Whether you’re selling on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Shopify, TikTok Shop or your own website, understanding barcode requirements is essential. Different marketplaces have different rules, but one thing remains the same – using the correct barcode helps you manage your products, track inventory and prepare your business for growth.
This guide explains the barcode requirements for the UK’s most popular online selling platforms and links to detailed guides for each marketplace.
If you need barcode numbers for your products, visit our Buy Barcodes page to purchase genuine EAN barcode numbers with instant delivery, no annual fees and UK-based support.
What Is a Product Barcode?
A product barcode is a unique number that identifies a specific product. The barcode itself is simply a machine-readable representation of that number, allowing barcode scanners and retail systems to recognise the product instantly.
For most businesses in the UK and Europe, the standard retail barcode is an EAN-13 barcode.
Every unique product should have its own barcode. If you sell different sizes, colours or versions of the same item, each variation should normally have its own unique barcode.
Do All Selling Platforms Require Barcodes?
No.
Some online marketplaces allow you to list products without a barcode, while others require one for most products. Even where a barcode isn’t mandatory, adding one can make inventory management much easier and prepare your business for selling through additional channels in the future.
Using proper barcode numbers also makes it easier to:
- Manage stock.
- Use barcode scanners.
- Integrate with inventory software.
- Sell across multiple marketplaces.
- Supply wholesalers and retailers.
- Expand your business as it grows.
Barcode Requirements by Marketplace
Below are our detailed guides explaining the barcode requirements for the UK’s most popular eCommerce platforms.
Amazon
Amazon usually requires a valid product barcode for new listings unless you qualify for a GTIN exemption. Learn when you need an EAN barcode, when an exemption may apply and how Amazon uses barcode numbers.
Read our Barcode Requirements for Amazon guide.
eBay
Although eBay doesn’t require a barcode for every listing, adding one can improve product identification and help your listings appear in product catalogues where available.
Read our Barcode Requirements for eBay guide.
Etsy
Many handmade products sold on Etsy don’t require barcodes. However, if you manufacture products in volume or plan to sell through additional marketplaces, assigning unique barcode numbers is highly recommended.
Read our Barcode Requirements for Etsy guide.
Shopify
Shopify includes built-in support for product barcodes, making it simple to manage inventory and integrate with retail systems.
Read our Barcode Requirements for Shopify guide.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce supports barcode management through various inventory and retail plugins, making barcode numbers useful for businesses that are scaling their operations.
Read our Barcode Requirements for WooCommerce guide.
Wix
Wix allows barcode numbers to be assigned to products for inventory management and future expansion into other sales channels.
Read our Barcode Requirements for Wix guide.
Squarespace
Squarespace Commerce allows barcode numbers to be stored with products, helping businesses manage stock efficiently and prepare for multi-channel selling.
Read our Barcode Requirements for Squarespace guide.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is designed for growing businesses and supports barcode numbers for inventory management, fulfilment and integrations with many third-party systems.
Read our Barcode Requirements for BigCommerce guide.
TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop sellers often use barcode numbers to manage inventory across multiple selling channels. Depending on the product and category, barcodes may also be required for marketplace compliance.
Read our Barcode Requirements for TikTok Shop guide.
Which Barcode Do I Need?
Most UK businesses selling retail products require an EAN-13 barcode.
These barcode numbers are recognised by retailers, wholesalers, marketplaces and inventory systems throughout the UK and Europe.
Each unique product should have its own barcode number, including different:
- Sizes
- Colours
- Flavours
- Pack quantities
- Product variations
Using unique barcode numbers helps avoid inventory errors and keeps your product catalogue organised.
Why Buy Your Barcodes Before You Need Them?
Many businesses only think about barcodes when a marketplace requests one. However, assigning barcode numbers from the beginning offers several advantages.
You can:
- Build consistent product records.
- Print professional packaging.
- Use barcode scanners immediately.
- Expand to additional marketplaces easily.
- Supply retailers without changing product information later.
Planning ahead saves time and reduces administration as your business grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same barcode on different products?
No. Every unique product should have its own barcode number.
Do different colours need different barcodes?
Yes. If the products are sold separately, each colour should normally have its own barcode.
Do different sizes need different barcodes?
Yes. Each size should have its own unique barcode.
Do handmade products need barcodes?
Not always. However, if you plan to sell beyond craft fairs or marketplaces such as Etsy, using barcodes is strongly recommended.
Will these barcodes work internationally?
EAN-13 barcode numbers are recognised throughout the UK, Europe and most international retail markets.
Buy UK Barcode Numbers Online
At Get A Barcode, we make purchasing barcode numbers quick and straightforward. Our barcode numbers are delivered instantly, there are no annual renewal fees and you can start using them immediately on your products.
Whether you’re selling through your own website, online marketplaces or retail stores, having the correct barcode from the outset makes managing your products much easier.
Browse our barcode packages today and choose the number of barcode numbers your business needs.
