If you sell — or plan to sell — products internationally, you’ve almost certainly encountered EAN codes. They appear on virtually every retail product in Europe, Asia, and most of the world outside North America. But what exactly is an EAN code, how do you get one, and how do you use it correctly? This complete guide answers all of it.
What Is an EAN Code?
EAN stands for European Article Number (now officially called International Article Number). It’s a globally unique product identifier, encoded as a barcode, used to identify a specific product and its manufacturer. The most common format is EAN-13, a 13-digit number, though a shorter EAN-8 exists for very small packaging.
An EAN-13 is structured in three parts: a registered prefix (identifying the country or region of the issuing organization), the manufacturer/company number, and the individual product number, followed by a check digit that validates the whole code.
EAN vs UPC: What’s the Difference?
EAN and UPC codes are closely related. A UPC is 12 digits and is the standard in the United States and Canada, while an EAN is 13 digits and is the global standard. The good news: modern marketplaces and retail scanners accept both. In fact, a UPC is essentially an EAN with a leading zero. For most online sellers, either format works on Amazon, eBay, and beyond.
Where to Get EAN Codes
There are two legitimate ways to obtain EAN codes:
1. directly from the issuing authority
is the global authority that issues barcode prefixes. Registering directly gives you a company prefix and the ability to generate your own EAN codes. This is the gold standard, but it involves an initial fee plus annual renewal costs — which can be steep if you only need a handful of codes.
2. From an Resellers
Resellers like GoodUPC hold large authentic prefix allocations and sell individual EAN codes at a fraction of the registry’s annual cost — with no recurring fees. For small and medium sellers, this is by far the most cost-effective route. Every code is authentic and accepted across major marketplaces.
How to Use Your EAN Codes
- Assign one code per product variant. Each size, color, or style needs its own unique EAN.
- Record your codes. Keep a spreadsheet mapping each product to its EAN.
- Add the code to your listings. Enter the EAN in the barcode/GTIN field when creating a listing.
- Generate barcode images if needed. For physical packaging, convert the number into a scannable EAN-13 barcode image.
Why EAN Codes Matter for Your Business
A valid EAN does more than satisfy a marketplace requirement. It enables accurate inventory management, prevents listing duplication, builds buyer trust, and is essential for selling on Amazon, eBay, and international retail channels. Using invalid or recycled codes, on the other hand, can get your listings suppressed.
Final Thoughts
Getting EAN codes is simple once you understand your options. Count how many product variants you have, choose between registration and an authorized reseller based on your scale, and assign one unique code to each product. With authentic EAN codes in hand, you’re ready to sell globally.
Ready to Get Your Barcode?
GoodUPC provides authentic UPC and EAN barcodes with instant digital delivery — no annual subscription required. Codes are accepted on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Walmart, and Shopify.