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Complete Guide to Barcode Types
EAN13 - Global Retail Standard
The EAN-13 barcode is the international standard for retail product labeling, consisting of:
- 3-digit country code
- 5-digit manufacturer code
- 5-digit product code
- 1 check digit
CODE128 - Industrial Applications
Preferred for logistics and inventory management due to:
- Full ASCII 128 character support
- High density encoding
- GS1-128 compatibility
Industry-Standard Barcode Specifications
UPC-A: North American Retail Standard
The UPC-A barcode is mandatory for all retail products in North America with key features:
- 12-digit numerical format
- First 6 digits: Manufacturer ID
- Next 5 digits: Product ID
- Last digit: Modulo-10 check digit
- Required for Walmart, Amazon FBA, and major retailers
GS1-128: Logistics & Healthcare
Global standard for supply chain management:
- Encodes product batches and expiration dates
- Required for FDA medical device tracking
- Supports AIAG automotive standards
- Compliant with HSCC healthcare guidelines
Barcode Implementation Guide
Printing Requirements
| Format | Min Width | Min Height | DPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail (UPC/EAN) | 1.469" | 1.02" | 300+ |
| Logistics (GS1-128) | 4" | 1.5" | 600+ |
Scanner Compatibility
- Laser Scanners: Best for UPC/EAN at retail POS
- Imager Scanners: Required for 2D & damaged barcodes
- Rugged Scanners: For warehouse and industrial use
Compliance & Legal Standards
US Regulations
- FDA UDI requirements for medical devices
- DOD IUID mandates for military assets
- Retail compliance with GS1 US standards
Global Standards
- ISO/IEC 15420: EAN/UPC specifications
- ISO/IEC 15417: CODE128 standards
- GS1 General Specifications v22.0