The 13-digit product barcode commonly used for global retail settlement. Regardless of the market where it is applied for, EAN-13 follows the same symbol structure and check rules, and scanning devices are globally interoperable.
The example number is generated in real time according to the standard (including mod10 check digit). The actual number is assigned by the coding association.
EAN-13 is the mainstream one-dimensional code system for global retail settlement under the GS1 system: 13 digits, the first three digits are theprefix codeidentifying the member organization that assigned the code (e.g., 690–699 China, 489 Hong Kong, China, 45–49 Japan). The number range does not represent the product's origin, but the place where the code was applied for.
POS checkout, inventory, and replenishment systems across global retail channels
GTIN verification when creating product records on mainstream e-commerce platforms
Beyond the retail unit, outer cartons use GTIN-14 (ITF-14) to carry logistics information
The 13 digits of EAN-13 are not random numbers; each segment has a clear meaning.
| Composition | Number of digits | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| prefix code | 3 digits | Identifies the member organization that assigned the code (GS1 official prefix table, e.g., 690–699 China, 489 Hong Kong, 45–49 Japan, 00–13 North America UPC system) |
| GS1 Company Prefix | Assigned by the member organization | Assigned to the applying enterprise; it is the enterprise's unique identifier, with the number of digits depending on the current rules |
| Product item code | Assigned by the enterprise | One per product item (SKU) |
| Check digit | 1 digit | Calculated using the mod10 algorithm, used for machine-readable verification |
Each segment of the 13-digit number has a clear meaning; see the structure table below for details.
Adding a leading 0 to UPC-A yields EAN-13; scanning devices are generally interoperable.
Can be verified instantly with the tool on this site. Passing verification does not mean the product is genuine.
A barcode is not something that is done once and then finished — when company information changes, when the right to use the codes needs to be maintained, or when the business is transferred, the corresponding procedures must be handled.
Target market (local only / including export), product category, estimated SKU quantity
Prepare according to the registration documents of the location of the applying entity; see the checklist on the right
Submit the application to the GS1 member organization and wait for the company prefix to be assigned
After obtaining the code range, assign a unique number to each product item
The following situations require a change:
A change certificate issued by the local registration authority must be provided
The company prefix remains unchanged; only the enterprise information in the system is updated
Already printed packaging can usually continue to be used, with no need to reprint the barcode graphic
Member organizations differ in how they maintain code usage rights (annual membership fee system or validity period renewal system), subject to the current policy of that member organization. If not maintained on time, the code may be suspended or reclaimed, and the normal circulation of goods in channels will be affected.
Customers who have already processed through Bangma International can register for expiry reminders free of charge.
During mergers and acquisitions, brand transfers, or business restructuring, the company prefix can be transferred as an asset together with the business. The transfer requires a joint application by both parties and completion of changes to entity information and ownership.
The total fee usually includes: the barcode service fee charged by the member organization (based on tier and number of years) + agency service fee. Factors affecting the fee:
Once all documents are complete, the review and allocation process begins; timelines vary by country
No new code allocation is involved, so the process is relatively simple
Involves ownership confirmation; the timeline depends on how prepared both parties' materials are
The above is a description of the process sequence and does not fabricate specific numbers of days. The actual timeline is subject to the accepting organization's current announcements and processing progress, and we will keep you updated at every stage during the process.
