EAN 13-Barcode: Complete Explanations

The EAN-13 barcode is a set of 13 numbers you’ve probably seen on almost every product you’ve ever bought. These numbers do a lot more than you might think. They help store owners track what’s in and sold out. These numbers also make checkouts quick and error-free.

These barcodes are essential for businesses that use Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) printers. They’re not just lines and numbers but a crucial part of modern stores operating efficiently. It ensures that every product is tracked, every sale is recorded, and every inventory count is precise. 

What is Exactly EAN-13 Barcode?

EAN-13 stands for European Article Number, although it’s used worldwide. It’s a barcode of 13 digits, each with a specific role. The first three digits are the GS1 Prefix, which can tell you the country of the product’s origin or the organization it belongs to.

Then comes the manufacturer code, a unique set of numbers given to each manufacturer. After that, you have the product code specific to the item itself. The last digit is a check digit, calculated to ensure the barcode is scanned correctly. All these components make the EAN-13 a reliable and universal way to identify products.

Who Uses EAN-13 Barcode and The Benefits of Using It

This barcode is a favorite among retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers. It’s a key player in various industries, from grocery stores to fashion outlets and online marketplaces.

One of the significant benefits is its role in inventory management. With EAN-13 barcodes, tracking products becomes a breeze, reducing the chances of human error and making stock counts more accurate.

Another advantage is the speed and efficiency it brings to the checkout process. Scanners can easily read these barcodes, even at angles as acute as 45 degrees, which speeds up customer transactions and minimizes queues. It is handy during peak shopping hours or seasonal sales.

Decoding The Components of EAN-13 Barcode

Knowing the four components of this 13-digit code is essential for your business operation. Below is the list:

1. GS1 Prefix

The first three digits of the barcode are known as the GS1 Prefix. This set of numbers identifies the country or organization the product is associated with. For example, Singapore has the code number 888, while Indonesia is represented by the number 899.

2. Manufacturer Code

The manufacturer code is a unique set of numbers assigned to each manufacturer by a numbering authority. You’ll get this code when you register with GS1 if you’re a business owner. All products your company makes will use this same manufacturer code, making identifying who made the product more accessible.

3. Product Code

After the manufacturer code comes the product code. You, as the manufacturer, assign this unique set of numbers to each product. It’s like a name tag for your product, making it easy to identify and manage in your inventory.

4. Check Digit

The last digit is the check digit. It’s calculated using a specific formula. The check digit ensures that the barcode scans correctly. If there’s a scanning error, this digit will help identify it, adding an extra layer of accuracy and reliability to the system.

What is The Difference between UPC and EAN?

While both EAN and UPC barcodes serve the purpose of product identification and are part of the GS1 system, they have some key differences. The most obvious is the number of digits: UPC has 12, whereas EAN has 13.

UPC is mainly used in the United States and Canada, while EAN is the go-to barcode in other parts of the world. If you’re a business that operates in multiple countries, you’ll find EAN more versatile because it’s globally accepted.

Another difference is the GS1 Prefix. The first three digits in EAN can represent a country or organization, whereas UPC doesn’t have this feature. Also, you can turn a UPC into an EAN code by adding a zero at the beginning.

What is The Difference between GTIN and EAN-13?

GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number. It’s like an umbrella term covering various item identifiers, including UPC, EAN, and even ISBN for books.

While GTIN can vary in length from 8 to 14 digits depending on the product type and where it’s sold, EAN-13 is consistent in its format. So, when dealing with product identification, think of GTIN as the general category and EAN-13 as a specific category member.

Is EAN-13 The Same as ISBN?

No. While it may look similar to an EAN-13 barcode, ISBN (International Standard Book Number) serves an entirely different purpose. 

ISBN is designed to identify a book’s edition, publisher, and specific title. It’s a unique identifier that helps libraries, bookstores, and readers manage and locate books. Unlike EAN-13, which is used for a wide range of retail products, ISBN is exclusive to the publishing industry.

Notes for Creating EAN-13 Barcode

Follow these four practical steps for creating EAN-13 barcodes that meet international standards!

1. Register with GS1

The first step is registering with GS1, which standardizes these codes. Registering gives you a unique manufacturer code for every barcode you create. It ensures that your products are easily identifiable and traceable to your business.

2. Assign Product Codes

Once you have your manufacturer code, the next step is to assign unique product codes to each item in your inventory. These product codes will make up the middle section of your barcode. Keeping these codes organized, perhaps in a database, is crucial for easy management and updates.

3. Calculate the Check Digit

The final digit in an EAN-13 barcode is the check digit, which isn’t random. The check digit is a verification tool to ensure the barcode is scanned correctly. Specific formulas are available to calculate this digit, making it a crucial step for accuracy.

4. Design and Print

After you’ve got all the numbers in place, it’s time to design and print your barcode. If you’re using Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) printers, you’ll find that they offer high-quality printing suitable for this barcode. Test the barcode to ensure it scans correctly before rolling it out on your products.

From keeping your inventory in check to ensuring each sale goes smoothly, the EAN-13 barcode is something you’ll want to get to know better. It’s a simple way to keep your business organized and efficient, whether selling locally or reaching customers worldwide.

Ready to take the next step in optimizing your business? Visit Markcom Global to find reliable printing solutions! Also, check out these must-read articles to enhance your understanding further: Barcode System for Better Inventory Management and The Role of Batch Code Printing Machine.