EAN-8 (European Article Number-8) is a barcode standard that encodes a unique identifier for small products. It is a compressed version of the more common EAN-13 barcode, designed for smaller packages where a full EAN-13 barcode would not fit. For example on cigarettes, pencils, and chewing gum packets. It is encoded identically to the 12 digits of the UPC-A barcode, except that it has 4 (rather than 6) digits in each of the left and right halves. |
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EAN-8 barcodes may be used to encode GTIN-8 (8-digit Global Trade Identification Numbers) which are product identifiers from the GS1 System. A GTIN-8 begins with a 2- or 3-digit GS1 prefix (which is assigned to each national GS1 authority) followed by a 5- or 4-digit item reference element depending on the length of the GS1 prefix), and a checksum digit. |
EAN-8 codes are common throughout the world, and companies may also use them to encode RCN-8 (8-digit Restricted Circulation Numbers), and use them to identify own-brand products sold only in their stores. RCN-8 are a subset of GTIN-8 which begin with a first digit of 0 or 2. |
Here are the detailed features and structure of the EAN-8 barcode: |
Structure and Composition |
1.Total Digits: EAN-8 contains a total of 8 digits. |
2.Components: Prefix: The first three digits usually represent a country code or a system number assigned by GS1, an international organization that manages barcode standards. Data Digits: The next four digits are the unique product code assigned by the manufacturer. Check Digit: The last digit is a check digit used for error detection, calculated using a modulo 10 algorithm. |
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Visual Layout |
1.Quiet Zones: These are blank spaces on either side of the barcode, which help scanners detect the beginning and end of the barcode. The quiet zone should be at least 7 times the width of the narrowest bar element. |
2.Guard Bars: These are special bars at the start, middle, and end of the barcode. They help the scanner identify the position and orientation of the barcode. Start Guard Bars: Represented by the pattern 101. Center Guard Bars: Represented by the pattern 01010. End Guard Bars: Represented by the pattern 101. |
3.Data Bars: The actual bars representing the digits. Each digit is encoded using a series of bars and spaces of varying widths. EAN-8 uses the Left-Hand and Right-Hand encoding scheme, similar to EAN-13 but without splitting the code into left and right parts. Instead, all digits are encoded uniformly. |
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Encoding Scheme |
1.Left-Hand Digits: The first four digits are encoded using the Left-Hand scheme. Each digit is represented by a unique combination of bars and spaces. 2.Right-Hand Digits: The last four digits are encoded using the Right-Hand scheme, which has a different pattern from the Left-Hand encoding. |
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Check Digit Calculation |
The check digit ensures the barcode is correctly composed. The steps to calculate the check digit are as follows: 1.Sum the digits in the odd positions (first, third, fifth, and seventh) and multiply by 3. 2.Sum the digits in the even positions (second, fourth, and sixth). 3.Add the results of step 1 and step 2. 4.The check digit is the number that, when added to the sum from step 3, results in a multiple of 10. |
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Example |
Consider the EAN-8 code 1234567. 1.Prefix: 123 2.Product Code: 4567 3.Calculating the check digit: Odd positions: 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 = 16 Multiply by 3: 16 * 3 = 48 Even positions: 2 + 4 + 6 = 12 Sum: 48 + 12 = 60 Check digit: 60 is already a multiple of 10, so the check digit is 0. Therefore, the complete EAN-8 code is 12345670. |
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Usage |
EAN-8 barcodes are commonly used for small items like: Confectionery products Small electronics Cosmetics Small packages where space is limited They are particularly popular in retail settings to ensure all products, regardless of size, can be easily scanned and tracked. |
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Advantages |
Compact Size: Ideal for small products. Global Standard: Accepted worldwide, ensuring consistency across different regions and markets. Error Detection: Built-in check digit ensures data integrity and reduces scanning errors. |
Limitations |
Limited Data Capacity: Can only encode up to 8 digits, which may not be sufficient for all products. Requires GS1 Allocation: Manufacturers must obtain a prefix from GS1, which might involve additional costs and administration. |
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In summary, EAN-8 barcodes are a compact and efficient solution for labeling small products, ensuring they can be easily identified and scanned in retail environments while maintaining global standardization. |
cs@easiersoft.com