcode can be officially shrunk to 80% of this (i.e. around 20x30mm) without the scannability being affected. However, if it is reduced much more than this, barcode scanners will occasionally have trouble scanning the barcode. Also, some retailers require that the barcode meet the minimum specifications, so, if at all possible, the barcode should be above 80% of the standard size. Full specifications can be seen here.

What more can you get?

ITF-14 Carton Codes

These are barcodes for the outer cartons made from your EAN-13 barcode for use on cartons of a set quantity of the item. i.e. a box of 12 may have an ITF-14 carton code on them. These are required by some retailers but are not always needed.

ISBN or ISSN Images

These are only required for books and magazines.

2D Barcode subscription for IBN Link

If you’re ready to take your packaging and digital experience to the next level, our IBN Link subscription service offers advanced features tailored for serious product data integration, retailer compliance, and digital engagement fully compatible with the GS1 Digital Link Standard.