What Is the Difference Between UPC, EAN, and GTIN? A Guide for Pakistani Businesses

If you manufacture products in Pakistan or run an ecommerce business, you may have heard the terms UPC, EAN, and GTIN. These terms are commonly used when discussing product barcodes, retail packaging, and selling products through shops or online marketplaces.

But what is the difference between them? Which barcode format should you choose for products sold in Pakistan, and do you need to obtain your barcodes directly from GS1?

Understanding these terms before purchasing barcodes can help you choose the right option for your business.

In this guide, we explain the differences in simple language and help Pakistani manufacturers, wholesalers, and online sellers make an informed decision.

What Is a GTIN?

GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number. It is a product identification number used to distinguish one trade item from another.

For example, a skincare brand may sell a face wash in two different sizes. If those sizes are treated as distinct retail trade items, each generally requires its own GTIN.

GTINs are used throughout retail and supply chains to identify products consistently.

A GTIN is the number, not the barcode image itself. The number can be represented by a barcode symbol so compatible scanners can read it.

GS1 manages the global standards used for GTINs and related barcode systems.

What Is a UPC Barcode?

UPC stands for Universal Product Code. UPC-A is a common retail barcode format that represents a 12-digit GTIN.

UPC barcodes are widely used in the United States and Canada. They are also encountered in international commerce, depending on the retailer's requirements.

Businesses exporting products from Pakistan to North America may need UPC barcodes if their buyers or sales channels request them.

Before purchasing, confirm whether your retailer requires a GS1-issued identifier or accepts another barcode source.

What Is an EAN-13 Barcode?

EAN-13 is a retail barcode format that represents a 13-digit GTIN.

It is widely used for retail products in Pakistan and many other markets around the world.

You may find EAN-13 barcodes on products such as:

• Clothing and fashion accessories

• Cosmetics and skincare products

• Food and packaged goods

• Household and cleaning products

• Electronics and accessories

• Toys and consumer goods

For businesses selling products in Pakistani retail stores, EAN-13 is a common format to consider. However, the retailer's requirements should always determine your final choice.

UPC vs EAN vs GTIN: What Is the Difference?

Here is a simple comparison.

GTIN is the broader term for the product identifier. UPC-A and EAN-13 are two ways to represent GTINs in retail barcode formats.

Other GTIN formats also exist, including GTIN-8 for certain small products and GTIN-14 for cases or other packaging levels.

Which Barcode Is Best for Products Sold in Pakistan?

The best barcode depends on your product, your customers, and where you intend to sell.

If You Sell in Local Shops and Supermarkets

EAN-13 is a common retail barcode format to consider for products sold in Pakistan.

If you plan to supply supermarkets, distributors, or established retail chains, ask them about their barcode and product-registration requirements before purchasing.

Some retailers require identifiers issued directly by GS1 and may check the relationship between the identifier and your company or brand.

If You Sell on Daraz or Other Online Marketplaces

Marketplace requirements can vary by platform, product category, and seller account.

Before purchasing a barcode, check whether the marketplace requires a specific identifier source, allows exemptions, or accepts your proposed barcode type.

Do not assume that a barcode will automatically be accepted simply because it scans correctly.

If You Export Products From Pakistan

If you plan to export products, ask your importer or overseas retailer which identifiers they require.

A business supplying international retail chains may face different requirements from a business selling directly to customers through its own website.

Confirming these requirements early can help prevent packaging and listing problems later.

Do Pakistani Businesses Have to Register Every Barcode With GS1?

Not every business has the same barcode requirements.

GS1 is the official source for identifiers issued within the GS1 system. If your retailer or marketplace specifically requires GS1-issued GTINs, you should obtain them through GS1 Pakistan or the relevant GS1 member organisation.

Other barcode packages may be available from independent sellers, but these are not automatically equivalent to newly assigned GS1 identifiers.

Before buying from an independent provider, verify the source of the numbers, the assignment terms, and whether your intended sales channel accepts them.

You can find official information from GS1 here:

https://www.gs1.org/standards/get-barcodes

For Pakistani businesses seeking GS1 services, visit the official GS1 Pakistan website at https://www.gs1pk.org/.

GS1 Barcodes vs One-Time-Payment Barcode Packages

If you need barcodes for your business, it is worth understanding the purchasing options available to you.

Option 1: Obtain GS1-Issued Identifiers

Choose this route when you need GTINs issued directly by GS1, particularly if your retailer, distributor, or marketplace requires them.

The fees and renewal terms depend on the relevant GS1 organisation and the option you choose. Check the current fees directly with GS1 Pakistan before applying.

Option 2: Choose a Barcode Package From RetailBarcode.com

If your intended sales channel does not require identifiers issued directly by GS1 and accepts the type of barcode package offered, an independent barcode package may be a suitable alternative.

RetailBarcode.com offers barcode packages with a one-time payment and no annual renewal fee charged by us for the purchased package.

Depending on the selected package, you can receive:

• UPC or EAN barcode numbers

• Barcode graphics in supported file formats

• A barcode certificate

• Digital delivery

• Customer support

This option can help businesses plan their barcode purchasing costs without an ongoing annual renewal fee payable to RetailBarcode.com.

However, acceptance depends on the retailer's policies and the source and assignment of the product identifiers. Our packages are not a substitute for GS1-issued identifiers when GS1 issuance is specifically required.

Not sure which option is suitable for your products? Confirm the requirements with your intended retailer or marketplace before ordering.

You can explore the available packages at https://retailbarcode.com/.

How Many Barcodes Does a Pakistani Business Need?

The number of barcodes required depends on the number of distinct products and variations you sell.

For example, imagine a clothing business sells a shirt in three sizes and two colours. If each size and colour combination is a distinct retail trade item, the business would generally need six unique product identifiers.

Similarly, separate identifiers may be required for different:

• Product sizes or weights

• Colours and models

• Flavours or formulations

• Pack quantities

• Product types

Identical units of the same identified trade item generally use the same barcode. You do not need to purchase a new identifier for every individual unit.

Prepare a product list before ordering so you can select a suitable barcode quantity.

How to Use a Barcode on Your Product Packaging

After obtaining an appropriate product identifier, you can place the corresponding barcode graphic on your product packaging or label.

Follow these practical guidelines:

1. Make sure the printed digits match the intended identifier.

2. Use a suitable barcode size and high-quality printing.

3. Maintain adequate contrast between the bars and background.

4. Preserve the required blank space around the barcode.

5. Avoid stretching, distorting, or placing the barcode over folds.

6. Test a sample with a compatible scanner before printing in bulk.

Also follow your retailer's packaging specifications, especially if you are supplying supermarkets or exporting products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EAN-13 suitable for products sold in Pakistan?

EAN-13 is widely used for retail products in Pakistan and many other markets. However, you should confirm the required format and identifier source with your retailer or marketplace.

Is UPC better than EAN-13?

Neither format is universally better. UPC-A represents a 12-digit GTIN, while EAN-13 represents a 13-digit GTIN. Choose the format required by your intended sales channel.

Can I use a barcode purchased online in Pakistan?

Possibly, depending on the barcode source, assignment terms, and the retailer's requirements. Check those requirements before purchasing, especially if your products will be supplied to a major retail chain or online marketplace.

Do barcode numbers include the product price?

Generally, a standard retail product barcode represents a product identifier rather than its price. The retailer's inventory or point-of-sale system links that identifier to product details and pricing.

Can I use the same barcode for different products?

Generally, different trade items requiring distinct identification need separate identifiers. Identical units of the same identified product can use the same barcode.

Where can I buy barcodes in Pakistan?

You can obtain GS1-issued identifiers through GS1 Pakistan. Alternatively, if your retailer accepts the type of barcode package offered, you can explore the packages available at RetailBarcode.com.

Get the Right Barcodes for Your Products

Understanding the difference between UPC, EAN, and GTIN helps you make a more informed decision when preparing products for retail or ecommerce.

For many products sold in Pakistan, EAN-13 is a common retail barcode format. The most important step, however, is confirming your retailer's requirements before purchasing.

If your sales channel accepts the type of barcode package we offer, RetailBarcode.com provides a convenient way to explore UPC and EAN options with a one-time payment and no annual renewal fee charged by us for the purchased package.

Ready to get started?

Visit https://retailbarcode.com/ to explore our available barcode packages and choose the quantity that suits your product range.

Please verify barcode-source requirements with your intended retailer or marketplace before purchasing. Barcode acceptance is not guaranteed across every sales channel.