EAN/ISBN code: Definition, issues, and explanations

The EAN code is a barcode system used to uniquely identify commercial products internationally. It consists of a series of numbers associated with a barcode that can be read by scanners. The most common format is EAN-13, which consists of 13 digits.

The ISBN code is a specific type of EAN code intended for books. It uniquely identifies a particular edition or format of a published book. Each ISBN is a unique number assigned to a specific version of a work.

These two codes are widely used international standards for product management, sales, and distribution, particularly in the fields of e-commerce and catalog management.

These codes facilitate inventory management by enabling quick and reliable product identification. This reduces human error when selling or updating product information.

They also enable product references to be harmonized between different distributors, suppliers, and sales platforms, ensuring better traceability and data consistency.

In e-commerce, the use of EAN and ISBN codes is often mandatory for listing products on marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay, ensuring the validity and authenticity of the items offered.

The EAN code consists of a series of numbers that includes a country prefix, a manufacturer code, a product code, and a check digit used to verify the accuracy of the code.

For ISBNs, the number is divided into several parts, including the prefix (often 978 or 979), the registration group (language or country), the publisher, the edition number, and a check digit.

These codes are usually integrated in the form of barcodes visible on packaging or books. When scanned, they automatically link to detailed product information in a database, facilitating catalog management and sales.

Among the advantages, the EAN/ISBN code ensures unique and standardized identification, which greatly simplifies large-scale product management.

They are compatible with numerous management systems and marketplaces, promoting efficient automation of business processes.

However, obtaining and assigning these codes can involve costs and a certain amount of administrative complexity, particularly for small businesses or self-publishers.

In addition, an error in coding or data entry can cause inconsistencies in the catalog or problems during transactions.

An online bookseller uses ISBN codes to accurately reference each book and provide customers with reliable information about available editions.

An electronics store uses EAN codes to manage its inventory and speed up sales via an automatic checkout system.

Marketplaces often require the EAN code to be present in order to accept new products online, thus ensuring data consistency and quality on their platforms.

• GS1 - EAN code norms and standards
• International ISBN - Definition and functioning of the ISBN
• Google Merchant Center - Using EAN codes in e-commerce
• MDN Web Docs - Introduction to barcodes