EAN/JAN-13 Barcode

EAN-13 is an extension of the UPC-A barcode symbology that usually carries a GTIN-13. It was designed by the International Article Numbering Association in 1976 for identification of retail goods at point of sale outside of the US.

The 13-digit EAN-13 number consists of four components:

• GS1 prefix - 3 digits
• Manufacturer code - variable length
• Product code - variable length
• Check digit - 1 digit

JAN is a barcode standard compatible with the EAN. Use of the JAN standard began in 1978. Originally, JAN was issued a flag code (EAN's number system) of 49. In 1992, JAN was newly issued an additional flag code of 45. In January 2001 the manufacturer code changed to 7 digits (9 digits including the flag code) for new companies.

Variants:

• EAN-13+2 is an extension of EAN-13 that includes a two-digit add-on, named EAN-2.
• EAN-13+5 is an extension of EAN-13 that includes a five-digit add-on, named EAN-5.
• EAN-8 is a barcode symbology derived from EAN-13 that is designed for small packaging. It uses a distinct numbering system based on GTIN-8.
• ISBN is a variant of EAN-13 used to identify books.
• ISMN is a variant of EAN-13 used to identify printed music.
• ISSN is a variant of EAN-13 used to identify periodicals.

Data and Options

• The data field for a EAN-13 may contain twelve or thirteen digits.
• If twelve digits of primary data are supplied then the check digit is calculated automatically.
• The ShowText option should normally be supplied.