What is the difference between a GS1 GTIN, a barcode, an EAN, and a UPC?

GS1 GTINs vary in length depending on the type of product or where you get your licence. Some GS1 GTIN formats are more common in some countries. All formats of GS1 GTIN are usually accepted by all marketplaces and retailers around the world but it is best to check with your trading partners what they can accept.

Here are the different GS1 GTIN formats you might encounter:

• GTIN-12 is also called UPC. It’s a 12-digit number mostly used in North America
• GTIN-13 is also called EAN or JAN. It’s a 13-digit number mostly used in Europe and rest of the world.
• GTIN-14 is a 14-digit number used for cases and packaging
• GTIN-8 is an 8-digit number used for smaller-sized items.
• ISBN is a 13-digit number used for books.
• ISSN is a 13-digit number used for “serial publications” like newspapers or magazines.

If you receive an error when completing the product identifier field when adding a product to a marketplace, please refer to our article "I'm having trouble listing my barcodes on Amazon" that addresses the most common resolutions.