If you want to sell on PriceMinister, you'll need a valid EAN barcode (GTIN) for almost every product in your catalogue. In this guide we explain exactly which code you need, how to obtain it and where to buy it so you receive it by email within minutes, with no paperwork and no annual fees.
First, an important clarification: PriceMinister no longer exists under that name. The French platform was absorbed by the Rakuten group and, in 2020, was rebranded as Rakuten in France and Spain. If you arrived searching for "barcode for PriceMinister", you're in the right place: the barcode requirement is exactly the same. You can find more details in our specific guide to barcodes for Rakuten.
Do I need a barcode to sell on PriceMinister / Rakuten?
Yes. Like most marketplaces today, PriceMinister/Rakuten organises its catalogue around unique products identified by a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), which in Europe takes the form of an EAN-13 code. That number lets your item link to the correct product page, helps buyers find it and allows the platform to manage its inventory without dispatch errors.
The EAN is a globally recognised standard identifier: it can be read by an optical scanner at high speed and prevents confusion between similar products. That's why, except for very specific categories (handmade or unbranded products), the platform will ask for it when you create the listing. If you're not sure what it is, we explain it in detail in what an EAN barcode is.
EAN, UPC and GTIN: what they are and which one you need
These terms often get mixed up, so let's clear them up. GTIN is the family that encompasses all product identifiers; EAN and UPC are specific types within that family:
- EAN-13: 13 digits. It's the standard in Europe and the most widely used in the world. It's equivalent to a GTIN-13. This is the one you need for PriceMinister/Rakuten.
- EAN-8: 8 digits. A short version for very small packaging where the EAN-13 won't fit.
- UPC-A: 12 digits. The standard in the United States and Canada. It's also valid on many marketplaces, but in Europe the usual choice is the EAN-13.
| Code | Digits | Main use | Works on PriceMinister/Rakuten? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAN-13 (GTIN-13) | 13 | Europe and the rest of the world | Yes, recommended |
| EAN-8 (GTIN-8) | 8 | Small packaging | Yes, for compact products |
| UPC-A (GTIN-12) | 12 | USA and Canada | Yes, accepted |
If you're torn between the two European versions, in this article we explain the difference between EAN-13 and EAN-8 and when each one is best. For the vast majority of sellers, the answer is EAN-13.
The "EAN-84" myth: the country prefix is inside the EAN-13
It's a common mistake to think that an "EAN-84" exists in Spain. That's not the case: only the EAN-13 exists. What actually happens is that the first digits of the code are the country prefix, and Spain is assigned the 84x range. In other words, an EAN-13 starting with 84 simply indicates that it was assigned through the Spanish system. The full structure of an EAN-13 is:
- Country prefix (84x for Spain): identifies the origin.
- Company prefix: identifies the manufacturer or seller.
- Product reference: distinguishes each specific item.
- Check digit: the last number, which validates that the code is correct.
The country and company prefixes are managed by GS1, the international organisation that maintains the standard. A picture of an EAN-13 broken down into these four blocks helps to visualise it, although the key point is to understand that "84" is not a different type of code, but a part of the EAN-13.
How to upload a product with its EAN on PriceMinister / Rakuten
The process for linking the code to your product is simple. Although the interface may change over time, the general steps are:
- Log in to your seller account and choose to add a new product to the catalogue.
- Enter the GTIN/EAN-13 in the product reference field (it usually appears as "barcode", "EAN" or "GTIN").
- If the product already exists in the platform's catalogue, it will link to its page; if it's new, complete the title, description, images and attributes.
- Set the price, stock and shipping terms, and publish.
The key is step 2: the EAN is what connects your offer to the correct product page. An incorrect or reused code can cause your product to link to a different item or the platform to reject the listing.
Common mistakes when using barcodes on marketplaces
- Reusing an EAN from another product: each code must be unique per item and variant.
- Using "free" codes of dubious origin: they may be duplicated or blocked, and end up getting your listing suspended.
- Confusing EAN-13 with UPC: remember, 13 digits versus 12.
- Failing to assign a different EAN to each variant (size, colour, format): each one needs its own.
How to get the barcode for PriceMinister / Rakuten
You have two routes. The first is to register directly with GS1, which involves membership paperwork and, usually, recurring annual fees; it's the logical option for large manufacturers with thousands of references and their own brand.
The second, faster and cheaper for most sellers, is to buy the codes through a reseller like EAN CODA. We assign you legitimate, unique GS1 codes, without you having to handle the registration or pay fees year after year. A single payment, and you receive them by email within minutes, ready to paste into your listings.
To be clear: we are not GS1, but a reseller that provides you with valid codes instantly. It's the usual route for anyone who only needs a few references to sell on marketplaces.
Buy your EAN codes instantly
At EAN CODA the codes cost from €3, in a single payment and with no annual fees. You choose the quantity you need, pay by card and receive them by email within minutes. You can do it right now from our EAN code shop.
The same EAN-13 works for several marketplaces at once. If you sell in more places, you might be interested in our guide to barcodes for Amazon and the one for barcodes for eBay: with a single code you identify your product across all of them.
In what format do I receive the codes?
Along with the EAN-13 number you'll receive the barcode image ready to use. The usual formats are JPEG/PNG (compatible with any design or listing), TIFF (useful when you need a transparent background) and EPS (vector, ideal for printing and maximum quality). This way you can paste the code onto your packaging or upload the image wherever you need it.
Secure payment methods
You can pay by credit or debit card, securely and without having to provide any product details. We only need the basic information to issue the purchase; the codes are generated and sent automatically to your email.
Frequently asked questions
Is the EAN mandatory on PriceMinister / Rakuten?
For the vast majority of products, yes: the platform needs the GTIN/EAN-13 to link your offer to the correct product page. Some specific categories (handmade or unbranded products) may have exceptions, but as a general rule you'll need it.
Does the same EAN work for several marketplaces?
Yes. The EAN-13 is a standard international identifier, so the same code works for PriceMinister/Rakuten, Amazon, eBay and any other platform. You don't need a different code per marketplace, just one per product.
How many codes do I need?
You need a different EAN for each product and each variant. If you sell a T-shirt in three sizes and two colours, that's six variants and therefore six codes. Count your actual references before buying.
Are the codes unique and legal?
Yes. The codes we assign are legitimate GS1, unique and never reused. Each one is delivered to a single customer, so you don't run the risk of duplicates that could block your listing.
How long do they take to arrive?
Once payment is confirmed, you receive them by email within minutes. There are no waits or membership procedures: you buy, you pay and you start publishing your products.
Start selling today
Getting the barcode for PriceMinister/Rakuten is the last step before publishing your products, and with EAN CODA it's a matter of minutes. Unique, legal EAN-13 codes, from €3, single payment and instant delivery by email. Choose how many you need and buy them now from our EAN code shop.