There are a lot of linear barcode specifications available, including many that are based on the EAN/UPC specification.

 

UPC

Initially, UCC developed a 12-digit ID and the UPC (Uniform Product Code) barcode. The first UPC code was scanned in 1974.

 

EAN

After successful implementation of the UPC system in 1977 the European Article Numbering Association format was created as a superset of the UCC system and uses 13-digit identification numbers but the same data structures as UPC barcodes.

 

Today global compatibility is reached by using the 14-digit GTIN format. This provides unique identification of goods all over the world.

 

In this section details of the UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN-128, ITF-14 barcodes of "General EAN.UCC Specifications" and based on those the JAN-8, JAN-13, ISBN-10, ISBN-13 barcodes are displayed.