EAN13code

The EAN-13 is a barcode standard that is widely used worldwide for product identification. EAN stands for European Article Number, though it is now an international standard managed by GS1. The "13" refers to the thirteen digits of the barcode. These digits are typically printed below the barcode itself and are read by barcode scanners.

The EAN-13 barcode consists of a GS1 prefix, which identifies the country or company where the product is registered, followed by a manufacturer code, a product code, and a final check digit. The check digit is calculated using a specific algorithm based on the preceding twelve digits. This algorithm helps to ensure the accuracy of the scanned barcode and prevents errors.

EAN-13 barcodes are used on almost all retail products, enabling efficient inventory management and point-of-sale scanning. Their implementation has greatly streamlined the retail industry, allowing for faster checkout processes and more accurate tracking of goods. The system is designed to be globally unique, preventing duplicate product codes. Different countries have specific GS1 prefix ranges assigned to them.