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EAN Barcodes

Everything you need to know!

What is an EAN Barcode?

EAN stands for European Article Number. It is a 13 digit identifier for any trade item which can be purchased or sold. Each variation of a trade item, including additional sizes and colors, requires a unique EAN.

EAN Number

13 digit number assigned in accordance with section 4.2 GS1 General Specifications.

EAN Symbol

The graphic respresentation of EAN Number formatted with different size black and white lines. (Section 5.2 GS1 General Specifications)

Check Digit

Last digit is calculated value referred to as the Check Digit.

Common EAN Uses

EAN Barcodes enable global commerce by serving as a common language for all types of trade items, used by different companies, in a variety of ways.

Retailers

Retailers scan EAN Symbols at check-out to lookup current price, and to deduct item from inventory when purchased.

Distributors and 3PL

Distributors and 3rd party logistic providers (3PL) use GTINs to manage packaging hierarchy within their Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

E-Commerce Platforms

E-Commerce Platforms such as; Amazon, eBay, iTunes, Shopify, Square use EAN Numbers to index and maintain Item/Product Catalogs.

How to Obtain an EAN Number

EAN Numbers can be obtained directly from the GS1 US or assigned internally.
Use table below to choose the best option.

EAN used for: GS1 Office Internally Assigned
Items being sold by large national retailer such as; Walmart, Kroger, The Home Depot, Amazon, Target and JC Penney.
EANSs to be used by Amazon Vendor Central or Amazon Seller Central.
EAN Number registered with the GS1 and available to retailers and trading partners via Verified by GS1.
Items being sold by local stores and small regional retailers.
Items being sold to a distributor.
iTunes, CDs or music titles.
Items being sold on your own website, or used internally to support accounting or internal POS system (QBO, Square, Shopify).
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Global Standards Organization (GS1)

The GS1 is a not-for-profit Standards Organization that maintains Global Barcode Specifications and provides unique identifiers. GS1 Offices are located in over 100 countries and offers single EAN Numbers, as well as blocks of EANs depending on how many are needed.

Benefits of using Global Standards Organization (GS1 US)

  • EAN Numbers obtained directly from a GS1 Office are acceptable at any retailer in the world.
  • EANs issued by a GS1 Office are registered to your company and cannot be used by anyone else.
  • EANs assigned and maintained by the GS1 are available for ownership authentication using Verified by GS1.
  • Your company is a member of the GS1 and will be notified of all changes to barcode standards which may impact the use of your barcodes.

Internally Assigned EAN Numbers

In accordance with GS1 Barcode Standards, EAN Numbers with a 04 as first 2 digits are internally assigned, and can only be used within the organization that assigned it.

Internally assigned EAN Numbers can only used within organization's own supply chain..

Benefits of using Internally Assigned EAN Numbers

  • Zero Cost which means you can assign EANs for all SKUs

Disadvantages of using Internally Assigned EAN Numbers

  • They are only valid for use within your own supply chain, and cannot be used by other stores, or distributors. Do not use internally assigned EANs outside of your organization

We’re always here to help!

Order Barcodes has been working with barcode standards since 1990 and has helped thousands of companies and organizations with selecting the best source to obtain barcode numbers for their needs. Our team includes certified Barcode Consultants and Standards Professionals with extensive experience.

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What's the Difference Between a GTIN and an EAN?

The term Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) refers to a Family of GTIN Data Structures used to identify a trade item, or case of trade items. The term was introduced as part of the Sunrise 2005 GTIN Initiative.

Timeline & Background

  • 1974

    The Uniform Code Council (UCC) started issuing 12 digit UPC barcode numbers to companies in the United States for use in retail stores. The UCC was located in Dayton, OH.

  • 1976

    The European Article Numbering Organization (EAN) started issuing 13 digit EAN barcodes numbers to 12 founding member countries outside of the USA. The EAN HQ was located in Brussels, Belgium.

  • 2004

    The UCC and EAN worked together launch the Global Data Synchronization Initiative (GDSN) which enabled UPC/EAN barcodes to work globally.

  • Current

    GS1 Global currently headquartered in Brussels, Belgium with 116 local member organizations and more than 2 million user companies.

Sunrise 2005 GTIN Initiative: Key Changes

Introduced Universal Terms

  • Trade Item - Any product or service upon which there is a need to retrieve pre-defined information and that may be priced or ordered or invoiced at any point in any supply chain
  • Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) was the new term for the 14-digit data structure to uniquely identify trade items within the EAN\UCC system. This was a new term only, not a standards change.

Global Standards updated to represent a GTIN in a 14-digit database field:

  • A common database length was necessary to support global commerce and different levels of packaging.
  • Create 14 digits by adding zeroes to the front of GTIN data structures which contain only 8-digits, 12-digits or 13-digits. See example.

Variable length GS1 Company Prefixes became available (7 - 11 digits).

  • The Uniform Code Council initially issued all members a six digit UPC Company Prefix Number which would serve as their own prefix to their UPC.
  • Expanding to multiple length prefixes exponentially increased the number of available GTINs which can be assigned.
Example & Review
  • EAN-13
  • =
  • GTIN-13

GTINs are 14 digits when stored in a database. To store a EAN in a GTIN data field, add 0 to beginning of EAN-13 to make 14 digits.

To learn more, download the GTIN Review Deck from Uniform Code Council, Inc.

DOWNLOAD

Contact us for assistance with all your EAN barcoding needs.
We are barcode standards experts!

What's the best label size for an EAN barcode?

The best label size is determined by the size and shape of item, and who requires the EAN barcode on each item.

Retailers and distributors use EAN barcodes to support their own scanning needs, consequently we suggest checking with your trading partners to determine if they have specific sizing requirements.

  • Ideal EAN Label Size

    1.625" x 1.25"

    This label size accommodates a 100% size EAN symbol accepted by all retailers globally who embrace the GS1 General Specifications.

    Labels Printed on Rolls
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    Labels Printed on Sheets
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  • Most Popular EAN Label Size

    1.5" x 1.0"

    This label size accommodates an 80% size EAN symbol and is accepted by most retailers.

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  • Smallest EAN Label Size

    1.25" x 0.5"

    The smallest size EAN label which adheres to the GS1 General Specifications.

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All EAN labels offered by Order Barcodes, Inc. adhere to the GS1 General Specifications.
Looking for more label sizes and material options?
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Placing an Order for Labels

No Artwork or barcode file needed!

To place an order for EAN labels from Order Barcodes, Inc., only an EAN Number is required. Our digital printing systems eliminate the need for barcode artwork, and generates perfect barcode images during the print production process.

3 Steps to place an online order

  • Select Your Label Options

    Select label size, material type, and layout options. Start your order now

  • Provide Necessary Label Data

    Enter EAN number and confirm last (check) character (far right) matches last number of EAN. Enter label quantity and description/s.

  • Go Thru Checkout Process

    Calculate freight and delivery options, provide contact information, enter payment information and Confirm Order!

After order is placed, a press ready proof will be created for approval prior to printing.

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