Ean

EAN, or European Article Number, is a standardized system for identifying retail products. Developed to enable fast, accurate barcode scanning, it is part of the GS1 system and is widely used around the world. The most familiar form is the 13-digit EAN, now commonly referred to as GTIN-13, though the historic term EAN-13 remains in common usage. Smaller items can use EAN-8.

An EAN-13 code comprises 13 digits. The first digits form the GS1 prefix, which identifies the issuing authority, while the middle digits encode the manufacturer and the product, and the final digit is a check digit. The check digit is calculated from the preceding 12 digits using a modulo-10 algorithm: assign weights of 1 and 3 to alternating digits, sum the results, take the remainder when divided by 10, and subtract that remainder from 10 (using 0 if the remainder is 0). This check helps detect common entry or scanning errors.

Variants and interoperability are part of the system. EAN-8 uses 8 digits for smaller items, while EAN-14 serves packaging hierarchies and logistic units. An EAN-13 code can encode a UPC-A number by adding a leading zero, enabling compatibility with the North American UPC system.

Administration and usage: GS1 is the global organization that assigns prefixes and oversees the EAN/GTIN system. The codes are embedded in barcodes scanned at point of sale and throughout the supply chain, linking products to price, inventory, and logistics data. While North America historically favored UPCs, EAN-13/GTIN-13 provides universal interoperability across regions.