1d-retail
EAN-13 (International Article Number) (EAN-13)
The definitive 13-digit retail barcode recognized at point-of-sale checkout counters worldwide outside North America.
Governing Specification: ISO/IEC 15420:2009
Data Format & Required Fields
Encodes 12 data digits plus 1 calculated modulo 10 check digit. Uses variable parity encodings to represent the 13th digit implicitly.
Allowed Character SetExactly 12 or 13 numeric digits.
Payload Length Rule Exactly 13 characters
Required GS1 Structure Encodes standardized GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs). Unit-level and master packaging require primary identification (e.g. GTIN-14 or SSCC-18) combined with variable batch and serialization attributes for supply chain verification.
Check Digit / Checksum Rule Requires a verified modulo-10 check digit to prevent scanner misreads and data transposition errors. (Vision Scan automatically computes and verifies the check digit).
Example Valid Format
4006381333931Industry Guidance & Practical Applications
- Global retail consumer packaged goods (CPG)
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pharmacy medications outside North America
- Book ISBN numbering (with 978/979 prefix)
Packaging & Scanning Notes: Must be issued by an authorized GS1 organization under a valid license.
Symbol Constraints & Label Guidelines
- Encodes purely numeric data; exactly 12 (auto-check) or 13 digits.
- Cannot encode alphanumeric batch or serial numbers.