EAN (European Article Number) barcode symbology is based on UPC A barcode that encodes 12 digits of numeric data and a check digit. EAN 13 was designed by the International Article Numbering Association (EAN) in Europe.

EAN 13 is also known as European Article Number 13, EAN-13 Supplement 5/Five-digit Add-On, EAN-13 Supplement 2/Two-digit Add-On, EAN-13+5, EAN-13+2, EAN13, EAN13+5, EAN13+2, UPC-13, GTIN-13, GS1-13, EAN/UCC-13 and others.

Character set of EAN 13 barcode symbology

The character set of EAN 13 barcode symbology comprises of the following elements:

• Digits (0-9)

• One Check digit

Structure of EAN 13 symbology

The structure of EAN 13 contains following components:

• Number System

 Number System includes first two digits to recognize the country/region numbering authority and list of number system is maintained by EAN organization.

• Manufacturer Code

 The manufacturer code consists of a unique code assigned to each manufacturer by the numbering authority indicated by the number system code. Same manufacturer code is used by all products generated by a particular company.

• Product Code

 The product code is immediately followed by manufacturer code and assigned by the manufacturer. The entire length of manufacturer code alongwith product code must be accurate 10 digits.

• Check Digit

The check digit is implemented to check whether barcode is generated or scanned correctly or not. The check digit is calculated depending on the remaining barcode digits.

 Applications of EAN 13 barcode symbology

• EAN 13 is used world wide for the identification of retail items.

• Usually employed for periodicals (to designate the serial number), or books and subjective products like food (indicating the selling price), correspondingly.

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