Category: 1D Symbologies
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The EAN barcode is the one of the most commonly used barcodes. EAN-13 (which means it has 13 numerical digits) is the barcode you commonly see printed on product packaging in Europe and worldwide. However, U.S. and Canadian retailers generally use UPC barcodes.
The shorter EAN-8 barcode is used where space is at a premium.
EAN-13 or EAN-8 barcodes always encode the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) of a product. This is a globally recognized product identification number, which includes a company code (or prefix), together with product codes and a check digit.
EAN originally stood for European Article Number. However, it’s now known as the International Article Number.
Compatibility
Historically, EAN barcode scanners have been dedicated devices such as laser scanners. However today, any smart device with a camera can be used as an EAN code scanner. Barcode scanning software turns smartphones or tablets into efficient EAN code readers.
Scandit’s software supports all major operating systems, programming languages, frameworks, 3rd party systems and OEM devices including React Native, Native iOS, Native Android, JavaScript, Xamarin, Flutter, .NET (iOS and Android), Cordova, Capacitor, Titanium, IBM MobileFirst, SAP Fiori and Oracle Xstore.
EAN Code Characteristics
- Used to encode Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN).
- Contains 8 (EAN-8) or 13 (EAN-13) numerical digits.
- Last digit serves as a mod10 checksum.
- Additional data can be stored in an EAN-2 or EAN-5 add-on code.
- Standardized under ISO/IEC 15420.
EAN Code FAQs
EAN Code Variations
- ISSN Used to identify periodicals around the world
- ISBN Used to identify books around the world
- EAN-8 Used on products at the point of sale
- JAN-13 Used on products at the point of sale
- EAN-13 Used on products at the point of sale