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.
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.
To start assigning GS1 numbers and barcodes to your products, follow the three easy steps to get started:
Once you’ve become a GS1 UK member, you’ll be able to log in to our member portal, called My GS1, which has the tools and services to help you to manage all your GS1 barcode numbers.
This is perfect for any business who wants to get started.
Join today for £100 per year (+VAT) and get:
This offer is for new members only and for a limited time so join today.
Here's just some of the benefits of getting your barcode numbers from us.
Exclusive offer which is perfect for any business who wants to get started. This offer is for new members only with a turnover of under £500,000 and running for a limited time so join today.
| Turnover | Annual licence fee | Allocation | Barcode images |
| up to £0.50m | £100 | Up to 100 | 100 |
If you don't wish to continue with our offer, you need more than 100 GTINs or your turnover is more than £500,000 then please see the standard GS1 UK membership fees below.
| Turnover | Annual licence fee | Allocation | Barcode images |
| up to £0.50m | £119 | Up to 1,000 numbers | 3 |
| £0.5m to £1m | £131 | Up to 1,000 numbers | 3 |
| £1m to £10m | £203 | Up to 1,000 numbers | 3 |
| £10m to £50m | £318 | Up to 10,000 numbers | 3 |
| £50m to £100m | £1,333 | Up to 10,000 numbers | 3 |
| £100m to £250m | £1,743 | Up to 10,000 numbers | 3 |
| £250m to £500m | £2,400 | Up to 100,000 numbers | 3 |
| £500m to £1bn | £2,900 | Up to 100,000 numbers | 3 |
| Over £1bn | £3,450 | Up to 100,000 numbers | 3 |
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.
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.
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.
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
Check out our practical guide to improve the performance of your eBay listings
Watch how we support our members to grow their business
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
