The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a unique 12-digit number assigned to each individual product sold in stores and online. In the world of retail sales, there are primarily two barcode formats: UPC and EAN. The UPC format is 12 digits, while the EAN is 13. These two formats are typically used in their own regions: the UPC is used only in the US and Canada, while the EAN is used everywhere else globally. The UPC-A is considered a standard version of the UPC and is the most commonly used code for point-of-sale transactions. This type of UPC is 12 digits long and utilizes the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN-12), a form of data. Companies that sell retail merchandise, such as privately owned goods that can be found exclusively at only one store, will use the UPC-A. The UPC-E contains only 8 digits, but it also uses GTIN-12 data. These types of UPCs are mostly found on smaller goods that have compact packaging, such as candy and cosmetics.