Introduction to EAN barcode
What is an EAN Barcode?
The full name of EAN is European Article Number. It originated in 1977, jointly developed by twelve European industrial countries. Today, it has become an international barcode system.
The management of the EAN barcode system is overseen by the International Article Numbering Association (now known as GS1). This organization is responsible for assigning and authorizing country-specific codes to member countries. Each member country then authorizes manufacturer identification numbers to domestic manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers through their national GS1 organization.
Features of the EAN Barcodes
EAN barcodes have the following characteristics:
- Stores numeric data only (digits 0–9)
- Can be scanned in both directions, either left to right or right to left
- Includes a check digit (at the far right of the code) to prevent data reading errors
- Uses guard bars (left, center, and right) to separate different parts of the barcode and provide proper quiet zones for accurate scanning
- Fixed length, making it less flexible, but it is globally compatible when properly registered
Types of EAN Barcodes
Based on their structure, EAN barcodes can be classified into:
- EAN-13: Contains 13 digits. This is the standard format of the EAN system.
- EAN-8: Contains 8 digits. This is a shortened version used for small packages with limited space.
The barcode on the product packaging shown below is an example of an EAN-13 barcode:
