Consumer unit sold at checkout
Use the GTIN assigned to that exact trade item and encode a GTIN-13 as EAN-13. Keep all 13 human-readable digits below the symbol and confirm retailer requirements before printing.
Food product barcode guide
How to prepare an EAN-13 barcode for a food product
A barcode image is the final step, not the product number itself. Start with the correct GTIN for the exact product variant, then generate, place, print and scan-test the EAN-13 symbol before packaging goes into production.
Open the EAN-13 generatorFrom product decision to printed label
| Stage | What to decide | Expected result | Useful tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify | Exact product, brand, quantity and packaging level | One authorised GTIN for that trade item | Your GS1 Member Organisation |
| Validate | Length, leading zeroes and calculated final check digit | A structurally valid GTIN-13 | GS1 calculator or this validator |
| Create | EAN-13 size, colour, quiet zones and readable digits | Print-ready barcode artwork | EAN-13 generator |
| Verify | Actual package, material, printer and production process | A label that scans in its intended environment | Scanner test and barcode verifier |
Choose the correct identification level
Different flavour, weight or pack count
Treat a commercially different variant as a separate trade item. Do not reuse the same retail identifier merely because the brand or package design is similar.
Case or outer packaging
A case can require a different GTIN and a logistics carrier such as ITF-14 or GS1-128. Do not automatically copy the consumer-unit EAN-13 onto every packaging level.
Expiry date or batch number required
EAN-13 carries the product identifier only. Use GS1-128 or GS1 DataMatrix when the process also needs batch, expiry or serial data.
Example identifiers and labels
Valid GTIN-13
5901234123457The final 7 is calculated from the preceding twelve digits. The generator rejects a complete identifier with a mismatched check digit.
Twelve digits supplied
590123412345The tool can append a calculated check digit, but it cannot confirm that the number was licensed to your company.
Batch and expiry
(01)05901234123457 (17)270630 (10)LOT42This is Application Identifier data for a GS1 carrier, not content for a plain EAN-13 symbol.
Mistakes that cause retail problems
- Inventing a 13-digit retail number in a graphics tool. A correct check digit proves the structure, not ownership or global uniqueness. Obtain the GTIN through GS1.
- Using one GTIN for products that differ in a way relevant to ordering, pricing or supply-chain handling, such as weight, recipe or pack count.
- Cropping the quiet zones, placing artwork too close to the bars or using unsuitable bar and background colours.
- Testing only a PNG on a monitor. Print scale, material, package curvature and finishing can change scan quality.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make up an EAN-13 number for a food product?
Not for a product that needs a globally unique GS1 identifier. This tool renders and validates structure; it does not assign GTINs. Obtain the identifier through GS1.
Does every flavour or package size need a different barcode?
When variants are separate trade items for ordering or sale, they normally require distinct GTINs. Apply current GS1 GTIN Management rules to the exact change.
Can EAN-13 include a batch number or expiry date?
No. EAN-13 represents the GTIN. Batch, expiry and serial data use GS1 Application Identifiers in a suitable carrier such as GS1-128 or GS1 DataMatrix.
Is scanning with a phone enough to approve packaging?
A phone scan is a useful basic check but does not replace formal verification of dimensions and print quality when a retailer or production process requires it.