- what-is-ean-13-barcode
EAN-13 is one of the most widely recognized barcode formats used for product identification. If you have ever purchased a product from a supermarket, retail store or other commercial outlet, you have probably seen an EAN-13 barcode printed on its packaging.
But what exactly is an EAN-13 barcode? How does it work? What do its 13 digits mean? And how is EAN-13 different from a SKU, QR code or an independent product identification system such as 91iD™?
This beginner’s guide explains the basics in simple language.
What Is an EAN-13 Barcode?
EAN-13 is a 13-digit barcode format used to represent a GTIN-13 trade item identifier.
EAN-13 belongs to the GS1 system of standards, which is used internationally for identifying products and other entities.
The barcode converts the identification number into a machine-readable pattern of lines and spaces.
In Simple Terms
An EAN-13 barcode allows a compatible scanner to read a product’s identification number quickly.
Instead of manually entering the number, a scanner can capture the barcode and send the corresponding number to a connected business or retail system.
What Does EAN-13 Look Like?
An EAN-13 barcode normally contains:
- A series of black and white bars
- A 13-digit number printed below the bars
- Quiet zones around the barcode
- Specific start, middle and end patterns
Example
A fictional example of an EAN-13 number is:
8901234567895
The number shown above is only an example for explanation. Actual GTIN-13 numbers are assigned according to applicable GS1 rules.
Why Is EAN-13 Used?
EAN-13 provides a standardized way to identify trade items.
It is commonly encountered in environments such as:
- Retail stores
- Supermarkets
- Warehouses
- Distribution networks
- Product catalogues
- Point-of-sale systems
- Supply-chain operations
Fast Product Identification
When a barcode is scanned, the system receives the associated identification number.
The connected system can then use that number to retrieve relevant product information.
How Does an EAN-13 Barcode Work?
The basic process is straightforward.
Step 1: A Product Receives a GTIN-13
A product or trade item is assigned a GTIN-13 according to the applicable GS1 identification process.
Step 2: The Number Is Converted Into a Barcode
The 13-digit identifier is represented using the EAN-13 barcode format.
Step 3: The Barcode Is Printed
The barcode can be printed on suitable product packaging or labels.
Step 4: A Scanner Reads the Barcode
A compatible barcode scanner reads the pattern of bars.
Step 5: The System Uses the Number
The scanner sends the number to the connected software or database.
Important Point
The EAN-13 barcode primarily represents the product identifier.
It does not normally contain the complete product description, price, stock level or other detailed product information.
That information is generally maintained in a connected database or business system.
What Do the 13 Digits of EAN-13 Mean?
One common misconception is that every EAN-13 number has exactly the same meaning assigned to each individual digit.
The allocation of the number depends on the applicable GS1 identification rules and the number assigned to the organization.
The Final Digit
The final digit is the check digit.
It is calculated using the preceding digits and helps detect certain data-entry or scanning errors.
What Is a Check Digit?
A check digit is a calculated digit included in an identification number to help verify that the number has been entered or transmitted correctly.
In an EAN-13 number, the final digit performs this function.
Example
Consider the fictional number:
8901234567895
The final 5 is the check digit.
If certain digits in the number are entered incorrectly, the calculated check digit may no longer match, allowing the system to detect a potential error.
Who Manages EAN-13?
EAN-13 is part of the GS1 system of standards.
GS1 develops and maintains standards for identifying, capturing and sharing information about products and other entities across supply chains.
GS1 and Product Identification
The GS1 system includes different identification standards and data carriers used across industries.
EAN-13 is associated with the GTIN-13 identification structure and its corresponding barcode symbol.
Is EAN-13 the Same as GTIN-13?
EAN-13 and GTIN-13 are closely related, but they refer to different aspects.
GTIN-13 refers to the 13-digit identification number.
EAN-13 commonly refers to the barcode symbol used to represent that number.
Easy Way to Remember
GTIN-13 = Identification Number
EAN-13 = Barcode Representation
In everyday business conversations, people often use “EAN-13” to refer to both the number and the barcode.
Is EAN-13 the Same as a SKU?
No.
A SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is generally an internal inventory reference created and managed by a business.
An EAN-13/GTIN-13 is part of the GS1 identification system.
Example
A business could internally identify a product as:
SKU: PERFUME-50ML-BLUE
The same product could separately have a GTIN-13 represented by an EAN-13 barcode.
Both identifiers can exist together because they serve different purposes.
Is EAN-13 the Same as a QR Code?
No.
EAN-13 is a linear barcode.
A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that can contain different types of information.
Different Uses
EAN-13
Primarily represents a GTIN-13 trade-item identifier.
QR Code
Can contain information such as a website address, text or other digital data.
A business may use both technologies on product packaging where appropriate.
Can a Smartphone Scan an EAN-13 Barcode?
Many modern smartphones and applications can recognize EAN-13 barcodes using the device camera.
Dedicated Barcode Scanners
Retail stores commonly use dedicated scanners because they are designed for fast and repeated barcode scanning.
The scanning device does not change the underlying identification standard. It simply captures the barcode and reads the encoded number.
Does an EAN-13 Barcode Contain Product Information?
The EAN-13 barcode primarily represents the identification number.
Product Information Comes From a Connected System
After the barcode is scanned, the resulting number can be used by a connected system to retrieve information such as:
- Product name
- Brand
- Price
- Product category
- Inventory information
- Product description
The exact information depends on the database or business system associated with the identifier.
Therefore, an EAN-13 barcode should not be confused with a complete digital product information record.
Does an EAN-13 Barcode Prove Product Authenticity?
No.
An EAN-13 barcode identifies a trade item within the applicable identification system.
It does not, by itself, prove that the physical product is genuine.
Identification Is Different From Authentication
Product identification answers:
“Which product or trade item is this?”
Authentication involves determining whether the physical product can be established as genuine based on appropriate evidence.
Additional checks may include:
- Seller information
- Manufacturer information
- Packaging
- Purchase invoice
- Security features
- Warranty information
- Applicable certifications
- Other verification methods
What Happens When an EAN-13 Barcode Is Scanned?
A typical retail process can look like this:
Product
↓
EAN-13 Barcode
↓
Barcode Scanner
↓
GTIN-13 Number
↓
Connected System
↓
Product Information
Automated Identification
This process allows businesses to identify products quickly without manually entering product numbers.
That speed and consistency are major reasons barcode systems are widely used in retail environments.
EAN-13 and Product Identification
EAN-13 demonstrates how a physical product can be connected to a digital business system through a standardized identifier.
The barcode is printed on the physical product.
The encoded number can then be used by compatible systems to access associated information.
Physical Product to Digital Record
Product → Barcode → Identifier → Digital Information
This concept is also relevant when considering modern digital product identification systems.
How Does 91iD™ Relate to EAN-13?
91iD™ is an independent Product Identification & Verification Network with its own defined product-identification structure.
91iD™ is not the same as EAN-13 or the GS1 system.
Different Systems Can Have Different Roles
EAN-13 is an established GS1 barcode standard used for trade-item identification and scanning.
91iD™ is designed to provide an independent product identity and verification layer for registered product information.
91iD™ is designed to complement existing product identification practices rather than automatically replace established barcode systems.
Businesses can therefore continue using applicable identification systems such as EAN-13 while using 91iD™ for its independent product identification and verification capabilities.
Can a Product Have Both EAN-13 and 91iD™?
A business can use different identification systems for different purposes, depending on its operational requirements.
Example
A product may have:
EAN-13 / GTIN-13
Used for identification within retail and supply-chain environments.
91iD™
Used as an independent product identity and verification reference.
These systems can therefore serve different functions within the same product ecosystem.
Why Should Businesses Understand EAN-13?
Businesses that manufacture, distribute or sell products may encounter EAN-13 frequently.
Understanding the difference between various identifiers can help businesses manage their product information more effectively.
Important Terms to Understand
- Product ID
- SKU
- GTIN
- EAN-13
- QR Code
- Product Verification
- Product Authentication
- Digital Product Identity
Each term has its own meaning and purpose.
Common EAN-13 Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Thinking the Barcode Is the Complete Product Database
The barcode primarily represents an identifier. Detailed product information is normally maintained in an associated system.
Mistake 2: Confusing SKU With GTIN
An internal SKU and a GTIN-13 are different types of identifiers.
Mistake 3: Assuming a Barcode Proves Authenticity
An EAN-13 barcode identifies a trade item. It does not automatically prove that the physical product is genuine.
Mistake 4: Assuming Every 13-Digit Number Is EAN-13
Not every 13-digit number is necessarily an EAN-13/GTIN-13 identifier.
Mistake 5: Treating EAN-13 and QR Codes as the Same
EAN-13 and QR codes are different barcode technologies with different characteristics and common applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EAN-13 barcode?
EAN-13 is a linear barcode format used to represent a 13-digit GTIN-13 trade-item identifier.
How many digits does EAN-13 have?
EAN-13 represents a 13-digit GTIN-13 identifier.
What is the last digit of an EAN-13 number?
The final digit is the check digit, which helps detect certain errors in the identification number.
Is EAN-13 the same as GTIN-13?
No. GTIN-13 refers to the 13-digit identifier, while EAN-13 commonly refers to the barcode symbol representing that identifier.
Is EAN-13 the same as SKU?
No. A SKU is generally an internal inventory reference created by a business, while GTIN-13 is part of the GS1 identification system.
Can EAN-13 be scanned at a retail counter?
Yes. EAN-13 is widely used in retail environments with compatible barcode scanning equipment.
Does EAN-13 contain the product price?
No. The barcode represents the identification number. Price and other information are generally retrieved from the connected retail or business system.
Does an EAN-13 barcode prove product authenticity?
No. An EAN-13 barcode identifies the trade item but does not by itself prove the physical authenticity of a product.
Can EAN-13 and 91iD™ be used together?
They can serve different purposes and may be used together depending on the business’s identification and operational requirements.
Conclusion
EAN-13 is an important and widely used part of modern product identification.
It provides a standardized way to represent a 13-digit GTIN-13 trade-item identifier in a machine-readable barcode format.
The key points to remember are:
GTIN-13 = 13-digit product identifier
EAN-13 = barcode representation
SKU = generally an internal business inventory reference
QR Code = two-dimensional barcode technology
Product identification ≠ product authentication
As product information becomes increasingly digital, businesses may use established standards such as EAN-13 alongside independent product identification and verification solutions.
91iD™ provides an independent approach to product identification and verification, designed to connect registered products with available digital product information.
Identify. Verify. Trust.
91iD™
Independent Product Identification & Verification Network
Learn more at www.91id.in
