EAN (European Article Number)

A barcode standard used internationally to identify products. It is a 13-digit number (or 8 digits for small packages) used in Europe and other regions. The EAN uniquely identifies a product and its manufacturer, facilitating tracking and sales processes across various retail and supply chain systems. Key Points: Purpose: EANs are used to identify products in a standardized way, allowing for efficient tracking, sales, and inventory management across different retailers and systems globally. Structure: An EAN consists of: A prefix indicating the country or company (first 2-3 digits). A manufacturer code (next set of digits). A product code (assigned by the manufacturer). A check digit (the last digit used for error detection). Compatibility: EANs are compatible with the Universal Product Code (UPC) system used in North America, enabling international product identification and sales. Usage on Amazon: Sellers need to use EANs to list products on Amazon. EANs help Amazon verify product authenticity, manage inventory, and provide a seamless shopping experience for customers. Difference from UPC: While similar, EANs and UPCs differ in their length and regional usage. EANs are used internationally, whereas UPCs are primarily used in North America.