01 · Barcodes · the chooser
Which code do I need?
Four barcode types, one QR option, and one honest exception. Match what you are labelling to the row below, then read the two short sections underneath before you order.
Match the code to the thing
| Code | Digits | Choose it for | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAN-13 | 13 | Packaged retail products sold in India and internationally — the default choice for most sellers. | Instant |
| UPC-A | 12 | Goods sold into the US and Canada, or to buyers whose systems are set up for 12-digit codes. | Instant |
| ITF-14 | 14 | Outer cartons, shipping cases and trade units that hold several retail packs. | Instant |
| ISBN-13 | 13 | Books, journals, workbooks and other printed publications. | Instant |
| QR Code | 2D | Packaging, menus, posters, visiting cards, WiFi sign-in and UPI payment collection. | Instant |
Rule of thumb: retail pack → EAN-13 (UPC-A if the buyer is North American); the carton those packs ship in → ITF-14; a book → ISBN-13; anything a phone should open, join or pay → QR. Lines marked “coming soon” can be reserved now at no charge.
Our numbers suit you when…
- you label products for your own shop, a distributor network or a modern-trade chain that validates the format;
- you list on marketplaces that ask for a GTIN and check the digits rather than the GS1 registry;
- your billing or stock software (Tally, Vyapar, Zoho, Marg, Busy…) needs a unique scannable number per SKU;
- you want numbers today, at a one-time price, with no yearly fee and a GST invoice.
Get a GS1 licence instead when…
- a marketplace, brand registry or retail chain has told you in writing that it verifies numbers with GS1;
- your buyer's vendor manual requires the number to resolve to your company in the GS1 registry;
- you are building a brand for international modern trade where registry look-ups are routine.
That is not a sales pitch for us — it is the honest answer, and we will tell you so if you ask.
The two things every buyer should know
What you are buying, precisely. A barcode number has two layers: the digits themselves, which any scanner can read if the check digit is right, and an entry in the GS1 registry tying those digits to a company. Buzzlytech supplies the first layer. The registry entry comes only with a GS1 licence, and we do not claim to provide it.
Risk one — a channel that checks the registry. Most marketplaces and retail systems validate the format and move on. A minority look the number up with GS1 and will refuse anything not licensed there. We cannot tell you in advance which policy your channel follows, and we do not promise acceptance by any named platform — ask them, or ask us, before you order.
Risk two — a number that already exists elsewhere. Inside our ledger every number is issued once. The wider numbering space, however, also contains numbers licensed through GS1 to other companies, so on rare occasions one of ours may coincide with a number already on a product somewhere. If a retailer reports a clash we replace the number at no cost.
Not sure even now?
Tell us what the code goes on and where it will be scanned. A wrong pack is not refundable once issued, so a two-line email first is worth it.