EANCode

EANCode is a standard for barcode identification numbers used internationally. It is a superset of the Universal Product Code (UPC) system, commonly used in North America. The European Article Number, as it was originally known, was developed in the early 1970s. It is now managed by GS1, a global standards organization. An EAN code typically consists of either 13 digits (EAN-13) or 8 digits (EAN-8). The EAN-13 code is the most prevalent.

The structure of an EAN-13 barcode includes a country code or GS1 prefix (usually 2 or 3 digits), a manufacturer code, a product code, and a check digit. The check digit is a single digit calculated using a specific algorithm, which helps to detect errors during scanning. The EAN-8 code is a shorter version used for small products where a full EAN-13 might not fit. EAN codes are printed on retail products worldwide to facilitate efficient inventory management and point-of-sale scanning. The system ensures that each product can be uniquely identified across different retailers and countries.