How to get a barcode for your product

If you're launching a product for shops, Amazon or Google Shopping, you need a GS1 barcode number, a GTIN. Here's how to get one, how many you need, and what to avoid.

By the BarcodePilot team · Updated

Pallet racking in a distribution warehouse
Pallet racking in a distribution warehouse.

Step 1: work out how many numbers you need

Every distinct item you sell needs its own GTIN, including every size, colour, flavour and pack count. A candle in 4 scents and 2 sizes is 8 GTINs. Add bundles and multipacks sold as their own units, and leave room for products you'll launch in the next year or two.

Step 2: get your numbers from GS1

GS1 is the non-profit standards body that issues product barcodes worldwide, through national member organisations.

  • In the US: GS1 US offers single GTINs (a one-off fee for one number, good for one or a few products) and company prefixes (a block of 10, 100, 1,000 or more numbers with an annual renewal fee). A prefix also lets you make ITF-14 carton codes and SSCC pallet labels.
  • Elsewhere: join your national GS1, such as GS1 UK, GS1 Germany or GS1 Australia. Fees usually depend on your turnover.

Prices change, so check your GS1 office's current price list.

A handheld computer scanning parcel barcodes
A handheld computer scanning parcel barcodes.

What about cheap barcodes from resellers?

Some websites sell UPCs for a few dollars each. These are usually numbers from old company prefixes licensed before 2002, which GS1 says can't be transferred. They show up in GS1's database under a different company's name, or none. Amazon checks GTINs against GS1's data and may reject listings or ask for proof of ownership, and many retailers require GS1 membership. If you only sell on your own website, you may not need GTINs at all.

Step 3: assign numbers to products

  1. Log in to your GS1 account (GS1 US calls it Data Hub) and assign a number to each product.
  2. Enter the product details: brand, description, size, image. This is what marketplaces see when they check your number.
  3. Keep a simple spreadsheet too: GTIN, product, variation, date assigned. Never reuse a number for a different product.

Step 4: make the barcode artwork

With your number assigned, make the barcode with our UPC generator (US) or EAN-13 generator. Give your packaging designer the SVG or PDF, or use the PNG at 300 DPI for labels. Many sellers with many products use the bulk generator to make them all at once.

Step 5: print and test

  • Print at 100% of standard size if you have space (about 37 × 26 mm), never below 80%.
  • Black bars on a white background, on a flat part of the pack.
  • Leave the blank margin on both sides.
  • Scan a printed proof before approving a packaging run.

Selling on Amazon

Amazon asks for a GTIN when you create most new listings. If you're the brand owner and your products have no barcodes, you can apply for a GTIN exemption, and enrolling in Amazon Brand Registry can help. For FBA you'll also print Amazon's own FNSKU labels; see our FNSKU label generator.

Container cranes at the Port of Southampton
Container cranes at the Port of Southampton.

Questions

  • Making the barcode image is free. The number (GTIN) comes from GS1; in the US you can buy a single GTIN or a company prefix with an annual fee. Check GS1's current prices.

  • For most new listings, yes: a GTIN (UPC or EAN), unless you get a GTIN exemption as the brand owner.

  • No. Barcodes are optional there, though they help if you'll later sell to shops or on Google Shopping.

  • GS1 doesn't allow numbers to be sold or transferred, except when a company or brand is acquired.