Our standard barcode packages include both EAN-13 (International Article Number) and UPC-A (Universal Product Code) formats. The numbers we sell originate from the Uniform Code Council (now GS1-US). The EAN-13 version is prefixed with “07”, “06”, or “08”, allowing the barcodes to be read as either:
- EAN-13 (13 digits): By including the leading zero.
- UPC-A (12 digits): By omitting the leading zero.
Example:
- EAN-13 version (with leading zero): 0712356000015
- UPC-A version (without leading zero): 712356000015
Key Differences Between EAN-13 and UPC-A
- The EAN-13 (13 digits) is a superset of UPC-A (12 digits). The barcode symbology and vertical bars are identical.
- Both formats carry the same numerical and visual information and are globally recognised by scanners.
- The primary difference is historical:
- UPC-A is widely used in the United States and Canada.
- EAN-13 is primarily used in other regions.
- Since 2005, modern scanners have been able to read both formats interchangeably, ensuring global compatibility.
Scanning and Retail Systems
- Some scanners may be configured to drop or include the leading zero:
- If using the EAN-13 version, scanners dropping the leading zero will read it as a 12-digit UPC-A code.
- If using the UPC-A version, scanners adding the leading zero will read it as a 13-digit EAN-13 code.
- Regardless of the format, your product will scan correctly and be identified at the point of sale.
Recommendation
For products sold in Singapore, we recommend using the EAN-13 format. However, both formats are valid globally and can be used interchangeably.
Ready to purchase EAN-13 and UPC-A barcodes? Buy Barcodes here.