Everyone encounters barcodes. They appear on products we buy in shops, but most often we are not aware of their existence. The barcode is the most common form of EAN-13 code, which is designed to identify goods. How do you get an EAN code and what purpose does it serve?
EAN number - what is it?
EAN product codes, which consist of a light background with dark elements and a row of digits, can be found on all kinds of products in shops all over the world. They are widely used in commerce and logistics. Above all, they allow work processes to be automated and optimised, and it is thanks to them that product information can be read quickly.
EAN, or European Article Number, is a bar code, which was developed on the basis of the UPC code. Both systems were standardised as GTINs in 2005 by GS1, an organisation that develops and maintains global standards; one of the best known is the barcode. EAN codes can be found on products or their packaging. First and foremost, they make life easier for manufacturers, suppliers and retailers. Such a system helps find the desired product, and also eliminates the possibility of any errors when entering or reading the data. Usually, the first three digits of the EAN code indicate the country in which the product code was issued - for Poland this is number 590.
The codes are used to identify individual and bulk packages. The EAN-13 check digit has more numbers and is used, among other things, to encode ISBN numbers for books, magazines and multimedia. 
What are the versions of the EAN code?
Now that we know what an EAN is, it is time to learn about its variants. Although there are several versions of a product's EAN code, the 13-digit standard is the most commonly used.
- EAN-13 (GTIN-13) - contains 12 data digits and one check digit;
- EAN-8 (GTIN-8) - is useful for small packages on which EAN-13 would not fit, and contains 7 data digits and one check digit;
- EAN-128 (GTIN-128) - has a variable number of alphanumeric characters and one check digit;
- EAN-14 (GTIN-14) - consists of 13 data digits and one check digit.
Structure of the EAN code
The digits that appear in the GTIN-13 code are not random. Each code is unique and has four essential elements: the GS1 prefix, the manufacturer or distributor code, the product code and the check digit. The first three digits indicate in which country the manufacturer of the goods is registered. However, this does not mean that the product was manufactured there. Companies that are registered with GS1 can produce all over the world. Sometimes it is also possible to encounter codes that start with 0. Then we are dealing with 12-digit UPC codes (with the digit 0 added at the beginning).
The next part after the prefix is the manufacturer or distributor code. It can consist of 4 to 8 digits, i.e. it has a variable length. Each manufacturer is assigned its own code, which is unique and all manufactured products carry the same number.
The next element is the product code. Its length can also vary: it usually contains between 1 and 5 digits. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to place it on a specific product (after approval from GS1).
The check digit is used to verify the total. It checks that the numbers are correct, and is calculated according to a specific formula, from the remaining digits of the EAN number. 
How do I obtain an EAN code and why is it important?
EAN codes are not mandatory, but they are very important elements in sales. For example, if we want to set up a jewellery brand and conquer both the Polish and global markets, we need to organise our work well. In order not to get lost in the whole sales system - when ordering or checking prices, we should apply for the EAN number. The barcode allows us to issue goods from the warehouse and to assign prices at the checkout. Without EAN codes, production companies would not be able to cope with identification and shops would not be able to function normally.
GTIN-13 is the number located just below the EAN-13 code. It has many advantages for use, one of which is that it protects against any counterfeiting. In addition, it improves the visibility and conversion of the product in Google searches, and helps tailor online advertising to customer preferences. Participation in the GS1 system also enables easier recall of defective products, automation of logistics and faster adaptation to customer expectations.
EAN codes are a very convenient solution and it is important to know that this is an option required by retail chains. They become obligatory in an online sales system (this could be eBay or Amazon, for example). Since recently, the EAN code has also been mandatory on Allegro. This means that without it, it is not possible to list a new offer, make changes to an ongoing offer or renew an offer.
If a company wishes to obtain an EAN code, it must register with GS1 Poland (it is worth remembering that this organisation is the only source of legal codes). To begin with, you need to submit an application with your company's details and pay a registration fee. Within 3 days of the payment being credited we will receive the codes for our products.
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