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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.

Where to get a EAN Number

Get EAN barcodes from Order Barcodes, Inc. through our partnership with GS1 US!

GS1 US is the only source for EAN & UPC numbers (GTINs) that are globally recognized across any store or online platform. GTINs obtained from GS1 US are registered to your company as the brand owner, along with product information, which is publicly accessible through Verified by GS1

Benefits of GS1 US Logo

Supports growing product lines

Uniquely identifies locations (GLN)

Uniquely identifies products

Supports mixed cases and pallets

Supports coupon creation

Identifies medical devices and pharmaceutical products

Question Mark

Not sure how many EANs you need? Use the Estimating Tool to determine how many EANs are needed.

Multiple EAN Barcodes

Several EAN Barcodes

Starting at $250

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Single EAN Barcode

Single EAN Barcode

$30 each

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Global Standards Organization (GS1 US)

The GS1 US is a not-for-profit Standards Organization that develops and maintains global barcode standards and provides unique identifiers. EANs obtained directly from the GS1 US will work at any retail store or online selling platform.

or

EANs obtained directly from the GS1 US include:

  • Registration of your Company and Product information directly into the global database of GTIN information (GS1 DataHub)
  • UPC Company & Product information publicly available (Verified by GS1)
  • Certificate of Ownership issued by the GS1 US
Checkmark

Verified by GS1

To review EAN Company & Product Information use the Verified by GS1 Tool. It’s simple:

1. Enter your EAN number & search
Verified by GS1 Step 1
2. View search results Verified by GS1 Step 2
We are GS1

We are a GS1 US Channel Partner

As a GS1 US Channel Partner, Order Barcodes, Inc. offers direct access to GS1 identifiers, including Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs). These identifiers are essential for marketplace product listings and the generation of UPC barcodes to accurately label your products. Visit our GS1 US Channel Partner Page for more info.

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.

    Labels Printed on Rolls
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    Labels Printed on Sheets
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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.

    Labels Printed on Rolls
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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.

Tools and Resources