Distinguishing Between EAN and UPC Codes: Understanding the Differences

EAN and EAN codes represent distinct concepts, yet confusion frequently arises as some individuals mistakenly consider “EAN” to be interchangeable with “EAN code.” This misunderstanding is compounded by the continued use of EAN codes, despite the discontinuation of the EAN system, further aggravates the confusion.

What does ‘EAN’ mean?

EAN, which stands for “European Article Number,” was initially introduced by the predecessor organization of today’s GS1 to assign individual article numbers to European products. However, in 2009, the EAN system was superseded by the 13-digit Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).

Clearly labeling articles and their variations is crucial for ensuring traceability and streamlining or automating production management throughout the entire supply chain, up to the point of sale.

What is an EAN code?

The EAN Code is a barcode type designed to encode an article number. Initially, EAN codes were solely utilized for encoding “European Article Numbers” (EANs). However, since 2009, EAN codes have been employed for encoding GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers). In addition to one-dimensional EAN codes, GTINs are now also encoded in two-dimensional codes such as data matrix codes.

What are EAN codes needed for?

The utilization of EAN codes for the unique identification of goods offers numerous advantages. Through standardization, articles can be identified globally without any overlap. Automation facilitated by the coding ensures secure readouts, thus minimizing typing errors and mistakes. This simplifies warehousing and the overall movement of goods. Moreover, EAN codes also provide advantages in retail settings. Eliminating the need for price labels on goods, items can be quickly scanned at cash registers, streamlining checkout processes.

Which EAN code variations are available?

The two most significant variations of EAN codes are:

1) GTIN Code (formerly EAN-13 Code)

The EAN-13 or GTIN code is considered as the traditional EAN code, containing the complete GTIN.

Structure of the GTIN code

The GTIN or EAN-13 code comprises a barcode and 13 numbers:

Barcode:

The GTIN is encoded within the barcode. Reading from left to right, the code includes the following components:

– An edge marker

– The encoding of digits two to seven of the GTIN

– (The first digit of the GTIN is also encoded within these numbers through a special sequence of even and odd digits).

– A middle marker

– The encoding of digits eight to thirteen of the GTIN

The barcode consists of black and white lines of varying widths, forming a binary code system composed exclusively of zeros and ones. In the EAN code, black lines represent ones and white lines represent zeros. To ensure the code can be read in both directions, the first digit on the left is always odd. This allows the scanner to recognize the reading direction and rotate the code during decoding if necessary.

Alongside the barcode, the EAN code includes the repetition of the corresponding GTIN in plain text, positioned beneath the barcode. The first digit appears on the far left before the first edge mark, with the remaining digits located beneath the section of the barcode in which they were encoded.

The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) consists of the following components:

– A two-digit country code

– A five-digit manufacturer code (together forming the unique “Global Location Number” or GLN)

– A freely chosen sequence of digits

– A check digit (the 13th digit of the GTIN, recalculated for each sequence of digits)

Application Areas of the GTIN Code:

This code is utilized to identify products in retail settings, enabling scanning at supermarket checkouts, among other applications.

2) The GS1-128 code (formerly EAN128)

Structure of the GS1-128 Code:

The GS1-128 code encompasses a range of information, including quantity, weight, or price, with the capacity to encode up to 48 user data. Unlike other EAN codes, GS1-128 can encode not only digits 0 to 9 but also upper and lower case letters, along with other characters (totaling 128 different characters of the ASCII code). Users can easily generate the code themselves.

Application Areas of GS1-128 Codes:

The GS1-128 or EAN-128 code offers versatile application possibilities across various sectors such as retail, logistics, mail order, or food labeling.

Obtaining the EAN Code:

“Without GTIN, no EAN code” states GS1 Germany, the central issuing agency for GTINs in Germany. GTIN codes can be requested from there.

Printing EAN Codes – What You Need to Know:

We understand the critical aspects of printing EAN codes. Print quality is paramount to ensure error-free scanning. To achieve this, we provide the appropriate hardware for marking your products with EAN codes, such as labels.