EAN/UPC
EAN/UPC bar codes are suitable for retail point-of-sale (POS) applications. They are limited to carrying Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) to identify each product line. Until the introduction of GS1 DataBar they are the only type of bar code specified for consumer units. EAN/UPC bar codes may also be used on outer cases.

GS1 DataBar
GS1 DataBar is a new GS1 bar code for use at retail POS. It can be smaller than EAN/UPC bar codes, or it can carry additional information, such as serial numbers, batch numbers or expiry dates. GS1 DataBar will become an open, global standard in 2014 but can be used today in certain situations.For more information on DataBar click here.

GS1-128
GS1-128 bar codes are generally used on cases, pallets and other logistic units. They can encode any of the GS1 Identification Keys and extra information such as serial or batch numbers, and expiry dates. These symbols cannot be used at retail POS.

ITF-14
ITF-14 bar codes are designed to be printed directly on corrugated cartons. They can only carry GTINs and cannot be used at retail POS.

GS1 Data Matrix
GS1 DataMatrix is the only two-dimensional symbol specified for use by GS1 and is becoming increasingly used in healthcare applications. GS1 DataMatrix requires camera-based scanners as opposed to the laser-based scanners generally used in retail supply chains and so it cannot be used at retail POS. For a full overview on GS1 DataMatrix please click here