Barcode (ISBN, UPC, GTIN, etc.)

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

A user selling AliExpress products needs barcodes (ISBN, UPC, GTIN) for Google advertising and asks where to acquire them.

Recommended Solution:

  • Purchase GTINs through GS1, the global standards organization
  • GS1 Germany suggested as cost-effective option with English support
  • GTINs from GS1 Germany issued as EAN codes (functionally equivalent to UPC for most platforms)
  • GS1 Assistant Shopify App mentioned for easy GTIN assignment

Current Status:

  • User hesitant due to products sourcing from China and Google Merchant concerns
  • Unwilling to pay additional subscriptions like GS1 Assistant
  • Still seeking alternative solutions

The discussion remains open with no final resolution on how to proceed with barcode acquisition for Chinese-sourced products.

Summarized with AI on October 30. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

HI, where do i acquire Barcode (ISBN, UPC, GTIN, etc.) for each of my products? These are currently from suppliers on Ali Express and I need them for Google advertising. Thank you.

2

Hi Peppe2,

GTINs (such as UPC or EAN codes) are acquired through GS1, the global standards organization for product identification. While most companies purchase GTINs from their local GS1 member organization, I recommend purchasing from GS1 Germany. Their tools are excellent, the cost is significantly lower compared to GS1 USA, and most of their site and services include English language support.

https://orders.gs1-germany.de/en/ean-gtin-barcode/products/order-gs1-complete/

Keep in mind that GTINs purchased from GS1 Germany are typically issued as EAN codes instead of UPC codes. This isn’t an issue for most online platforms like Google, Amazon, or AliExpress, as both EANs and UPCs are globally recognized GTINs. The only exception might be if you’re selling to a retailer in the USA with outdated systems that only recognize UPC codes.

If you’re looking for an easy way to assign GTINs to your Shopify products, consider using the GS1 Assistant Shopify App. It simplifies the process and ensures your products are ready for platforms like Google Merchant Center.

Best regards,

Brian McKinley

3

Thank you Brian. All of my products come from China. Google Merchant have awkward about this. I didnt really want to pay any additional subscriptions such as GS1 Assistant so need to look at another solution. Thank you anyway :slightly_smiling_face: