EAN vs. UPC: What’s the Difference and Why it Matters
If you’re involved in the retail industry, you’ve likely heard of both EAN and UPC codes. But what’s the difference between these two codes, and why does it matter? Let’s explore the differences between EAN and UPC codes and why they’re important.
What Are EAN Codes?
EAN stands for European Article Number, and these codes are used primarily in Europe and other parts of the world. EAN codes are 13 digits long and are used to uniquely identify products. The first three digits of an EAN code indicate the country where the product was manufactured, while the next nine digits represent the unique product identifier. The final digit is a check digit, which is used to ensure the code was entered correctly.
What Are UPC Codes?
UPC stands for Universal Product Code, and these codes are primarily used in the United States and Canada. UPC codes are 12 digits long and are used to identify products at the point of sale. The first six digits of a UPC code represent the manufacturer’s identification number, while the next five digits represent the product identifier. The final digit is also a check digit.
What’s the Difference Between EAN and UPC Codes?
The primary difference between EAN and UPC codes is the number of digits. EAN codes are 13 digits long, while UPC codes are 12 digits long. This means that EAN codes can represent a larger number of products than UPC codes.
Another difference between EAN and UPC codes is the way they’re used. EAN codes are used to identify products worldwide, while UPC codes are primarily used in the United States and Canada. This means that if you’re a manufacturer or retailer selling products globally, you’ll need to use EAN codes, while if you’re selling products only in the United States and Canada, UPC codes will suffice.
Why Do EAN and UPC Codes Matter?
EAN and UPC codes are important because they allow retailers and manufacturers to identify products quickly and accurately. This is especially important in large retail settings, where products are constantly being restocked and customers need to find what they’re looking for quickly. In addition, EAN and UPC codes are used in inventory management systems. By scanning the codes at the point of sale, retailers can keep track of which products are selling well and which products are not. This allows them to restock popular products quickly and avoid overstocking items that aren’t selling.
EAN and UPC codes are also important for e-commerce retailers. By including product codes in their online listings, e-commerce retailers can ensure that customers are purchasing the correct product. This helps to reduce returns and improve customer satisfaction.
Summary
In conclusion, EAN and UPC codes are both used to identify products, but they have some important differences. EAN codes are used primarily in Europe and other parts of the world and are 13 digits long, while UPC codes are used primarily in the United States and Canada and are 12 digits long. Both codes are important for retailers and manufacturers, as they allow for quick and accurate identification of products. Whether you’re a manufacturer, retailer, or e-commerce seller, understanding the differences between EAN and UPC codes is important for ensuring that you’re using the correct codes for your products.