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What is the difference between Barcode Symbols and which one do I need to use?

There are many types of barcodes symbols used in retail, healthcare, and other spaces. Below you will find a breakdown of the different types of symbols you may be asked to provide, as well as their sizing specifications.

Symbols can be broken down into different categories depending on where and how they are used. The most common type are retail barcodes, but you may also be asked to provide barcodes for your logistics units.

Tip - If you aren't sure which symbol is the right one, the best place to start is by asking your trading partners what they require.

Retail Barcodes

Retail barcodes are GTINs and symbols that are scanned at Point of Sale and sold directly to the consumer. 

  • EAN-13: The EAN 13 symbol is the most commonly used of all the GS1 symbols. It is the symbol typically found on most items sold at a retail point of sale. 
  • EAN-8: The EAN 8 symbol is used to print the 8 digit GTIN numbers used to identify very small retail products. The numbers are assigned directly by GS1 Ireland to a specific product. If you think your product needs a GTIN-8, please contact the Helpdesk for more information.
  • UPC-A: The UPC-A symbol is used for the 12 digit retail barcode numbers  intended for sale in-store in North America where your trading partner cannot accommodate a 13-digit number in their systems. Please check with your retail partner or distributor about GTIN requirements as many can now accept a 13-digit GTIN.

 

Logistics Barcodes

Logistics barcodes are used on logistics units such as cases and pallets. A logistic unit is an item of any composition established for transport and/or storage and that needs to be managed through the supply chain.

  • ITF-14: The ITF 14 symbol is used for trade items not passing the point of sale and is ideal for use where the symbol is to be pre-printed onto corrugated fibreboard.
  • GS1-128: GS1 128, together with Application Identifiers (AIs), enable companies to provide additional information about a product in addition to the GTIN. A GS1 128 can include the best by date, batch number, weight in kilograms, and other information as required by you trading partner.

 

2D Barcodes

Barcode symbols can be broken down into 2 types - Linear and 2D. The above symbols are linear barcodes. They can only contain numbers and are made up of lines and spaces of various widths based on the GTIN used to create the symbol.

Unlike a linear barcode, a 2D symbol can contain alpha-numeric characters and doesn't use a linear structure for the symbol.

Currently, 2D barcodes are mainly used by healthcare companies to identify pharmaceutical products, surgical instruments, and other application.

  • GS1 Data Matrix: GS1 Data Matrix is a two-dimensional symbol with specific healthcare applications in the GS1 System. Data Matrix symbols require image-based scanners to be read. Typical use cases are pharmaceutical product identification and surgical instrument marking.


For more information on Retail Barcodes, please download our Express Guide to Retail Barcodes.