Guides about EAN codes
Everything sellers ask us about EAN codes, explained without jargon and without sales talk.
- EAN basicsWhat is an EAN code? The complete guide for online sellersAn EAN code is a 13-digit product number, carried in a barcode, that identifies one specific item. Here is how it works and when you need one.
- In practiceBarcode size requirements: EAN-13 printing guideHow big an EAN-13 barcode must be, how much white space it needs, which colours scan and where to put it, with a practical checklist for printing labels.
- In practiceEAN Check Digit Explained, with a Free CalculatorHow the 13th digit of an EAN is calculated, how to validate any GTIN in seconds, and why a correct check digit says nothing about who owns a code.
- MarketplacesEAN Codes for bol.com: Rules, Branded vs Unbranded, Errorsbol.com requires a GS1 EAN for branded items and does not yet enforce it for unbranded ones. Here is what that means, plus shared pages and "EAN already in use".
- MarketplacesEAN codes for Amazon: GS1 check, GTIN exemption, Brand RegistryAmazon checks barcodes against GS1 data. For branded products, use GS1 codes or a GTIN exemption with Brand Registry. Here is how each route works.
- In practiceEAN for variations and bundles: when do you need a new EAN?Every size, colour, pack size and bundle needs its own EAN, and some product changes need a new one. Here are the rules, channel differences and a worked code count.
- EAN basicsEAN vs UPC vs GTIN vs ISBN: the differences explainedGTIN is the umbrella term; EAN-13 and UPC-A are its 13- and 12-digit versions. Learn how they convert, where GTIN-14 and ISBN fit, and what ASIN or SKU are not.
- MarketplacesGTIN for Google Shopping: when you need one and identifier_existsWhen Google Shopping needs a GTIN, when brand + MPN or identifier_exists = no is the right answer, and how to fix the most common Merchant Center GTIN warnings.
- EAN basicsHow to Get EAN Codes: GS1 Membership vs Buying from a ResellerGS1 membership, a reseller code or no EAN at all: an honest comparison with 2026 GS1 fees per country and the rules of Amazon, bol.com and other channels.
- Protection and disputesProve EAN Ownership: Stop Listing Hijacking and Win DisputesWhat an EAN does and doesn't protect, how to check who a code is registered to, and the evidence that actually works when another seller uses your EAN.