The EAN code for a product is a numerical identifier used to identify a product code. It typically consists of 13 digits and appears on packaging or labels, beneath a graphic symbol called barcode. Scanning it allows point-of-sale systems and management software to retrieve the information associated with the product.
For a retailer, this product code plays a role that extends far beyond the checkout process. It helps with product listing, sales tracking, inventory management, price monitoring, and communication within the supply chain. It also facilitates the reconciliation of product records across different databases.
This identification function directly affects management. An error in matching items can lead to comparing prices of different formats, fragmenting sales history, or ordering the wrong packaging. The quality of product identification therefore affects the reliability of business and operational decisions, particularly when it comes to set the price of an item.
What do the digits in an EAN stand for? How does it differ from a GTIN or SKU? How do you obtain a barcode and verify that it corresponds to the correct item? This guide explains the principles of barcode coding and their implications for retail performance.
What is an EAN code, and what is it used for?
Definition of the EAN Code: A Shared Commercial Identifier
Historically, EAN stands for European Article Number, or European article number. Despite this name, its use extends well beyond Europe.
In GS1 standards, a product’s identification number is now referred to as GTIN. The appellation EAN remains widely used, however, by manufacturers, distributors, and e-commerce teams.
In common usage, the term “EAN code” often refers to the sequence of digits appearing beneath the barcode. For a 13-digit identifier, the correct term is GTIN-13, while the graphic symbol used to represent this identifier is a barcode EAN-13.
This code allows partners to identify a product reference, even when their internal nomenclatures differ. A manufacturer, a distributor, and a platform may use different names for the same item. The shared identifier makes it easier to reconcile their information.
The EAN code does not contain a complete product description. It is used to retrieve data associated with the product: brand, name, volume, sales unit, or technical specifications. Its value therefore also depends on the quality of the information stored in the databases.
Product code and barcode: What’s the difference?
The product code is the identifier. The barcode is a representation of the product code that allows for automatic scanning.
This distinction is important: a sequence of numbers may be correctly assigned to a part number, even though it is difficult to read when printed on the packaging. Conversely, a perfectly legible symbol may represent a number associated with the wrong entry in the catalog.
The EAN-13 barcode uses bars and spaces to represent the GTIN-13. A barcode scanner reads this representation and transmits the number to the connected system. The system then searches for the data corresponding to the item.
Reliability thus depends on three complementary elements: a correctly assigned identifier, a legible graphical representation, and an exact match with the product data.
For teams, these three levels must be checked separately. Correcting print quality does not fix a catalog error; editing a record does not make a damaged barcode more readable.
Is the EAN a unique identifier for each item?
The EAN identifies a product code. Therefore, multiple identical copies of the same item generally have the same number.
Two bottles of the same beverage, from the same brand, and with the same volume may share this unique reference identifier. The code identifies the product being sold, without distinguishing individual bottles.
More detailed tracking requires additional data. The lot number groups together units from a specific production run. The serial number identifies an individual unit.
This distinction is important for inventory, returns, and traceability. Identifying a part number makes it possible to count the corresponding units. Locating the units affected by a manufacturing issue also requires information appropriate to the level of tracking needed.
For management, it is therefore helpful to specify what the company wants to track: a category, a product code, a lot, or an individual item.
How do you read an EAN code and understand its encoding?
How is the sequence of digits in an EAN-13 code structured?
A 13-digit GTIN derived from a GS1 company prefix combines that prefix, an item number, and a check digit. The prefix is assigned within the GS1 system; the item number identifies the company’s products.
We should avoid a simplified numbering system that always allocates a fixed number of digits to the manufacturer and the product. The length of the company prefix may vary.
Nor does the coding system allow one to directly deduce an item’s composition, color, size, or market positioning. The numbers are used for identification, while these attributes are recorded in the product database.
When management wants to analyze its product assortment, it must therefore have structured data in addition to the product number: category, brand, format, segment, and differentiating characteristics.
The EAN code facilitates the linking of this information. It does not replace the collection or validation of this information.
What is the purpose of the check character?
The last digit of an EAN-13 is the check digit, also known as a check digit. It is calculated based on the preceding twelve digits.
For a GTIN-13, the calculation alternately applies coefficients of 1 and 3 to the digits, starting from the left. The check digit rounds the resulting sum up to the next multiple of ten. GS1 provides a calculator to verify this result.
This mechanism helps detect certain data entry or transmission errors. It can be integrated into the checks performed when importing a supplier file.
However, its scope remains limited. A mathematically valid number may correspond to a reference other than the one described in the data sheet.
The verification must therefore focus on the control nature and the attributes of the product. Technical validation alone is not sufficient to confirm the business relevance of the identifier.
Is the EAN prefix a country code that indicates the product’s country of origin?
The first digit of the number is sometimes referred to as a “country code.” This term can be confusing: The GS1 prefix does not indicate the country of manufacture.
It refers to the GS1 member organization that assigned the number. The product may have been manufactured elsewhere.
A company registered with GS1 France can thus sell items manufactured abroad. The product’s origin must be verified using the information provided for this purpose: supplier data, information on the packaging, and traceability documents.
This distinction is essential for product assortment analyses and marketing communications. A retailer should not use the EAN prefix as proof of local manufacturing.
The product code makes it possible to link source information to a specific product reference. However, the reliability of this information depends on its source and the checks that have been performed.
What is the difference between EAN-8 and EAN-13?
The EAN-13 is a 13-digit identifier. The EAN-8 is an 8-digit identifier and can be used, for example, on products with limited space for labeling.
These formats correspond to distinct identifiers. An EAN-8 is not created by removing a few digits from an EAN-13.
Management tools must support the appropriate formats. A rule that systematically requires 13 digits may reject valid identifiers.
This issue arises, in particular, when integrating fast-moving consumer goods, small packages, or international catalogs. The checks must ensure data security without arbitrarily altering the received numbers.
What is the difference between EAN, GTIN, UPC, and SKU?
GTIN and EAN: Distinguishing the Number from Its Format
The GTIN, which stands for Global Trade Item Number, is the identification number for a product code in the GS1 system. There are several formats, including GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, and GTIN-14.
The term “EAN” is still used for identifiers represented by EAN-8 or EAN-13 barcodes. In everyday use, “EAN” and “GTIN-13” can therefore refer to the same 13-digit number.
This distinction is useful in data projects. A field labeled “EAN” may have been designed for a single format, even though the catalog contains several types of identifiers.
Clarifying the terminology helps define the accepted formats, validations, and submission rules. This prevents partners from interpreting the same field differently.
UPC and SKU: Complementary Functions
The UPC is commonly found in North America. The UPC-A barcode represents a GTIN-12 and serves an identification function similar to that of the EAN-13. Google recognizes these various formats in product data.
The SKU, short for Stock Keeping Unit, is an internal management reference. Its format depends on company policies.
Two retailers can therefore use different SKUs for the same product code that has the same GTIN.
Username | Primary Function | Scope |
GTIN, often referred to as EAN | Identifying a product code in the GS1 system | Exchanges Between Partners |
UPC-A | Representing a 12-digit GTIN as a barcode | Automatic Reading |
SKU | Identify an item according to company guidelines | Internal Management |
Manufacturer’s Part Number | Identify an item in the manufacturer’s bill of materials | Supplier Catalog |
Lot Number | Identify a production lot | Traceability |
Serial Number | Identify an individual specimen | Individual Monitoring |
These identifiers can coexist in databases. Their mappings must be documented to ensure consistency across purchases, sales, and inventory.
Why maintain the mappings between product codes?
An item can be ordered using a supplier part number, stored under an SKU, and sold using a GTIN scanned at the register.
The reference system must make it possible to link these representations while distinguishing between packaging units. A supplier reference may refer to a carton, while the barcode on the product corresponds to the consumer unit.
The changes must also be propagated to the affected systems. A new part number, a format change, or a change in the order unit may require several updates.
For management, the challenge lies in determining which data is authoritative, who validates it, and how it is shared. Without this structure, each department can update its own database without resolving inconsistencies across the entire company.
How do you find, read, and verify a product’s EAN code?
Where can you find the code on packaging and labels?
The number is usually located below the barcode, on the packaging, or on a label. Depending on the product, it may be on the back, underneath a box, or near the technical information.
The packaging and the manufacturer are the best sources for finding the GTIN.
When the item is not physically available, teams can consult a supplier catalog or a manufacturer’s product sheet.
The search must be for the exact variant. A single brand name may refer to several different capacities, sizes, or versions. An old photo is not always enough to confirm the product code of the item currently on the market.
Keeping a record of the source and the date of verification makes it easier to resolve discrepancies. This traceability becomes useful when the packaging observed no longer matches the data received.
How does a barcode scanner work?
A barcode scanner uses optical scanning to recognize the printed symbol and transmit the data to the connected system.
The device can take the form of a fixed-mount scanner at the checkout or equipment used for inventory operations. Scanning the number then allows the software to retrieve the associated record. GS1 describes this process as a way to retrieve, among other things, the item description and price from the database. GS1
This automatic identification reduces the need to manually copy reference numbers. It depends on the symbol being legible and on it being recorded in the system.
A barcode can therefore be scanned correctly without the product being recognized. The problem then lies in the catalog or in the data mapping, rather than in the scanner.
How do I search for a product using its EAN?
There are services that allow you to look up information using a GTIN. Verified by GS1 helps verify the company that owns the identifier and, when data is available, basic information about the product.
This search supplements the checks performed during cataloging. It does not guarantee access to a comprehensive record for every item.
The characteristics required for the product must be verified separately: format, variant, sales unit, or packaging.
The company must also distinguish between a lack of results and evidence of invalidity. The information available depends on the source consulted and the data recorded.
How can I verify that I have the correct part number?
Two levels of control are necessary.
The first pertains to the number: length, permitted characters, and check digit. The second pertains to the record: brand, model, quantity, and variant.
Suppose a supplier submits a valid EAN for a 750-milliliter bottle, even though the catalog specifies a one-liter size. A mathematical check will not detect this error. A comparison of attributes will be necessary.
Audits can be prioritized based on impact. A strategic or best-selling product deserves special attention when a discrepancy arises.
The goal is to detect anomalies before they affect prices, orders, and sales history.
How do I get an EAN code and create a scannable barcode?
Who is responsible for product coding?
In the GS1 system, the brand owner is normally responsible for assigning the GTIN, regardless of which company physically manufactures the item.
A retailer that resells a product that has already been identified uses the identifier assigned to that product. For its private-label products, the retailer may be responsible for assigning product codes to the relevant items.
This responsibility must be clarified in dealings with manufacturers. A single brand may work with multiple manufacturers, while a manufacturer may produce for multiple retailers.
The organization must define who creates the number, who approves the record, and who notifies partners when a change occurs. This division of responsibilities helps prevent duplicate entries and incomplete updates.
How do I obtain my codes from GS1 France?
GS1 France states that obtaining GTIN/EAN codes requires membership. A platform then allows members to create and manage their identifiers.
The company must plan its requirements, taking into account variants and packaging options. The number of models does not necessarily correspond to the number of product codes.
For textiles, combinations of sizes and colors can result in multiple identifiers. For consumer goods, formats and sales units must also be distinguished.
GS1 France mentions an annual membership fee that includes, among other things, the assignment of a company prefix. Please verify the pricing terms at the time of the project.
The overall budget may also include packaging modifications, labeling checks, and integration with management systems.
Is a code generator enough to create an EAN?
A code generator is used to produce a graphical representation based on a number. This process does not prove that the number was assigned to the company or that it correctly identifies its product.
It is important to distinguish between creating a product ID and generating the barcode that represents it.
Generation and calculation tools are used to generate or verify numbers in accordance with applicable rules. GS1 France offers, among other things, tools for calculating check digits and generating barcodes.
Before using an image on labels, the company must therefore verify the identifier, its assignment, and its correspondence with the reference. The ease of generation does not eliminate the need for these checks.
Why are print quality and labeling important?
A valid number loses its operational usefulness if its representation cannot be reliably read.
Print quality depends, in particular, on the contrast, dimensions, and white space around the symbol. GS1 recommends checking these characteristics to ensure proper scanning.
Labeling must also be evaluated on the actual medium. An image that is legible on a screen may be compromised by printing, excessive scaling, or improper placement on the packaging.
For operational departments, testing must focus on conditions of use: receiving, inventory, or checkout.
A pre-deployment check helps identify optical reading issues and prevent the need to rework packaging or labels.
When should a product’s EAN code be changed?
Variations and Changes to Content
Different product codes must be distinguishable from one another. Sizes, colors, and formats must be reviewed in accordance with the applicable rules.
GS1 specifies, among other things, that a new GTIN is required when the net content stated on the packaging changes. A package whose weight changes from 500 to 450 grams must therefore be distinguished from its previous version.
This distinction ensures the consistency of the analyses. Without a clear distinction, the data may mix different quantities and skew price comparisons.
Any change must be accompanied by documentation: launch date, modified specifications, and any relationship to the previous part number. This allows teams to track the transition without losing track of the product line.
Changes to Packaging and Pricing
Not every graphical change automatically results in a new code. The decision must be evaluated based on the nature of the change.
GS1 specifies, among other things, that a new GTIN is required when a physical dimension or the gross weight changes by more than 20 percent.
A change to the price recorded in the cash register does not, in and of itself, mean that the product’s SKU has changed.
The case of a price that is integrated into the packaging design is different: according to GS1, adding, modifying, or removing it requires a new GTIN. This rule does not apply to a simple removable price tag.
Pricing decisions must therefore be coordinated with product line management when the price appears directly on the packaging.
Can we reuse an old product code?
GS1 France specifies that a GTIN must not be reused to identify a new product, even if the old product is no longer sold.
This separation helps preserve historical records. The old number may still appear in sales records, returns, archives, or online listings.
A discontinued reference must therefore retain its identity in the databases. Its status changes, while its link to the original product remains documented.
For management, this continuity simplifies portfolio analysis and prevents the results of an older product from being attributed to a new one.
Is an EAN code required for retail chains and on Google Shopping?
Listing Requirements for Mass Retailers
In the retail sector, product identifiers make it easier to integrate items into catalogs and point-of-sale systems.
Requirements must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis depending on the product and the partner. The commercial terms for listing must be distinguished from sector-specific regulatory obligations.
The supplier must verify the required identifiers, related information, and labeling requirements. These elements are part of the preparation for the launch.
The EAN is not a certification of quality or compliance. It is used to identify a product and must be accompanied by the information required for its sale.
For a sales department, anticipating these requirements helps coordinate production, listing, and launch timelines.
The Role of the GTIN on Google Shopping
For listings published through Google Merchant Center, particularly on Google Shopping, the GTIN helps identify the product.
Google states that a missing or incorrect identifier may limit the visibility of the corresponding listing. Variants must be associated with the appropriate code.
This quality must be consistent with that of the titles, images, and attributes. Even a well-written record may encounter problems if the transmitted number corresponds to a different format.
Data flows must reflect the validated data in the repository. Any correction made on a platform must be reconciled with the source to prevent the error from reoccurring during synchronization.
How should items without a GTIN be handled?
Some products do not have a GTIN. Google anticipates this situation and asks that you do not make up a number.
The company must distinguish between a legitimate absence of an identifier and data that is simply missing.
An empty field may require a request to the supplier or may represent an exception provided for by the channel. The processing must reflect the actual situation.
This distinction makes it possible to organize corrections and exceptions without artificially creating product codes that do not correspond to the items sold.
How does the EAN code contribute to retail performance?
Improving the reliability of price monitoring and product matching
Price monitoring relies on matching the correct product codes. A reliable EAN helps compare the same product across multiple sellers, even when the product names differ.
The comparison must be supplemented by an analysis of the offer. A price may apply to a single unit, a bundle, or a promotion reserved for members. The fact that offers share a common identifier does not automatically make all commercial terms comparable.
The code also has its limitations when it comes to equivalent products. Two private-label brands may offer items that meet the same need but have different identifiers. In such cases, the matching process must rely on attributes such as composition, quantity, product line tier, or technical specifications.
For the pricing department, this distinction makes it possible to adapt decision-making rules. Comparing an identical product does not necessarily require the same trade-offs as comparing a similar offer.
An incorrect match can result in an unwarranted price reduction. Verifying the product code and attributes helps ensure that discrepancies are accurately identified before assessing their impact on the margin.
Secure sales history and forecasts
Sales must be linked to the correct product codes. An identification error can mix up multiple products or fragment the sales history of a single item.
When a code changes as a result of a change in capacity, the data must provide insight into the transition. The phase-out of the old identifier and the introduction of the new one should not be interpreted without taking this relationship into account.
Any reconciliation of historical data requires a business assessment: differences in quantity, price changes, and whether the commercial proposal remains the same or is modified.
In demand planning, the quality of the identification helps define what is being measured. It does not guarantee the accuracy of forecasts, but it does limit ambiguities in the input data.
Teams can then more clearly distinguish between changes in demand and changes in the reference framework.
Streamline inventory and warehouse operations
Automatic identification can be used during inventory counts to identify the items being counted and record their quantities.
Scanning the barcode makes data collection easier, provided the matches are correct. A readable symbol linked to the wrong record will not result in a reliable inventory.
In a warehouse, it is also important to distinguish between sales units. The code on an item sold to a consumer does not necessarily correspond to the packaging that was ordered or received.
The reference system must specify the units, quantities per carton, and part numbers used at each stage. This consistency helps ensure that the physical inventory matches the recorded data.
For operations managers, tracking reading and matching errors helps identify the corrections that are disrupting operations.
Linking Sales Units to the Supply Chain
The supply chain must translate business needs into orderable units.
A product sold individually can be shipped by the carton. GS1 standards allow for the identification of different trade levels, particularly using GTIN-14.
The specification must clearly define the conversions: number of units per carton, order unit, and expected packaging.
An accurate forecast can lead to an incorrect order if these coefficients are entered incorrectly. The quality of the EAN code must therefore be consistent with that of the units of measure and logistics data.
For management, this continuity makes it possible to link sales analyses to procurement decisions without any ambiguity regarding the quantities involved.
Organize Product Data Management
Purchasing, sales, logistics, and e-commerce must be consistently aligned.
Governance must specify where the code is validated, who can modify it, and how updates are distributed. It must also establish procedures for resolving discrepancies between suppliers and systems.
The checks cover the format, the check character, and the associated attributes. When exchanging files, identifiers must be preserved, particularly to prevent the removal of leading zeros.
Metrics can help prioritize actions: verified listings, issues preventing listings from appearing in search results, time to resolution, or unusable price comparisons.
These measures should be considered in light of their operational implications. An anomaly involving a strategic item may warrant prompt action, even when the overall quality of the catalog appears satisfactory.
Will QR codes replace EAN barcodes?
What 2D Codes Offer
The EAN-13 barcode represents the GTIN-13. GS1-compliant 2D codes can contain this identifier and additional information.
Depending on the system, they can be used to transmit batch and date information or links to digital resources. However, a QR code that links to a web page does not automatically perform the functions expected at the checkout.
The evolution, therefore, centers on the reading medium and its associated uses. The need to precisely identify the product code remains.
For the company, the value of the additional data depends on the systems’ ability to interpret it and integrate it into operations.
How do you prepare the equipment and data?
GS1’s goal is for point-of-sale systems to be able to read and process a defined set of 2D barcodes that comply with GS1 standards by the end of 2027, in addition to existing linear barcodes.
This goal does not mean that all EAN-13 codes will disappear at the same time.
The preparation process must take into account barcode scanners, software, partners, and available data. Testing must verify that the symbol is read correctly and that the information is processed all the way through to the business applications.
This development also provides an opportunity to review the reference framework. Adding information to an identification system that is not properly managed does not resolve the inconsistencies that already exist.
Use product identification to build a reliable foundation for decision-making
The EAN code links a product code to the information needed for its sale and management. It facilitates data exchange, automatic scanning, and data reconciliation between systems.
Its usefulness depends on several factors: a correctly assigned identifier, a readable barcode, reliable attributes, and consistent mappings over time. Product changes must be documented and communicated to the relevant partners.
For executives, the challenge lies in ensuring this reliability across the entire company. Clear responsibilities, appropriate controls, and monitoring of anomalies enable teams to make better use of their data to interpret price discrepancies, anticipate demand, adjust inventory levels, and coordinate the supply chain.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EAN Code
The EAN Code: What Is It?
An EAN code is an identifier used to uniquely identify a product in retail and distribution. It is typically associated with a barcode printed on the product’s packaging.
In everyday language, “EAN code” often refers to the number printed beneath the barcode. For a 13-digit identifier, the precise term is GTIN-13, while EAN-13 refers to the barcode format that represents that number.
In particular, the EAN code helps streamline checkout processes, inventory management, sales tracking, and the exchange of information between manufacturers, distributors, and e-commerce platforms.
Where can I find my EAN code?
The EAN code is usually found on the product packaging, below the barcode. It corresponds to the series of numbers printed beneath the bars, which often consists of 13 digits for an EAN-13 code.
It may also be listed on a product page on an e-commerce site, in a supplier catalog, on an invoice, or in the manufacturer’s or distributor’s database.
How do you decode an EAN code?
An EAN-13 code consists of 13 digits. The first digits correspond to the prefix assigned in the GS1 system; the following digits identify the company and the product code; and the last digit is a check digit.
This key is used to verify that the number has been entered or scanned correctly. However, one should avoid interpreting each part of the EAN code as information that can be directly read from the product: the code generally does not indicate the product’s price, composition, or characteristics. Its primary purpose is to uniquely identify a product reference.
Does the EAN code include the price?
For a standard product identified by a GTIN, the price is retrieved from databases after the barcode is scanned. It is generally not included in the identifier. Specific coding systems exist for certain items sold by weight.
Is the EAN code required?
Is the EAN code required?
An EAN code is not a legal requirement for all products. In practice, however, it has become essential in many retail channels. Retailers, distributors, and major e-commerce platforms generally require a GTIN—often referred to as an EAN code—to uniquely identify each product.
A company that sells only its own products directly to consumers may, in some cases, operate without a GTIN. However, as soon as a product needs to be listed in a store, with a distributor, or on a marketplace, the use of a standardized identifier is generally required.
Can you scan an EAN with a phone?
A compatible app can scan the barcode using the camera. The information displayed depends on the database being queried. Scanning the number does not guarantee access to a complete record.
Does an EAN prove a product's authenticity?
Verification helps ensure the consistency of the identifier and the associated information. It is not sufficient to physically authenticate a copy, since a barcode can be reproduced.
Why isn't a valid code recognized at the register?
The item number may be missing from the catalog, incorrectly linked to a product record, or not properly synchronized with the cash register. Mathematical validity and system registration are two separate checks.
Does the same product code vary depending on the retailer?
A given product code normally retains its GTIN in transactions between business partners. Each retailer may assign it a different internal SKU for its own management purposes.
