If you're about to sell on AliExpress and the platform asks you for an EAN barcode (or GTIN), you're in the right place. In this guide we explain which type of code you need, when AliExpress requires it, exactly where you paste it inside the Seller Center, and how to get valid barcodes for AliExpress delivered by email within minutes.
Let's cut to the chase: you don't need to register with any organisation or wait weeks. At EAN CODA you can buy your EAN codes ready to use, from €3, one-off payment and with no annual fees, and you receive them by email within minutes.
→ Buy EAN barcodes for AliExpress (instant delivery by email).
Do I need a barcode to sell on AliExpress?
It depends on the category and on how you upload the product. AliExpress works with GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), the family of identifiers that includes EAN and UPC codes. These are the usual scenarios:
- Branded or global catalogue categories: for electronics, cosmetics, toys and many consumer products, AliExpress may require a GTIN/EAN in order to publish or to link your product to an existing listing.
- Handmade or unbranded products: in some categories AliExpress lets you select "not applicable" or request an exemption, but that option is increasingly restricted as the catalogue becomes more professional.
- Logistics and distribution: even if a particular sale didn't require it, the code makes inventory control, warehousing and traceability easier. And if your product ships from China to another country, that destination market may demand the EAN anyway.
In practice, having your own EAN saves you rejections and blocks when publishing. It's the difference between uploading the product first time and getting stuck in the form. If you have questions about your specific case, you can contact us before buying.
EAN, UPC and GTIN: which code does AliExpress use?
The most widespread standard in the world—and the one AliExpress asks for in most markets—is the EAN-13. To avoid confusion, here are the formats laid out clearly:
| Format | Digits | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| EAN-13 | 13 | Global product standard. The one you'll use on AliExpress. |
| EAN-8 | 8 | Very small products with no room for the full code. |
| UPC-A | 12 | The American equivalent of the EAN, widely used in the US. |
| GTIN | — | "Umbrella" term that covers EAN and UPC (GTIN-13 = EAN-13). |
In other words: when AliExpress asks you for a GTIN, you're normally giving it an EAN-13. If you want to understand the structure in depth, we explain it in what is an EAN barcode?, and if you're unsure which format to choose, take a look at the difference between EAN-13 and EAN-8.
How is an EAN-13 made up?
The EAN-13 is 13 digits in which the initial prefix identifies the country organisation (for example, prefixes starting with 84x correspond to Spain). Note: that prefix goes inside the EAN-13 itself; there is no format called "EAN-84". The body that manages and assigns those prefixes worldwide is GS1, the organisation responsible for the standard. The remaining digits identify the holder and the item, and the last one is a check digit that validates the code.
How to get your barcodes for AliExpress (step by step)
You have two paths. Register directly with GS1 (slower and with annual fees) or buy the codes from a provider that already assigns them, like EAN CODA. The second route is the fastest and most affordable for marketplace sellers. Here's how simple it is with us:
- Work out how many codes you need. As a general rule: one EAN per distinct product. If you sell variants (colour, size, capacity), you need one code per variant. We cover this just below.
- Make the purchase. Choose the quantity, pay once (no fees) and you're done. We accept card.
- Receive the codes by email within minutes. You get the EAN-13 numbers along with the barcode image ready to use and print.
- Paste them into your AliExpress listing. All that's left is to upload them in the Seller Center, as we explain in the next section.
How many codes do I need? The variants mistake
This is the most common slip by new sellers: buying a single code for a product that has several versions. If you sell a t-shirt in three sizes and two colours, that's six different SKUs and six EAN codes. AliExpress treats each variant as an identifiable item, so every combination must carry its own unique code. Calculate carefully before buying so you don't fall short.
Where to paste the EAN in the AliExpress Seller Center
Once you have your codes in your inbox, the process inside AliExpress is quick:
- Go to your AliExpress Seller Center and head to the product management section to create or edit one.
- Select the product category. Depending on the category, the identifier field will appear.
- Find the GTIN / EAN / barcode field within the product information or within each SKU.
- Paste your EAN-13 number there (the 13 digits, no spaces). If you have variants, repeat the step entering one code per SKU.
- Save and publish. If AliExpress validates the format, the product will pass review without the typical block for a missing identifier.
The exact name of the field and its location may vary depending on the panel version and the category, but always look for the "GTIN", "EAN" or "barcode" label within the product listing or the variants block.
Do cheap codes really work on AliExpress?
It's the logical question. The answer is yes, as long as they are legitimate, unique GS1 codes. The EANs we sell at EAN CODA are real codes, not made up or reused, and they are assigned uniquely to your product. They are verifiable and valid for AliExpress and for the rest of the marketplaces.
To be clear and honest: EAN CODA works as a reseller of GS1 codes, we are not GS1 directly. That is precisely what lets you obtain them in minutes and for a fraction of the cost of registering yourself. What you receive are valid numbers, assigned to you, ready to scan and publish.
One code, several marketplaces
Good news if you sell in more than one place: the same EAN-13 identifies your product on every marketplace. You don't need a different code per platform. The number you use on AliExpress is the same one you'll paste in other stores. If you sell (or are going to sell) on other channels, these guides will interest you:
Buy the codes you need once and use them across all your sales channels.
Buy barcodes for AliExpress
Don't wait weeks or pay fees you don't need. At EAN CODA you get your EAN-13 codes from €3, one-off payment and with no annual fees, and you receive them by email within minutes, ready to paste into your AliExpress listing.
Buy EAN barcodes now and start publishing today.
Frequently asked questions
How long does delivery of the codes take?
Once payment is confirmed, you receive the EAN codes by email within minutes, along with the barcode image ready to use.
Does the same EAN work on Amazon and AliExpress?
Yes. An EAN-13 uniquely identifies your product on any marketplace. The same code works for AliExpress, Amazon, eBay, Shopify and your own store. You don't need to buy one per platform.
Do I need a code for each variant (colour or size)?
Yes. Each distinct variant or SKU must carry its own unique EAN. If a product has three sizes and two colours, that's six codes. Work out the quantity before buying.
Are the codes for life?
Yes. The payment is one-off and the codes don't expire or carry annual fees. Once we deliver them, they're yours forever.
In what format do I receive the barcode?
We send you the EAN-13 number along with the barcode image ready to print or upload. If you need a specific format for your design, write to us and we'll help.
Ready to sell on AliExpress with no identifier blocks? Buy EAN barcodes or contact us if you have any questions before buying.