EAN
Catalog
European Article Number. A 13-digit barcode standard required to list new products on Amazon's EU marketplaces (DE, FR, IT, ES). Must come from a GS1-issued company prefix.
EAN, or European Article Number, is a 13-digit barcode standard required for listing new products on Amazon's EU marketplaces, specifically in DE, FR, IT, and ES. This unique identifier must originate from a GS1-issued company prefix, ensuring authenticity and traceability. Sellers must obtain EANs before creating product listings, as Amazon enforces strict compliance with this requirement to maintain catalog integrity. Failure to provide a valid EAN can result in listing suppression or removal. In addition, while EANs are mandatory for new products, existing products may use ASINs (Amazon Standard Identification Numbers) for identification. The EAN format allows for 12 digits plus a check digit, which is calculated using a specific algorithm based on the preceding digits. Sellers should also note that while EANs are widely accepted across various retail platforms, some niche markets may require additional identifiers, such as UPCs (Universal Product Codes), particularly in non-EU regions. The need for EANs applies continuously, with no specific deadlines, but sellers should plan ahead to avoid delays in product launches. Additionally, using GS1 to obtain EANs incurs a fee, which varies based on the number of barcodes needed, typically starting around €100 for a prefix.