What is an EAN (European Article Number)?

EAN stands for European Article Number, a product identification number introduced in the 1970s. It consists of 8 or 13 digits, combined with a barcode, providing unique product identification.

Benefits of the EAN include:

• Error reduction in product handling
• Time savings
• Transparency and digitization of the supply chain

Since 2005, the term EAN has been replaced by GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). Licensing for GTINs is managed by GS1 Global.

There are two versions:

• The 13-digit standard format (requires ~10 cm² of space)
• The 8-digit short version (requires ~6 cm²)

The 13-digit EAN includes:

• 2-digit country code
• 5-digit company prefix
• 5-digit item reference
• 1-digit check digit