For retail/point of sale (POS) products use a 13 digit GTIN encoded into an EAN-13 barcode.
The required magnification (size) range for an EAN-13 on a retail item is 80-200%
Note: For the barcode is to be scanned in BOTH the retail and the distribution center environments the barcode MUST be 150-200 %
Truncation Allowance
Truncation of a linear barcode is the reduction of the height of a barcode relative to its length.
Truncation is generally not recommended because it diminishes the ability of a barcode to be scanned omnidirectionally at the point-of-sale (POS).
For EAN/UPC barcodes scanned at retail POS, when necessary, truncation of up to 60% is permitted; however, this should be applied with caution due to the associated impact on scanning performance. Truncation should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Truncated EAN-13 barcodes at 100% and 80% magnification are shown below.
Note: Where possible, 100% magnification is recommended over 80%. Print tolerances at 80% magnification are very tight, increasing the likelihood of potential scanning issues at the lower end of the scale.
Note: Images may not appear on screen to scale.
Version 3.0, 19 October 2026