GS1EAN

GS1 EAN refers to the use of GS1's global standards for European Article Numbering and related barcoding within the GS1 system. The term commonly describes the barcodes and the identifiers used to uniquely identify trade items in retail and logistics. The EAN barcode family includes EAN-13, EAN-8, and related formats such as UPC, which have become de facto global identifiers for products. In practice, a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is assigned to each product and encoded in the barcode; the code ensures unique identification across brands and countries.

History and scope: The European Article Numbering system was developed in the 1970s by EAN International. In 2005, EAN International and the Uniform Code Council (UCC) merged to form GS1, a global standards organization. Since then, GTINs, EAN/UPC barcodes, and other GS1 identifiers are administered under the GS1 system, enabling cross-border trade and data exchange.

Structure and technical details: A GTIN-13 consists of a GS1 prefix, a company prefix, an item reference, and a check digit calculated using a modulo 10 algorithm. EAN-8 provides a compact 8-digit code for small items. EAN-14 and similar formats extend the system for logistics units. GS1-128, formerly EAN-128, is a variable-length barcode used in shipping and data-rich applications and can carry application identifiers to convey additional information.

Usage and governance: GS1 barcodes are scanned at points of sale and throughout supply chains. Beyond barcodes, GS1 offers standards for product data and data sharing, including the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) and identifiers such as GLN (Global Location Number) and SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code).