EAN

What does EAN stand for and what is it?

The abbreviation EAN stands for European Article Number and is the former designation for GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). Like UPC and ISBN, it belongs to the product identification numbers used for the unique identification of items and product characteristics, as well as sellers. The EAN is an eight or 13-digit number primarily used in retail. It is usually found under the barcode on the product packaging. Amazon also uses the EAN for identification.

What are the components of an EAN?

Depending on whether it is the eight-digit or the 13-digit variant, the EAN is structured slightly differently. However, both EAN versions work on Amazon.

The shorter variant EAN-8 is used when there is limited space for the number or when the 13-digit code is too long for the packaging. In this version, the EAN consists of two to three digits for the country prefix, four to five digits for the item number, and one additional digit for the check digit.

The barcode for EAN-13 is the most commonly used variant. The code is structured like the EAN-8 but extends it with a four to five-digit company number immediately following the country prefix.

Why do you need an EAN code for Amazon?

Sellers on Amazon need a manufacturer barcode when creating a listing. This can be the EAN, the UPC barcode, or the GTIN, which is particularly common in the USA. Therefore, Amazon sellers using FBA must also provide an EAN or similar when they want to add the product to the catalog.

In rare cases, it is also possible to sell on Amazon without providing an EAN number. If the product does not have an identification number, sellers can apply for an EAN/GTIN exemption from Amazon. This is possible, for example, for certain auto parts.

Identification numbers like the EAN code are important for Amazon, as stated by the company, “to improve the quality of search results and the catalog overall.” With the EAN, Amazon aims to ensure that identical products appear only once in the search results and thus share the same product page.

When an Amazon seller wants to add a new product to their portfolio, they must enter a product identification number, such as the EAN code, when creating the new item. Based on this, the algorithm compares the items in the entire inventory of the online giant with the entered code to determine whether this product is already listed.

If the EAN is already online on Amazon, the listing will be added to the existing product page. However, if the item is not yet found in the online giant’s inventory, a new product page will be created by the seller. In this way, the EAN helps Amazon keep the product catalog “clean.”

Where can you obtain an EAN number for Amazon?

In general, the manufacturer is responsible for applying for or creating an EAN for their products.

Amazon sellers who sell merchandise can request the EAN from the manufacturer of the products. Especially when dealing with a large number of products, it is worthwhile to collect all EANs in an Excel file to maintain clarity.

Private label sellers, on the other hand, must apply for the EAN for their Amazon presence themselves, as they are essentially creating a new product. The official point of contact in Germany for this is GS1 Germany.

If the ASIN is known, it is also possible to calculate the corresponding EAN for Amazon using an ASIN-EAN converter. Relevant converters can be found on Google using search terms like asin2ean or ASIN-EAN-Converter.

How much does an EAN cost?

To sell on the marketplace, sellers who are also manufacturers must purchase an EAN barcode and have it ready for Amazon. In Germany, this is issued by GS1, where one can purchase multiple codes as a package. There are also agencies for setting up new EANs independently of Amazon, where the costs charged per EAN vary. These start at a few cents per number, but additional annual fees for memberships should also be considered.

What is the EAN 128?

EAN 128 refers to a technical standard that allows for the assignment of unique barcodes for logistics. This simplifies transportation, storage, and goods movement for companies. Thus, EAN 128 is a data identifier, as the barcode can read various data that are important for logistics processes.