If you’re planning to sell products on eBay, one of the most common questions you’ll have is:
Do I need a barcode to sell on eBay?
The answer depends on what you’re selling. Many branded products require a valid product identifier, while handmade, vintage and one-off items may not.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly when you need a barcode, what type of barcode eBay accepts, and how to get one quickly.
Do You Need a Barcode to Sell on eBay?
Not every eBay listing requires a barcode.
However, many new branded products require valid product identifiers, such as:
- EAN (European Article Number)
- UPC (Universal Product Code)
- ISBN (for books)
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN)
- Brand
The exact requirements vary depending on the category and the type of item you’re listing. eBay uses these identifiers to improve product matching, catalogue accuracy and buyer search results.
What Barcode Does eBay Use?
For UK sellers, the most common barcode is an EAN-13 barcode.
An EAN barcode is a globally recognised product identifier that uniquely identifies your product.
When listing on eBay, you’ll normally enter the 13-digit barcode number into the Product Identifier field.
If your products are also sold internationally, the same barcode can usually be used across multiple marketplaces.
Learn more here:
- https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/what-is-an-ean-barcode/
- https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/ean-vs-upc-barcodes/
Why Does eBay Ask for Product Identifiers?
eBay introduced product identifiers to improve the shopping experience.
They help:
- Match products to the eBay catalogue
- Improve search visibility
- Increase buyer confidence
- Reduce duplicate listings
- Improve product recommendations
- Help products appear in external search engines such as Google
Listings with accurate product identifiers are generally easier for buyers to find.
When You Need a Barcode
You’ll usually need a barcode if you’re selling:
- New retail products
- Branded products
- Products manufactured for resale
- Products you intend to sell on multiple marketplaces
- Private label products
Examples include:
- Electronics
- Toys
- Kitchen products
- Pet accessories
- Household goods
- Beauty products
- DIY equipment
- Sports equipment
If you’re creating your own branded products, assigning each product its own barcode makes inventory management much easier.
When You May Not Need a Barcode
Some listings do not require product identifiers.
These often include:
- Handmade items
- Vintage products
- Antiques
- Collectables
- One-off products
- Used goods
- Custom-made products
Where a genuine product identifier doesn’t exist, eBay allows sellers to use options such as “Does not apply” in appropriate categories.
Selling on More Than Just eBay?
Many online sellers start on eBay before expanding to other marketplaces.
The good news is that one barcode can normally be used across multiple selling platforms, including:
- Amazon
- Shopify
- Etsy (where applicable)
- TikTok Shop
- WooCommerce
- Retail websites
- POS systems
You may find these guides useful:
- https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/barcode-requirements-for-amazon/
- https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/barcode-requirements-for-shopify/
- https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/barcode-requirements-for-tiktok-shop/
- https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/barcode-requirements-for-etsy/
Choosing the Correct Barcode
There are several barcode types available.
For most UK businesses selling products online, an EAN-13 barcode is the correct choice.
Each product variation should have its own barcode, including:
- Different colours
- Different sizes
- Different pack quantities
- Different product versions
For example:
- Red Mug – Barcode 1
- Blue Mug – Barcode 2
- Large Mug – Barcode 3
This ensures every product can be uniquely identified.
Buying Barcodes for eBay
Buying a barcode is quick and straightforward.
At Get A Barcode, you’ll receive:
- Instant barcode delivery
- Permanent barcode ownership
- No annual renewal fees
- Worldwide compatible EAN numbers
- Free UPC equivalent number with every purchase
- UK-based support
You can browse all barcode packages here:
https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/product-category/buy-barcode-numbers
Or read our buying guide:
Common Questions
Can I use the same barcode on Amazon and eBay?
Yes.
Provided the barcode belongs to your product, the same barcode can normally be used across multiple online marketplaces.
Do handmade products need barcodes?
Usually not.
However, if you later decide to sell through retailers or multiple online marketplaces, assigning barcodes can make inventory management much easier.
Read more:
Can I reuse a barcode?
No.
Each individual product should have its own unique barcode.
Using the same barcode on multiple different products can lead to inventory problems and incorrect product matching.
How quickly can I get my barcode?
At Get A Barcode, barcode numbers are delivered instantly after purchase, allowing you to start listing products immediately.
Why Choose Get A Barcode?
Thousands of UK businesses trust Get A Barcode because we provide:
- Instant delivery
- No annual fees
- Permanent ownership
- UK support
- Worldwide compatible barcode numbers
- Excellent value for small businesses
Whether you’re selling one product or hundreds, we have a barcode package to suit your business.
Browse our barcode packages today:
https://www.getabarcode.co.uk/product-category/buy-barcode-numbers
Final Thoughts
If you’re selling new branded products on eBay, having the correct product identifiers is essential. A valid EAN barcode helps eBay identify your products accurately, improves search visibility, and makes it easier for buyers to find exactly what they’re looking for. eBay requires product identifiers for many categories of new and refurbished items, while exemptions generally apply to genuine handmade, vintage, collectible, and one-off products.
Whether you’re selling solely on eBay or planning to expand to Amazon, Shopify or TikTok Shop, investing in unique barcodes now will save time as your business grows.
At Get A Barcode, you can purchase barcode numbers online in minutes, receive them instantly, and use them across multiple marketplaces without ongoing annual fees.