EAN-13 Country/GS1 Prefix Codes
The first 2-3 digits of an EAN-13 code identify the country where the manufacturer is registered (not necessarily where the product is made).
Product from Poland (590)
Product from UK (500)
Product from USA (030)
EAN-13 Barcode Generator: The Complete Guide
The EAN-13 (European Article Number) is a 13-digit barcode standard used worldwide for marking retail products. Our free online EAN-13 generator allows you to create standards-compliant barcodes instantly, ready for product packaging, inventory management, or retail applications.
What is an EAN-13 Barcode?
EAN-13 is the international standard for retail products and is used in over 100 countries globally. Each EAN-13 barcode consists of 13 digits: the first 2-3 digits represent the country code where the manufacturer is registered, the next 4-5 digits identify the manufacturer, followed by 5 digits for the product code, and the final digit is a check digit calculated automatically to verify the barcode's integrity.
How to Create an EAN-13 Barcode
Using our tool, you can generate an EAN-13 barcode in seconds. Simply enter 12 digits (the 13th check digit will be calculated automatically), customize the appearance if desired, and download your high-quality barcode image. For official product registration, you'll need to obtain a genuine EAN-13 number from your local GS1 organization, the official body that issues legitimate EAN codes for commercial use.
EAN-13 Barcode Structure
Every EAN-13 barcode follows a specific structure for encoding data. The barcode consists of left-hand guard patterns, a total of 12 data digits encoded in patterns of bars and spaces, center guard patterns, and right-hand guard patterns. The 13th digit (check digit) is calculated using a specific algorithm to ensure the barcode can be validated when scanned. Our generator handles all these technical details automatically, ensuring your barcodes meet the official specifications.
EAN-13 vs. UPC: What's the Difference?
UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit barcode system primarily used in the United States and Canada, while EAN-13 is used globally. The EAN-13 system is actually a superset of UPC—a UPC code is essentially an EAN-13 with a leading zero. This is why most modern scanners can read both formats. If you're selling products internationally, an EAN-13 code is generally recommended for broader compatibility.