Virtually all of the barcodes used by retailers worldwide are EAN or UPC symbols. These are standardised by the GS1 system, which has other barcodes for use on outer cases and logistics units, such as pallets. Some retailers, such as Lidl, use a very tall version of these symbols on their own label products, while others such as Ikea, use a different barcode, Code 39.

If you need to barcode your own branded products which will be sold in any shop, you will probably need an EAN barcode, but if you are unsure, then please contact us for help and advice or click here for a guide.