EAN stands for “European Article Number.” It’s a 13-digit GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) used by retailers across much of the world to identify products when scanned at the POS. The EAN is put into a series of black lines, a code that a scanning system can read. Using an EAN streamlines customer service by allowing a store clerk to quickly and easily price items into the POS system without manually entering pricing.
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An EAN can come in two forms: the EAN-13 and the EAN-8. The EAN-13 is the full product code and is used for traditional packaging. The EAN-8 condenses the code from 13 digits to 8, making it ideal for smaller packages. Despite being the shorter form of the product EAN, the EAN-8 scans and functions exactly the same as the full EAN-13.
UPC stands for “Universal Product Code.” This 12-digit code is primarily used in North America instead of the EAN. There are two kinds of UPCs: UPC-A and UPC-E. The UPC-A is the typical code most people see while shopping for everyday items. It’s the full 12-digit product code that includes all digits. A UPC-E is a compressed version of the UPC, showing just eight digits, suppressing the zeroes. The UPC-E can be used on products that don’t have as much space to print a UPC-A. UPCs are used on products you purchase every day. Whether you’re shopping at your local supermarket or online, each item is assigned a product UPC.
At an initial glance, an EAN and UPC will look identical. The untrained eye probably won’t notice any differences because they’re similar. An EAN is one digit longer than a UPC, which changes the format of the numbers in the code. You can see the difference between an EAN and a UPC by the structure of the numbers below the barcode. A UPC has a trailing check digit on the right side of the bars, while an EAN keeps the check digit inside the bars. The second half of a UPC is made up of the product number inside the second half of the bars.
A 13 digit EAN code consists of a variable length GS1 Company Prefix, a company code assigned to your business when your register with GS1 and a product number assigned to each item you sell, with a unique combination for each variant. The final number is a check digit, a single number added to detect errors and to authenticate the product number sequence.
The bars above the numbers are arranged with different thicknesses designated for each digit. Laser scanners spread across the code to identify the bars against contrasting negative space. When a scanner “reads” the pattern of the bars, it sends information to a computer that can decipher the code and quickly reference a database to present information like pricing, tracking, product data, and more.
EAN numbers are used internationally, primarily in the U.K. and throughout Europe, as part of a POS system. Retailers can use an EAN to improve customer service and flow at a POS system. Additionally, an EAN plays a significant role in tracking products through a supply chain and inventory management. Chances are, you’ve come across an EAN number and not even noticed.
EANs and UPCs are primarily used in Europe and North America, respectively. However, this doesn’t limit them to exclusive use in these regions. Both UPCs and EANs can be seamlessly used internationally, allowing for international commerce without registering your products with more than one code. So, if you operate a widget business in New York City, your widgets can be sold in London using the same UPC with which they’re sold in Los Angeles. Registering your barcode with GS1 ensures that a POS from anywhere in the world can retrieve product information without running into problems with duplication or translation.
Getting your products registered according to GS1 standards will ensure each item has a unique barcode assigned to it. You’ll never have to worry about code duplication, regardless of where in the world you’re selling. You can be confident that your EAN code works in the U.S. and that your UPC is functional in Europe. Get in touch with a member of our team to learn more about how we can help you register your products today.
Whether you sell your products in a brick and mortar store or mostly online, you rely on barcodes to help keep your business running. Both EAN numbers and UPC codes are commonly used for product identification, but what’s the difference between EAN vs UPC?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through EAN numbers, UPC codes, and how they differ to help you streamline your operations and avoid potential issues with inventory and sales tracking.
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The GTIN vs UPC Guide
An EAN number (short for European Article Number) is a 13-digit number used to identify a specific retail product. It’s part of the barcode system used globally to manage inventory, sales, and product data. EAN numbers are scanned at the point-of-sale or during inventory counts to access product information. Although the name has “European” in it, EANs are used worldwide in Europe, Asia, and beyond.
EAN numbers come in two main formats: EAN-13 and EAN-8. EAN-13 is used for most products, while EAN-8 is a shortened version that’s used on smaller products that don’t have enough room for a full 13-digit barcode.
A UPC code (short for Universal Product code) is a 12-digit barcode that’s used to identify products in retail settings, just like the EAN. Although UPCs and EANs have similar format and function, UPC codes are mainly used in the US and Canada, though they are generally scannable everywhere.
When comparing the EAN code vs UPC code, the main difference is in their structure and regional use. UPC codes are 12-digit barcodes used mostly in the US and Canada. On the other hand, EAN numbers are usually 13-digit barcodes used internationally. The extra digit in an EAN code allows for more product variations and includes a country prefix to identify the product’s origins. Despite their differences, both codes serve the same purpose: to uniquely identify retail products for inventory and checkout systems.
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Both UPC codes and EAN numbers work by encoding product information into a barcode that can be read by a scanner. The lines and spaces of the barcode vary in width and spacing. Each combination corresponds to a digit (0-9). The number of bars and their arrangement is standardized so that scanners can quickly interpret them. When a cashier or warehouse worker scans the barcode, the scanner reads those numbers and pulls up the product details–like name, price, and inventory data–from a point-of-sale or inventory system.
The code itself doesn’t store the product details. Instead, it acts like a license plate. The number is linked to a database entry where all the actual information is stored. When a UPC code is scanned, the system updates inventory levels, records the sale, and applies the correct price automatically. EAN codes work the same way, just with one extra digit and a broader range for international use.
Both UPC codes and EAN numbers are used almost anywhere products are bought, sold, or tracked, including:
The main difference between EAN vs UPC is where they are used:
So, if you’re selling a product in your local store in the US, a UPC is likely all you need. But, if you’re expanding globally or listing your product on international platforms, having an EAN ensures it can be scanned everywhere.
The EAN Code Guide
While both UPC codes and EAN numbers are very useful, there situations where you do not need to use them, including:
Both EAN numbers and UPC codes are managed and assigned by GS1, a global barcode standards organization. Whether you need an EAN or UPC, you can purchase these codes through GS1.
To get your UPCs or EANs, go to gs1us.org and apply for a GS1 Company Prefix. You’ll choose how many codes you need and pay based on that number. Once approved, you’ll get access to your own set of UPC or EAN numbers. From there, you can assign each number to a specific product that you sell and generate barcodes for each.
Yes, both UPC and EAN codes can be used internationally, but EAN is the global standard. UPC codes can work internationally as many international systems and read and accept UPC codes. In fact, UPCs can be converted into EAN by adding a leading zero. However, some non-US retailers or marketplaces might require a true EAN, not a converted UPC.
Now that you understand the differences between EAN vs UPC, you might be wondering what GTIN has to do with these barcodes. EAN and UPC are specific barcode formats used to identify retail products, but they differ in format and regional use.
GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses various barcode formats, including UPC, EAN, and ISBN. The GTIN is essentially the global standard for identifying products in retail and e-commerce. It helps businesses ensure their products are identifiable across borders and systems.
What Is A GTIN Number?
The differences between EAN vs UPC are small but significant. EAN numbers are primarily used in international markets, while UPC codes are used mostly in the US and Canada. Both can help you streamline your checkout and inventory processes.
When it comes to UPC or EAN barcode labels, you want to make sure you’re printing in high quality so they can be scanned. You also want labels that will last through shipping, shelving, and beyond. That’s where Coast Label comes in. Using only the best materials, we’ll manufacture barcode labels that are meant to last. Contact us today for your custom barcode labels.
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