What are EAN codes and why are they important for selling on marketplaces?

What are EAN/GTIM codes?

Aunque pueden confundirse, GTIN y EAN no son exactamente lo mismo.

Although they can be confused, GTIN and EAN are not exactly the same.

• GTIN (Global Trade Item Number): this is the unique number that identifies a product worldwide. It is used by systems to identify a product.
• EAN (European Article Number): this is the most common barcode format in Europe and represents the GTIN graphically. It is acanned by machines in sotores or warehouses.

There are different GTIN formats depending on the location of the business or the size of the product, including:

• GTIN-13 (EAN-13): the most common worldwide.
• GTIN-12 (UPC): used in the United States and Canada.
• GTIN-8: for very small products.
• GTIN-14: for logistical groupings such as boxes or pallets.

What information does an EAN/GTIN code contain?

To maintain a uniform format worldwide, these codes follow a series of parameters:

1. Country code: this does not indicate the country of manufacture, but rather the country from which the GS1 prefix was issued.
2. Company prefix: this identifies your SME's distinctive number. You must apply for this through GS1.
3. Product reference: this is the code you have chosen to assign to each of the products you sell.
4. Check digit: this is automatically generated to verify the code's validity.

In addition to being mandatory for certain online stores, including these codes on your products offers numerous benefits to your SME.

But…what are these benefits?

• Globally unique identification: ensures that your product is recognized anywhere in the world.

• Required for selling on marketplaces such as Amazon, Carrefour, or Google Shopping.

• Efficient inventory management: facilitates scanning, tracking, and replenishment.

• Greater traceability: allows you to control the origin and destination of each unit.

• Improves brand image: provides professionalism and trust with customers and distributors.

The EAN/GTIN code is the key that opens the doors to the global market for your products.

After reviewing the many advantages of these codes, we'll show you how to apply for an EAN/GTIN code.

Steps to request a code:

1. First, you must register with GS1, the official organization that manages these codes worldwide. The corresponding website is: https://www.gs1.org.

2. You must select the membership type, depending on the number of products you will sell.

3. The third step is to receive your company prefix, which will be included in all your codes.

4. Next, you must assign a number to each product, using the GS1 GTIN generator or manually.

5. Finally, you must generate barcodes (images) from the GTINs to place on the packaging.

Once you have the code, you can download it in three possible formats:

• JPEG format: This is an uncompressed file, meaning any computer can open it. It has high resolution, but it's not ideal for resizing.

• EPS format: This is the most commonly used format by most designers, as it offers high quality and versatility. It's also ideal for resizing images. It's an EPS vector file, an interchange format, and can be used in multiple applications.

• TIFF format: This file works if you need a transparent background; it's not a suitable format for resizing.

Sell ​​your products professionally by creating an EAN code and expand your e-commerce to new channels and markets. Learn how to obtain one with GS1 and get started today!

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