What is EAN-8 Barcode?
EAN-8 (European Article Number) is an 8-digit barcode standard used for small products where space is limited. It's a shortened version of EAN-13, managed by GS1, and is used internationally for retail product identification on small items like cosmetics, confectionery, and small consumer goods. EAN-8 encodes a country code, product code, and check digit in a compact format.
Why Use EAN-8 Barcodes?
Compact Size
EAN-8 is shorter than EAN-13, making it perfect for small products with limited label space.
Global Standard
International retail standard used worldwide, ensuring compatibility with all modern POS systems.
Retail Compatible
All retail scanners support EAN-8, making it perfect for small products sold in retail stores.
GS1 Managed
Managed by GS1 organization, ensuring unique product identification and global compatibility.
How to Use EAN-8 Barcodes
- Get GS1 Company Prefix: Register with GS1 to obtain your unique company prefix. EAN-8 requires GS1 approval for small products.
- Enter 7 Digits: Input your 7-digit EAN-8 number (without check digit). The check digit is automatically calculated.
- Print on Products: Print EAN-8 barcodes on small product packaging following GS1 size specifications for reliable scanning.
- Verify Scanning: Test with POS scanners to ensure the barcode reads correctly before production printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use EAN-8 for small products where label space is limited (like small cosmetics, confectionery, or small consumer goods). EAN-8 requires GS1 approval and is only issued when physical space constraints prevent using EAN-13. Most products use EAN-13.
Yes, EAN-8 requires GS1 approval and is only issued when physical space constraints prevent using EAN-13. You must demonstrate that your product cannot accommodate an EAN-13 barcode. Contact your local GS1 organization for EAN-8 application.
Yes! All EAN-13-compatible scanners can read EAN-8 barcodes. EAN-8 is designed to be compatible with the same scanning systems as EAN-13.
EAN-8 barcodes should be printed at 100% magnification (26.73mm wide) or between 80% and 200% of standard size. Height should be at least 18mm. Print at 300+ DPI for best scanning results.
EAN-8 is used for small products like cosmetics, confectionery, small consumer goods, and any product where physical space constraints prevent using EAN-13. It's less common than EAN-13.
You can generate EAN-8 barcodes for testing, but for retail sales, you must have GS1 approval and a valid EAN-8 number. Retailers will reject products without valid GS1-issued EAN-8 barcodes.
Yes! EAN-8 is approximately 40% shorter than EAN-13, making it ideal for small products. EAN-8 is 26.73mm wide at 100% size, while EAN-13 is 37.29mm wide.
Books use ISBN-13 (based on EAN-13 format), not EAN-8. EAN-8 is for small retail products, not books. Books always use the 13-digit ISBN format.
EAN-8 barcodes should be printed in high contrast (black bars on white background) for reliable scanning. While colored barcodes are possible, they must maintain sufficient contrast. Avoid red, yellow, and light colors.
Yes! If you're logged in, you can edit saved EAN-8 barcodes and update the encoded data, colors, size, or other settings. The barcode will be regenerated with the new information.
