22 hours ago
Barcode Types Explained: EAN, UPC, CODE128 - Which One Do You Need?
Barcode Types Explained: EAN, UPC, CODE128 - Which One Do You Need?
Choosing the wrong barcode standard can mean your products won't scan at retail checkouts or your inventory system will reject them. Let's clarify what each type does and when to use it.
The Two Big Categories
- 1D (linear) barcodes: vertical stripes; ideal for point-of-sale.
- 2D barcodes: like QR — store more data, scannable from any angle.
EAN-13 (Global Retail Standard)
- 13 digits
- Used globally on consumer products
- Managed by GS1 (each country has its own prefix — Saudi Arabia is 628)
- Required by supermarkets and hypermarkets
EAN-8 (Compact Version)
- 8 digits — for very small products
- Same GS1 system
UPC-A (North American Standard)
- 12 digits
- Dominant in the US and Canada
- Structurally similar to EAN-13
CODE128 (Flexible Business Standard)
- Variable length (unlike EAN/UPC)
- Supports letters, numbers, and symbols
- Perfect for internal inventory codes, shipping labels, warehouse operations
- Not recognized by consumer retail systems as SKU
CODE39 (Legacy Standard)
- Older, less dense than CODE128
- Used in industrial, healthcare, and government contexts
- Encodes A-Z, 0-9, and few symbols
QR Code (2D)
- Stores URLs, text, contact info, WiFi credentials
- Not typically used for POS scanning of products
- Essential for ZATCA e-invoicing in Saudi Arabia
Which One Should You Use?
| Use case | Recommended barcode |
|---|---|
| Selling in Saudi supermarkets | EAN-13 (registered via GS1 KSA) |
| Selling in USA / Canada | UPC-A |
| Internal warehouse tracking | CODE128 |
| Shipping labels | CODE128 |
| ZATCA e-invoice | QR (special format) |
| Digital menu link | QR Code |
How to Get GS1 Registered
To sell in Saudi retail chains, register with GS1 KSA. Fees start around 1,500 SAR/year and you get a company prefix.
Free Barcode Generator
For internal SKUs and shipping, use our free barcode generator. Supports EAN-13, UPC, CODE128, and CODE39.
FAQ
Can I make my own EAN-13 without GS1?
Yes for internal use, but supermarkets won't accept it. Only registered GS1 codes are globally unique.
What resolution should I print at?
Minimum 300 DPI for reliable scanning at POS.
Full Inventory Management
Daqiq POS & Inventory supports all major barcode types and generates SKUs automatically.