What is an EAN code
An EAN code is a type of barcode that is used to identify products sold in stores. The code consists of a series of numbers that are printed on the product and its packaging and can be scanned at the point of sale to quickly and accurately identify the product and process the sale. EAN stands for “International Article Number,” ( European Article Number or EAN) and is also known as a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). EAN codes are used internationally and are a standardized way of identifying products across different countries and retailers.
What information is included in an EAN code
The first two or three digits of an EAN code identify the country in which the product was manufactured, while the remaining digits identify the product itself and the manufacturer. In addition to that, it includes a checksum.
Most commonly used EAN codes
EAN-13
An EAN-13 code is the most common type of EAN code, consisting of 13 digits, a superset of the original 12-digit Universal Product Code (UPC-A). It is used for most products sold in stores and is the standard barcode used in most countries.
EAN-8
An EAN-8 code is a short version of the EAN-13 code and consists of eight digits instead of 13. It is commonly used for small, low-value items that do not require a full EAN-13 code.
UPC-A
UPC-A is a type of EAN code used in the United States and Canada. It is similar to an EAN-13 code, but has a slightly different format and consists of 12 digits instead of 13.
ISBN
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a type of EAN code that is specifically used to identify books. It consists of 10 or 13 digits, depending on the country, and is used to uniquely identify a book and its edition.
EAN codes are assigned by GS1, a global organization that sets standards for identifying and exchanging information about products, assets, and services.
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