Barcode/Tag |
Display |
Capacity |
Data structure |
Usage |
Examples |
EAN-13
|
 |
13 digits |
GTIN-13 |
For marking products often sold at retail point-of-sale. It encodes the GTIN-13 and is more commonly used outside of North America, although able to be used globally. |
Used on retail items that cross point-of-sale applications such as cans of soup, chocolate bars, medicines, medical devices. |
EAN-8
|
 |
8 digits |
GTIN-8 |
Used on small packages where the EAN-13 barcode would be too large. It encodes the GTIN-8. |
Used on small retail items such as cosmetics, that cross point-of-sale applications. |
UPC-A
|
 |
12 digits |
GTIN-12 |
Encodes a GTIN-12 to uniquely identify a product and is most commonly used for retailer point-of-sale within North America, although able to be used globally. |
Used on retail items that cross point-of-sale applications. |
UPC-E
|
 |
12 digits |
GTIN-12 |
Allows the use of certain GTIN-12s on smaller packages, in North America where the UPC-A may not fit. It utilizes a zero-suppression method to compress the GTIN-12 into an 8-digit format. |
Used on small retail items such as cosmetics, packs of chewing gum, and cigarettes. |
GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional
|
 |
14 digits |
GTIN-8
GTIN-12
GTIN-13 |
Used to condense the GTIN into a more compact barcode suitable for use on small packages and loose fresh produce. It has the capability for omnidirectional scanning. |
Used on very small items such as loose unpacked fruits. |
GS1 DataMatrix |
 |
Up to 2,335 characters |
Concatenated strings using GS1 Application Identifiers |
A two-dimensional barcode. It requires image-based scanners. |
Direct part marking of surgical instruments and rail components. Printed on Logistics Labels and grocery items at POS*.
Approved for Retail POS*
The only 2D barcode approved for use in the Australian Rail industry.
Preferred barcode for healthcare sector, particularly for regulated pharmacy and medical devices.
|
DataMatrix
|
 |
High character capacity |
GS1 Digital Link URI syntax |
A two-dimensional barcode to encode GS1 Digital Link URIs to extend product packaging to brand-authorised online information and experiences. |
Scanned by consumers using mobile devices to access product information on the web.
Approved for Retail POS*
|
QR Code
|
 |
High character capacity |
GS1 Digital Link URI syntax |
A two-dimensional barcode to encode GS1 Digital Link URIs to extend product packaging to brand-authorised online information and experiences. |
Scanned by consumers using mobile devices to access product information on the web.
Approved for Retail POS*
|
GS1 QR Code
|
 |
High character capacity |
Concatenated strings using GS1 Application Identifiers |
Designed to be read by specific scanners and smartphone apps. A two-dimensional barcode. |
Not approved for general retail POS. |
GS1-128
|
 |
Up to 48 characters |
Concatenated strings using GS1 Application Identifiers |
Uses a series of GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) to include additional data such as best before date, batch/lot number, quantity, weight, and many other attributes. It also encodes the SSCC when used on logistic labels. |
Used on cases, pallets, and logistic units in general distribution. Not for retail POS. |
ITF-14 |
 |
14 digits |
GTIN-12
GTIN-13
GTIN-14 |
Generally used on higher packaging levels of a product, such as a case or carton. It lends itself well to be directly printed on corrugated material. |
Used on cases, pallets, and logistic units in general distribution. Not for retail POS. |