EAN-8
For smaller products
Most retail items have an EAN-13, but sometimes a 'large' barcode doesn't fit. For example on a lipstick or a box of matches. That's what the EAN-8 is for. A code with only 8 digits and therefore also a smaller barcode.
A GS1 code is like a passport for your product
In retail
For a small item sold at retail, you can use this short code.
8 positions, so smaller
Instead of 13 digits, there are only 8 and therefore the barcode is also smaller.
Many medical devices and pharmaceuticals do have a small size, but there an EAN-13 code is used with a GS1 DataMatrix as the symbol.
How does it work?
You use an EAN-8 if:
- The total printable area of the package is smaller than 80cm².
- The space for the largest label on a package is smaller than 40cm².
- The product is cylindrical in shape with a diameter of less than 30mm.
Send the item's packaging to GS1 Netherlands. We will assess whether the product is actually 'small' and qualifies for an 8-digit code.
Fees
You can only order EAN-8 codes if you already have GS1 codes, they cost € 50,- each.