If you’ve spent any time selling products online, you’ve inevitably encountered both EAN and UPC codes. They look similar—both are barcodes printed on product packaging—but they’re not interchangeable. Understanding the difference is essential for listing products correctly on global marketplaces.
What Is a UPC Code?
UPC stands for Universal Product Code. It’s a 12-digit barcode standard developed in the United States in the 1970s. UPC codes are the dominant barcode format in the US and Canada, and they’re required by most North American retailers and marketplaces.
When you scan a product at a US grocery store checkout, you’re scanning a UPC.
What Is an EAN Code?
EAN stands for European Article Number. It’s a 13-digit barcode standard developed as an extension of the UPC format. Despite its name, EAN is used worldwide—not just in Europe. It’s the dominant format in Europe, Asia, Australia, and most international markets.
An EAN-13 code is essentially a UPC code with a leading zero (or country-specific prefix) added to the front.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | UPC | EAN |
|---|---|---|
| Digits | 12 | 13 |
| Region of origin | USA / Canada | Worldwide |
| Administered by | GS1 US | GS1 (global) |
| Used primarily in | North America | Europe, Asia, Global |
| Backward compatible | Partially | Yes (includes UPC as subset) |
Are EAN and UPC Codes Compatible?
Mostly yes—with one important caveat. Modern barcode scanners and marketplace systems can read both EAN and UPC. An EAN-13 reader can read UPC-A codes because a UPC is simply an EAN with a leading zero.
However, some older point-of-sale systems in North America only read 12-digit UPC codes. If you’re selling to US retailers with legacy systems, UPC may be required explicitly.
Which One Does Amazon Require?
Amazon accepts both UPC and EAN codes globally, but with regional preferences:
- Amazon.com (US): UPC preferred, EAN accepted
- Amazon.co.uk / .de / .fr / .it / .es: EAN preferred, UPC accepted
- Amazon.co.jp: EAN / JAN required
The practical rule: if you’re selling globally on Amazon, having both a UPC and EAN for each product covers all bases—or use an EAN-13, which is universally compatible.
Which One Does eBay Require?
eBay accepts both UPC and EAN codes. When creating a listing, eBay asks for the “Product Identifier,” where you can enter either format. The system auto-detects based on digit count.
Can You Convert a UPC to an EAN?
Yes. To convert a UPC-A (12 digits) to EAN-13, simply add a leading zero: 012345678901 becomes 0012345678901. This is the standard conversion, and most marketplace systems handle it automatically.
However, for formal compliance purposes—especially when listing on European marketplaces—it’s better to use a proper EAN-13 issued through GS1 or a GS1-originating reseller.
Which Should You Buy?
Here’s a simple decision guide:
- Selling only in the US/Canada: UPC codes are sufficient
- Selling in Europe or Asia: EAN-13 codes are required or preferred
- Selling globally: EAN-13 works everywhere—including North America—making it the better choice for global sellers
GoodUPC Offers Both EAN and UPC Codes
Whether you need a UPC for your Amazon.com listings or EAN codes for your European marketplace expansion, GoodUPC provides GS1-originating codes in both formats. Every code is unique, never previously assigned, and ready to use on all major platforms immediately after purchase.
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