EAN-13 vs Code 128: Which Barcode Format to Choose for E-commerce?

The Quick Answer for E-commerce Sellers

Starting an online business is exciting, but the technical details can be confusing. If a seller is rushing to decide Which barcode format to choose for e-commerce, the answer is actually quite simple. It depends on where the code will be used.

Here is the basic rule of thumb to follow:

• Choose EAN-13 (or UPC): Use this if the goal is to sell a product directly to a customer. This code goes on the colorful product box. It allows the item to be scanned at a grocery store checkout or listed on major sites like Amazon.
• Choose Code 128: Use this for the “invisible” work. This format is perfect for shipping labels on brown cardboard boxes or for tracking inventory inside a private warehouse. It is for logistics, not for the cash register.

Below, we will explore the detailed Difference between EAN-13 and Code 128 so every business owner can make the right choice without wasting money.

What is EAN-13? (The Retail Standard)

The EAN-13 is the most famous barcode in the world. EAN stands for “European Article Number,” but don’t let the name fool you. Today, it is used everywhere, from Tokyo to New York. It is the standard code found on almost every item in a store, whether it is a bottle of water, a toy, or a magazine.

Key Features of EAN-13

To understand Which barcode format to choose for e-commerce, one must know what EAN-13 can and cannot do:

• Numbers Only: This barcode is strict. It can only hold numbers from 0 to 9. It cannot store letters like A, B, or C.
• Fixed Length: It is not flexible. It always contains exactly 13 digits.
• Purpose: It is designed specifically for “Point of Sale” (POS). This means it is built to be scanned very fast by a cashier so customers don’t have to wait in line.
• Global Use: This is the language of international trade. If a brand wants to sell goods in supermarkets or on global websites, this is the required format.

What is Code 128? (The Logistics Powerhouse)

On the other hand, Code 128 is the workhorse of the shipping world. It is very flexible and powerful. Customers rarely notice this code, but delivery drivers and warehouse workers use it every single day. It is not used for selling a single can of soda; instead, it tracks the box that holds the soda.

Key Features of Code 128

Code 128 is different because it allows for more information:

• Letters and Numbers: This is a huge advantage. It can hold numbers (0-9), uppercase letters (A-Z), lowercase letters (a-z), and even symbols.
• Variable Length: It can be short or very long. A business can make a code that is just 3 characters long or one that is 20 characters long.
• High Density: It is very efficient. It can squeeze a lot of complicated data into a small sticker.
• Purpose: It is used for shipping labels (like those from FedEx, UPS, or DHL), employee ID badges, and tracking bins inside a warehouse.

Comparison: Difference between EAN-13 and Code 128

Sometimes, seeing a side-by-side comparison helps. The table below highlights the main Difference between EAN-13 and Code 128 to make the decision easier.

Which Barcode Format to Choose for E-commerce?

When running an online store, a seller will likely need to use both types of barcodes. They serve different jobs at different times. Here are three common scenarios to help clarify the choice.

Scenario 1: You are manufacturing a product to sell

The Best Choice: EAN-13

Imagine a seller creates a new brand of organic shampoo. To sell this bottle on Amazon, eBay, or at a local shop, it needs a unique ID.

• The seller must use an EAN-13 (or UPC in the USA).
• Retail scanners at checkout counters are programmed to look for this specific 13-digit number.
• Using a different code here would cause errors at the register.

Scenario 2: You are shipping a box to a customer

The Best Choice: Code 128

Now, imagine the seller puts that shampoo bottle into a shipping box to mail it to a buyer.

• The shipping label needs to hold complex data, like the tracking number or the customer’s address code.
• Code 128 is perfect here because it can store letters and long strings of numbers.
• This ensures the package arrives at the right house.

Scenario 3: You are organizing your own warehouse

The Best Choice: Code 128

Finally, the seller needs to organize their stockroom. They want to label a specific shelf “Shelf-A-Row-1.”

• Since this is for internal use only, there is no need to pay for an official code.
• Code 128 allows the seller to type “Shelf-A-Row-1” into a free generator and print a label.
• It costs $0 USD and helps keep the business organized.

FAQ

Q: Can I use Code 128 to sell products in a store?

A: Generally, no. Most grocery store scanners are simple computers. They are programmed to expect EAN-13 or UPC codes. If a product has a Code 128, the machine might beep an error, or the cashier will have to type the price by hand, which slows everything down.

Q: Is UPC the same as EAN-13?

A: They are cousins. UPC (Universal Product Code) is 12 digits long and is the standard in the United States and Canada. EAN-13 is 13 digits long and is used in the rest of the world. Modern scanners can read both, but sellers should pick the one that matches their main country.

Q: Do I have to pay for Code 128?

A: No, Code 128 is free to use. It is an “open standard.” Anyone can download a free font or use a free website to create these barcodes for their own warehouse or shipping needs. You do not need to register or pay a fee.

Q: Why do Amazon FBA labels look different?

A: Amazon uses a special system called “FNSKU” for items in their warehouses. These labels often use Code 128 technology. This is because Amazon needs to track exactly which seller sent the item, so they use a mix of letters and numbers that only Code 128 can handle.