Free tool
EAN-13 barcode generator
Generate an EAN-13 barcode for internal use (stock, labels, organization) with the correct check digit, or validate a code you already have. Below, we explain how to get an official code to sell on marketplaces.
✓ Free, no signup
Generates an EAN-13 with prefix 2 (internal-use range). Not an official GS1 code.
⚠️ INTERNAL-USE code (stock, labels). To sell on Amazon and in mandatory categories on marketplaces, you need an official code registered with GS1. See how below.
What is an EAN-13 barcode?
The EAN-13 (also called GTIN-13) is the 13-digit barcode that identifies products in retail and on marketplaces. The first digits indicate the registration country, followed by the company and product codes; the last digit is the check digit, a number calculated from the other 12 that confirms the code is correct. Official, exclusive codes are issued by GS1, the organization that runs the standard. An EAN-13 starting with the digit 2 belongs to the internal-use (restricted circulation) range: it works for stock, labels and store organization, but is not globally unique nor recognized as an official sales GTIN.
What the first digits mean
| Starts with | Means |
|---|---|
| 789 / 790 | Brazil (official GS1 registration) |
| 2 | Internal use (restricted), not official |
| 0 | USA / Canada (UPC) |
| 978 / 979 | Books (ISBN) |
Is it legal to generate a barcode?
Generating the number itself is legal: the check digit is just a public math formula. The problem is using an unregistered code as your product’s official GTIN on marketplaces: the number is not exclusive to your company and may collide with a product already registered by another, causing catalog conflicts. It is not a crime, but it goes against marketplace and GS1 rules. That is why this tool generates codes in the internal-use range (prefix 2) and recommends registering with GS1 to sell officially.
How to get an official barcode to sell
To list on marketplaces that require a GTIN, you have three paths:
1. Register with GS1
The company joins GS1 (membership + annual fee) and gets its own prefix to generate official, exclusive codes. This is the path to sell at scale with a recognized code.
2. Use the "no code" option on the marketplace
Many categories accept products without a GTIN, you mark "no universal code" (common for handmade and exclusive products).
3. Request a GTIN exemption on Amazon
For products without a code (handmade, private label), Amazon lets you request a GTIN exemption with supporting evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this code to sell on Amazon?
Not as an official code. Amazon validates the GTIN against the GS1 database and may block unregistered codes. For official sales, use a code registered with GS1.
What is the difference between EAN and GTIN?
GTIN is the general name for the product identifier; EAN-13 is the 13-digit GTIN, the most used format.
What is the check digit?
It is the last of the 13 digits. It is calculated from the first 12 and lets the scanner confirm the code was read correctly.
How much does an official barcode cost?
The cost is the GS1 membership and annual fee, which vary by company size. Check the official GS1 pricing.
Official sources
Updated June 2026 · by the SellSync team
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