FAQ

All of the barcodes we provide were originally issued to companies when GS1 was known as the UCC. This history allows the original owners to legally resell them. While these barcodes may still show the original registered company in the GS1 database 90% of the time, they remain fully valid for retail.

We do not 'create' these codes; they were authentic GS1 issuances sold to us by companies that no longer required them. While you do not receive a unique company prefix, these barcodes are perfectly suitable for selling your products globally.

Our significant advantage lies in owning UPC/EAN prefixes registered before the UCC/GS1 settlement. This exempts our codes from the annual renewal fees typically charged by GS1. By acquiring these prefixes in bulk, we minimize costs and pass those savings directly to you. Whether you need a single barcode or thousands, we offer flexible solutions tailored to your business needs and budget.

Our barcode prices start at $4.00 for a single code. However, we offer significant bulk discounts: for instance, when you purchase 100 barcodes, the price drops to only $0.45 per code. You can find our full pricing tiers on the [Buy UPC or EAN Codes] page. No renewal fees or hidden costs.

Yes, in today’s retail market, barcodes (UPC or EAN) are essential. Most major retailers, including Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Noon, etc, require a unique barcode to list and track products. Having a GS1-verified barcode not only ensures compliance with global standards but also automates your inventory management and professionalizes your brand for worldwide sales.

If you're selling the same product (the same color, the same size etc).  No matter how many units it has. You can use 1 code for the same product. However if you sell different products or a product has different variations you'll need different codes.  For example:  "If you’re selling shoes, each unique color will need a unique UPC/EAN.  If you have 10 Red, 10 Blue, and 10 White for sale, you will need 3 unique UPC/EAN codes, 1 for each unique color."

A barcode (or bar code) is a unique sequence of digits that is used to identify an item or product. Most barcodes on retail products are in either EAN (13 digit) or UPC (12 digit) format. A barcode number can be turned into a barcode image (vertical black bars). When a barcode images is scanned at a checkout counter, product information will appear on the checkout screen.

Yes. All retail products worldwide use an EAN or UPC barcode – and these are the type of barcodes that we sell.

We offer fast digital delivery to get you started as soon as possible. Generally, you will receive your barcodes via email within 15 to 30 minutes. During peak times, delivery may take up to a few hours.

Your order will be sent directly to your registered email address (please check your PayPal email if you used it for payment). If you don't see our message, be sure to check your Spam or Junk folder.

What’s included in the delivery?

By default, you will receive your barcodes in PDF and  TXT formats. Other specific formats (JPEG, PNG, SVG, XLSX (Excel) are available upon request at no extra cost.

Yes, our barcodes are 100% authentic and work perfectly worldwide. You can use them for both online marketplaces (such as Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Google Shopping) and physical retail stores in any country.

Whether you are selling locally or internationally, our UPC and EAN codes are recognized globally and are ready for immediate use in all inventory systems.

Universal Product Code (UPC) is a 12-digit bar code used extensively for retail packaging in United States. Although there are several different types of bar codes, the UPC symbol appears on nearly every retail product in the United States, making it the most versatile and recognizable type of product code in this part of the world. It consists of a bar code with a GTIN-12 number beneath.

The European Article Number (EAN) is a barcode standard, a 12- or 13-digit product identification code. Each EAN uniquely identifies the product, manufacturer, and its attributes; typically, the EAN is printed on a product label or packaging as a bar code. An EAN code is a unique combination of figures used to identify an object on the basis of a European system ('EAN' stands for 'European Article Numbering').

UPC’s are the most commonly used bar codes in the United States. EAN’s (European Article Number) are used internationally. Nowadays, most places will accept both product UPC codes and EAN codes, although if you are planning on selling your products outside of the United States, an EAN code might be best for you. EAN format bar codes contain 13 digits, leading with a “0” in front of the standard GTIN-12 digit UPC code. Both bar codes, however, are identical.

No, you do not have to be a registered company to purchase a barcode from us. You can buy barcodes as an individual person or as a company.  It is your choice.

When your order is ready, we will send your barcodes to your email address. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam/junk folder. If you pay via PayPal, please check your PayPal email address.

BuyReliableBarcodes is a legitimate and trusted barcode issuer. All numbers we sell were originally issued by the Uniform Code Council (UCC), now known as GS1.

We offer affordable barcodes with a one-time payment starting at just $4.00 USD. Unlike other providers, we have no subscription or renewal fees; you pay once and own your barcodes for life. There are no restrictions on how you use your numbers, and we provide a lifetime guarantee for your peace of mind.

As a thank you, we even provide bonus barcodes as a free gift with your order! Plus, our fast customer service is ready to help, with most orders processed within 15-30 minutes. If you need your barcodes urgently, feel free to [contact us] anytime.

When you buy from us, you receive everything you need to start selling immediately. Every order includes UCC (GS1) Verified UPC/EAN numbers that were originally issued by the Uniform Code Council.

Your digital delivery package includes:

• Authentic Barcode Numbers: Unique UPC and EAN codes with a Lifetime Guarantee.

• • Barcode Files: By default, we send your codes in PDF and TXT formats for quick access.

  • High-Resolution Images: Upon request, we provide high-quality barcode graphics in JPEG, PNG, and SVG formats, perfect for professional packaging and printing.

  • Fast Email Delivery: Your package is typically delivered within 15-30 minutes.

• Certificate of Authenticity: Available upon request to prove your barcode certificate of authenticity.

All items are sent via fast email delivery, typically within 15-30 minutes. Once you receive them, they are yours forever with no expiration and no renewal fees.

All orders are delivered via email for maximum speed and convenience; we do not send physical packages through postal services. Since your barcodes are digital assets, you will receive them in your inbox typically within 15-30 minutes.

Please remember to check your registered email address (or your PayPal email if applicable) and always look in your Spam or Junk folder if you don't see our message shortly after purchase. This instant delivery allows you to start listing your products on marketplaces like Amazon or eBay immediately.

Yes, our codes still work. Some people suggest that Amazon won’t accept 3rd party codes, but this is not true. They simply want GS1 verified codes, and not “air codes” that don’t verify with the GS1. Our bar codes verify with the GS1 and are accepted on all major platforms and services, including Amazon.

Yes, all of our UPC/EAN codes are guaranteed to never been previously issued/used and will work instantly on Amazon without any issue.

Also if you have any trouble in the future with any of our barcodes, please [contact us] immediately as we provide a lifetime guarantee for our products!

This error typically happens on Amazon if you’re listing a Brand that already has UPC(s) and Amazon is restricting the Brand from adding more UPC(s) (to prevent duplicate listings).

The issue typically isn’t with the UPC(s) themselves, but with the restrictions placed on the Brand.  To test if this is a Brand restriction, change the “Brand” field to something else unique and it should solve the issue.

For Example: Let’s assume you're listing a Adidas t-shirts but trying to use your own barcode, this will not work since your barcode is different then Adidas's own Amazon brand registered barcode numbers. The solution or "work-around" to this is to not input the brand's name (ex: Adidas) in the brand field, but instead input your DBA or Amazon company or store name in the brand field instead and then input the brand's name (ex: Adidas) in the item description. The moment you type "Adidas" into the brand field amazon's automated system cross references Adidas's own barcode numbers against the one's you're trying to enter.

If you get different errors or  Amazon is requesting GS1 information, or wants proof of authenticity please don't worry. You can tell us what exactly error is so we can help you.

Simply add a leading 0 to the UPC code you bought and this will resolve the issue.

All of our barcodes that we obtain were created for companies when GS1 was called the UCC. This allows the owners to sell the barcodes off to individuals or other companies because they are the rightful owner of the barcodes, however in GS1’s database it will 90% of the time come up as a company who is registered within their database.  Unfortunately there is no way we can change or transfer the ownership on GS1’s database without having you sign up for your own companies prefix directly through them. This would mean paying the yearly fees associated with using their barcodes and not being able to keep them forever.  In 2002 when UCC switched its name over to GS1 there was a lawsuit against them that states that barcodes created before 2002 were grandfathered in and did not have to pay the yearly renewal fees.   However you do not need to worry about it. Your codes will work fine on Amazon/eBay/iTunes/, etc. without any issue.

Your UPC/EAN codes will work everywhere online and at most retails, unless they require that you purchase your own company prefix from GS1-US.  In that case, we recommend that purchase your own GS1-US company prefix.

Yes. Our barcodes are fully compatible and successfully resolve Amazon Error 8572 along with other common listing issues. Because our codes are authentically sourced and verified, they are recognized by Amazon’s system. To ensure the best result, please add a note during checkout stating that you are purchasing for Amazon. This helps us provide the correct barcode sequence for your account, ensuring a smooth and error-free product listing.

If you sell your products online you should only need the numbers, however if you sell through a distributor instead of sending the products directly, you may need to print the barcodes on stickers, which you can do with the images we provide you with your order.

If you’re selling your book through a retail outlet, the retailer will generally require that you obtain an ISBN. The ISBN is a 13 digit number that properly identifies the book title and the publisher’s contact information. We recommend that you check your store’s requirements on UPC and ISBN codes before purchasing from us. Sometimes you can get away with just using a UPC code and then you can purchase the UPC codes from us. However, we do not offer ISBN’s at this time.

There is no need to register your UPC/EAN Codes. You will only need to provide the UPC/EAN Code to your retailer or distributor (ex. Amazon, eBay, iTunes, Walmart, etc.) when you’re asked for the UPC/EAN Code.

Retailers/Online stores/brick and mortar (physical) stores will have to add your barcode and product to their own internal database system. Once they scan it your product info will be shown in their database. That's what you need!

Converting a UPC-A to an EAN-13 is a very simple process. While a UPC has 12 digits, an EAN has 13 digits. To transform your UPC into an EAN, you simply need to add a leading "0" to the beginning of the barcode number.

For example:

• Original UPC: 123456789567

• Converted EAN: 0123456789567

This "0" tells the global database that the barcode originates from the UCC/GS1-US system. Most modern inventory systems and online platforms like Amazon and eBay recognize both formats, but if a system specifically requires a 13-digit EAN, this simple addition is all you need.

If you have any further questions about barcode compatibility, please don't hesitate to [contact us].

Yes, our barcodes will work perfectly for your cd’s in any retail situation. If you happen to be an independent artist, your UPC/EAN code will also allow you to register your music with SoundScan so that you can track your sales and improve your marketing efforts.

Yes, your UPC/EAN codes will work in any country where UPC and EAN codes are scanned and accepted!

Yes. If you plan to sell your music in physical retail stores (CDs, Vinyl) or through major online platforms, a barcode is required for tracking sales and inventory. Each album or single typically needs a unique UPC or EAN code to be officially listed in global music databases and retail systems. By owning your barcodes, you ensure that your music is ready for worldwide distribution and professional sales tracking

One for each album title. If you change anything about your album, it becomes a different album and needs a different barcode. You need to use different codes for different albums.

You will receive the codes delivered to your email. You will receive 2 attachments, 1 will be a .txt with your codes, and 1 with be a .pdf with the stripe codes. You can also request  jpeg, png, svg & zip, xlsx formats.

There are two legal ways to obtain a GTIN (UPC/EAN barcode number), and the choice depends on whether you want to rent or own your assets.

1. Renting from GS1: When you go through GS1, you often pay large upfront costs plus ongoing annual renewal fees. If you stop paying these fees, GS1 reclaims your codes, and you lose the right to use them on your products.

2. Owning from BuyReliableBarcodes (The Legal Advantage): Thanks to the 2002 UCC/GS1 class-action lawsuit settlement, we provide authentic GTINs that you own outright. Our inventory originates from GS1-US (formerly UCC) pre-2002, which means:

• No Annual Fees: You make a one-time payment and own your barcodes forever.

• Lifetime Ownership: Unlike GS1, we do not "rent" codes; your numbers will never expire and are never reclaimed.

• Buy Only What You Need: GS1 often forces you to buy in fixed blocks (e.g., 10, 100, 1,000). With us, you can purchase the exact quantity you need, saving you money.

• Globally Unique: Every code we issue is guaranteed to be unique, never used before, and valid for worldwide use.

By choosing us, you bypass the ever-increasing costs of GS1 while still receiving legitimate, GS1-verified barcodes for your business.

You do not need to register your product or company information with us. The linking process happens directly at the retailer or distributor level. When you list your products on platforms like Amazon, eBay, or iTunes, or sell to supermarkets and grocery stores, they will ask for your barcode number. Once you provide it, the retailer links that barcode to your product and price in their own internal database. When the barcode is scanned, your product information will automatically appear in their system. This makes the process simple and hassle-free for you!

No. We will never charge you any future fees, renewal fees, or annual membership fees. All of our prices are one-off payments. Once you purchase your barcodes, there is no subscription fee and no annual fee. You pay only a one-time fee to own your barcodes for life.

Yes. Our barcodes are fully compatible with physical retail locations, including supermarkets, local shops, and department stores worldwide.

How to link your products to a store's system: It is important to understand that a barcode is a unique identifier; it does not "contain" product data inside it. Instead, the link is created by the retailer’s Point of Sale (POS) system.

• Database Integration: Your retailer will take your UPC/EAN number and manually enter it into their internal database along with your product description and price.

• Seamless Scanning: Once the store's system links the number to your product, the information will automatically appear every time the barcode is scanned at the checkout.

• Standard Procedure: This is the standard industry practice for all retail products. Whether you are selling to a local grocer or a large supermarket chain, they will follow this process to add your items to their inventory.

Yes. Our barcodes are fully compatible and work perfectly for listing products on Walmart.com. To ensure the best integration with their system, please include a note during checkout mentioning that you are selling on Walmart. This allows us to select the most suitable barcode sequence for your needs, ensuring a fast and successful listing process without any technical delays.

Yes. Our barcodes are globally recognized and work seamlessly across a wide range of platforms. Whether you are selling on e-commerce sites like Noon, Shopify, Flipkart, Meesho, Jumia, and Kaufland, or supplying major retail chains such as Target, Lowe’s, and Carrefour, our codes are fully compatible.

Because they are authentic UPC/EAN numbers, they integrate perfectly with both online marketplaces and the internal POS systems of brick-and-mortar stores worldwide. You can list your products with confidence on any of these platforms immediately after purchase.

Yes! We provide free bonus barcodes with every bulk order to give you the best value for your investment. The more you buy, the more you save!

Our current bonus structure includes:

• Buy 50 barcodes and get 5 bonus codes FREE.

• Buy 100 barcodes and get 10 bonus codes FREE.

• Buy 500 barcodes and get 50 bonus codes FREE.

• Buy 1,000 barcodes and get 100 bonus codes FREE!

There is no limit to your bonus! For even larger orders (5,000, 10,000, or more), we continue to apply this generous bonus structure, providing you with more free barcodes to support your expanding inventory.

Every bonus code is a legitimate, GS1-verified number with no annual fees and lifetime ownership. Your gift barcodes are included automatically in your delivery—helping you scale your business at zero additional cost.