GS1 UK partners
Find a GS1 UK approved partner to find products to meet your business needs
We’re here to help you with the new product identifier requirements for listing against eBay's product catalogue
From June 2015, eBay started requesting the use of product identifiers on listings – making it quicker and easier for buyers to find and compare products on eBay and search engines. They have continued this programme and include more categories with each seller release.
Take a look to see when your products will need a GS1 GTIN.
GS1 GTINs are unique product identifiers that sit under the barcode on almost every product, or against online listings. Previously referred to as an EAN in Europe or UPC in the USA, the GTIN is the correct term. eBay are now using these same numbers as product identifiers
Another benefit of using GS1 GTINs on eBay is that you will be able to surface your products on Google Shopping.
What you need to do next
To start assigning identifiers to your products, you’ll need a GS1 Company Prefix.
Follow the three easy steps to get started:
- Join GS1 UK online
- Receive your own unique GS1 Company Prefix
- Start assigning GS1 numbers and barcodes to your products
Join now to start assigning your GS1 numbers and barcodes
Once you’ve got your GS1 Company Prefix, you’ll be able to login to our member portal, which has tools and services to help you to manage all your GS1 barcode numbers and grow your business.
- My Numberbank – helping you to store and manage all the GS1 numbers you assign to your products - these are called Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs)
- Barcode image generator – create barcode images quickly and easily – and we’ll give you three free credits to get you started
- Support and guidance – we’re here to help you so if you need any help with implementing our standards, or how they can help your business grow – get in touch
Why get your numbers and barcodes from GS1 UK?
Here's just some of the benefits of getting your barcode numbers from us.
How much does it cost?
Membership fees
Join now to start assigning your GS1 numbers and barcodes
| Turnover | Annual licence fee | Allocation |
| up to £0.50m | £119 | Up to 1,000 numbers |
| £0.5m to £1m | £131 | Up to 1,000 numbers |
| £1m to £10m | £203 | Up to 1,000 numbers |
| £10m to £50m | £318 | Up to 10,000 numbers |
| £50m to £100m | £1,333 | Up to 10,000 numbers |
| £100m to £250m | £1,743 | Up to 10,000 numbers |
| £250m to £500m | £2,400 | Up to 100,000 numbers |
| £500m to £1bn | £2,900 | Up to 100,000 numbers |
| Over £1bn | £3,450 | Up to 100,000 numbers |
All prices exclude VAT
Frequently asked questions
What is an EAN?
A European Article Number (EAN) is the name given to the standard barcode image you see on most products sold around the world. It represents the number – or GTIN – you see beneath it. Retailers and marketplaces often ask for ‘EANs’ when you list your products with them. What they are really asking for is the GTIN, or barcode number, which you can create when you join GS1 UK.
What is a GTIN?
A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a number that uniquely identifies a product. You see them beneath the barcodes on almost every product in the world. Which is why they’re often called ‘barcode numbers’. In the UK and Europe they’re usually 13 digits long, in the US 12. You might see shorter 8 digit numbers, used on smaller products. There are even 14 digit versions, to identify cases of products. The same numbers are used to identify products sold online too. The important thing to know is that they are all licensed from GS1 organisations around the world – to guarantee their uniqueness. When you join GS1 UK you can create all the GTINs you need.
What’s the difference between a barcode from GS1 and others I see online?
More FAQs
There is only one place to get genuine GS1 GTINs and that’s directly through us, or one of our offices worldwide. We do not authorise any third parties to sell these. Other types of barcode numbers may not guarantee uniqueness to you.
If you have bought GS1 GTINs from another source you may find that you are not the registered owner. You can check this against our registry that is also used by major retailers and marketplaces for their verification.
I need GS1 barcode numbers (GTINs) for...
- selling products online
- listing and selling products on Amazon
- identifying products for Google Shopping
- trading with a retailer
- identifying healthcare products
- selling music in shops and on iTunes
- selling my products in the foodservice industry
- publishing a new book or magazine
The ultimate guide to GTINs, EANs and UPCs for Amazon, eBay and Google
Are you confused about GTINs, EANs and UPCs for use on Amazon, eBay or Google Shopping? We’ve teamed up with daytodayebay to help you find the answer to all your questions
Checklist to optimise your eBay listings
Check out our practical guide to improve the performance of your eBay listings
Learn more about the GS1 Company Prefix
Between the lines
Watch how we support our members to grow their business
Already a member?
If you are already a member of GS1 UK then please login to our members area where you can create GTINs and barcodes for your products