Before you print labels or enter numbers into a listing, run these five quick checks. They take a few minutes and prevent most problems.
- Count the digits. A UPC-A has 12 digits and an EAN-13 has 13 digits. Anything else is not a standard retail barcode.
- Validate the check digit. The last digit is calculated from the other digits. Paste your number into our free UPC & EAN validator. A wrong check digit is the most common typing error.
- Make sure each number is used once. Use one number per product variant and keep a simple list of which number belongs to which product, so you never assign the same number twice.
- Do a scan test. Generate or print the barcode and scan it with a phone scanner or a POS scanner. The scanner should show the same digits you entered.
- Know what you bought. Resold numbers belong to an older company prefix, so a GS1 lookup shows the original prefix owner, not your brand. This is fine for many online listings. Some marketplaces and retailers ask for proof of brand ownership. If you plan to apply for such a program, ask the platform first.
Not sure? Email [email protected] with your order number before using the numbers. Refund requests follow our refund policy, including its 15-day window and conditions.
What does a GS1 lookup show?
GS1 offers lookup tools that show the company prefix behind a number. For resold numbers the result points to the original prefix holder. That is expected and is described openly on our product pages.