EAN Nummer
Also: EAN, EAN-13, EAN-8, European Article Number, GTIN, Global Trade Item Number, EAN-Barcode, EAN-Code, EAN-Nummer
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The EAN number (European Article Number) is a globally valid, standardized barcode identifier for trade items based on the GS1 system.
Key facts
- EAN is the historical designation for the GS1 barcode standard for item identification; the current umbrella term is GTIN (Global Trade Item Number).
- The EAN-13 is the most widely used type, with 13 digits; it consists of a GS1 prefix, an item number, and a check digit.
- Each packaging level (individual item, outer carton, pallet) should have its own unique EAN or GTIN.
- A properly maintained EAN is a fundamental prerequisite for EDI-based supplier integration and automated goods receipt processing.
- EAN and internal item number serve different functions – the EAN is an external, standardized identifier, while the item number is a company-specific internal key.
What is an EAN number?
The EAN number is a standardized numeric code for the unique identification of commercial products. The term originates from the early days of the European barcode standard and stands for European Article Number. Today, EAN has formally been absorbed into the overarching GS1 standard under the term GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). In everyday use – in master data, ERP systems, and conversations between purchasing, logistics, and retail – EAN and GTIN are often used interchangeably. This is not entirely correct from a technical standpoint, but is widely common in practice.
The best-known variant is the EAN-13: a 13-digit numeric code printed as a barcode on packaging. In addition, the shorter EAN-8 exists for small packaging, as well as the North American UPC-A with 12 digits, which can be integrated internationally via the GTIN standard. All these formats are variants of the GTIN family.
How does the EAN work in practice?
An EAN number uniquely identifies an item at a specific packaging level – meaning that individual products, outer cartons, and pallets can and should each carry different GTINs. The structure follows a fixed schema: a GS1 prefix (assigned by the national GS1 organization), a company-specific item number, and a check digit that reduces reading errors during scanning.
At goods receipt, scanning the EAN barcode enables fully automated matching to item master data without manual input. In picking, it serves as a matching criterion between the order and the retrieved product. In shipping, it enables the transmission of structured delivery data (e.g., via DESADV/advance ship notice) to the recipient. Anyone supplying products to the food retail sector or large platform retailers cannot avoid a properly maintained EAN structure.
- Goods receipt: Automatic matching with order data via barcode scan
- Master data maintenance: EAN as a unique external key in the item master alongside the internal item number
- Supplier integration: Shared EAN as a prerequisite for EDI processes and automated order processing
- Print quality: Defective or poorly printed barcodes cause scanning errors – quality assurance at the supplier is an often underestimated factor
What matters when selecting and implementing EANs?
The first critical question is which packaging levels require their own EAN numbers. Not every logistics operation requires barcodes on outer cartons or pallets – this depends on the trade channel and the requirements of trading partners. Furthermore, the EAN should be maintained cleanly in the ERP system as a GTIN and not mixed with internal item numbers. A common source of errors is assigning the same EAN to different products or packaging sizes. Assignment is handled through national GS1 organizations for an annual license fee – vendor-specific alternatives exist but are not always accepted in retail.
Related terms
- Artikelbezeichnung
The item description is the human-readable name of an item in the inventory management or warehouse management system. It helps people in purchasing, logistics, and planning to quickly identify an item and distinguish it from others.
- Artikelklassifizierung
Item classification refers to the systematic categorization of items based on defined criteria such as value, turnover frequency, storage requirements, or hazardous material characteristics. It forms the foundation for differentiated warehousing, procurement, and picking processes.
- Artikelnummer
The item number is an internally assigned, unique identifier that unambiguously identifies an article within the inventory management and warehouse system. It forms the basis for postings, purchase orders, and communication between purchasing, warehousing, and production.
- Artikelstamm
The item master is the central data repository that permanently stores all logistically and commercially relevant features of an item. It forms the basis for warehousing, inventory planning, picking, and billing.
- Artikelstammdaten
Item master data refers to the permanently valid base data of an item – such as dimensions, weight, packaging units, hazardous goods classification, and best-before date relevance. It forms the foundation for all logistical, procurement-related, and system-driven processes along the supply chain.
- Barcode
A barcode is a machine-readable optical code that represents information as a pattern of bars and spaces or as a two-dimensional matrix. It enables the automatic identification of items, load carriers, and documents along the entire supply chain.
- Barcodescanner
A barcode scanner is an optical reading device that captures printed barcodes and converts them into machine-readable data. It is used in intralogistics for the seamless identification of goods, load carriers, and storage locations.
- Bewegungsdaten
Movement data captures all transactions and physical goods movements in the logistics process – from goods receipt and stock transfers to dispatch. It contains timestamps, quantities, locations and the units involved, and forms the basis for transparency, control and analysis in warehouse and…
- Charge
A batch is a uniquely identifiable quantity of products manufactured or processed under identical conditions. It forms the basis for traceability, quality control, and legally required recall processes throughout the entire supply chain.
- Chargenrückverfolgung
Batch traceability refers to the complete and uninterrupted trackability of products and materials along the supply chain based on their batch assignment. It enables companies to quickly identify and selectively block all affected quantities in the event of a quality issue or recall.
- DESADV
DESADV (Dispatch Advice) is a standardized EDI message in EDIFACT format that electronically announces an upcoming delivery. It transmits structured information on packaging units, items, quantities, and identifiers such as the SSCC to the goods recipient.
- Data Matrix
Data Matrix is a two-dimensional barcode that stores significantly more information in a very small area than conventional 1D barcodes. Thanks to integrated error correction, it remains reliably readable even when partially damaged or soiled.
