A Universal Product Code (UPC) is the name given to the standard barcode used on products sold in North America. It represents the number – or GTIN – you see beneath the barcode. These days it’s completely compatible with the EAN barcodes used everywhere else in the world. So if you get asked for a UPC by a retailer or marketplace, they’re really asking for the GTIN, or barcode number, for your product, which you can create when you join GS1 UK.

If you are still being told that GTIN-13/EAN barcodes are not accepted and as a result, you do in fact require GTIN-12/UPC barcodes for your products, you will need to contact GS1 US in order to obtain these for your business and a link that will provide you with their contact details is outlined below: