EAN comes in two lengths, and picking the right one comes down to your packaging size. Here’s the difference.
EAN-13: the default
EAN-13 is the global standard and what nearly every product uses. If you have room on the packaging, use it.
It’s universally scannable and accepted across marketplaces and retail.
EAN-8: for tiny packaging
EAN-8 exists for items like small cosmetics, confectionery, or mini accessories where an EAN-13 would be too large.
It’s issued more restrictively because the shorter number space is limited.
Which to choose
Default to EAN-13. Only consider EAN-8 if your package is genuinely too small for the standard barcode.
Whatever you choose, ensure the number is genuine and unique to your product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EAN-8 just a shorter EAN-13?
It’s a separate, compact format for tiny packaging, not simply a truncated EAN-13.
Which should most sellers use?
EAN-13 — it’s the global default.
Do scanners read EAN-8?
Yes, retail scanners read both EAN-8 and EAN-13.
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