The EAN code is one of the world’s most famous symbols. It is the most established and used of all GS1 barcodes. EAN codes are mainly used to label consumer products that are to pass through a checkout point.
Who uses EAN codes?
Producers and suppliers primarily in the grocerysector, mark their products with EAN codes. They are also used in retail, technical industries, warehouse, construction and pharmaceuticals. The barcodes are a part of GS1’s global standards, which means that you as a producer or supplier can easily do business all over the world.
The benefits of EAN
By marking a product with an EAN code, it can be easily scanned at the checkout point or by the consumer itself when self-scanning. By scanning the barcode instead of manually entering a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) into the cash register system, there is less risk for errors. It also saves time and reduces queuing in stores.
How are EAN-13 and EAN-8 used?
The barcode EAN-13 is mainly used to mark consumer products that passes through a checkout point and which is identified with a GTIN-13 or a variable weight code. The EAN-13 can also be used to label outer packagings and pallets that do not need to be labelled with more information than can be found in a GTIN-13. If more information is needed, the barcode GS1-128 is for example, more appropriate.
EAN-8 is used to label small consumer products that has limited space for a barcode, such as a lipstick. EAN-8 contains a GTIN-8. Read more about how EAN-13 and EAN-8 are used here.