EAN-13 vs. EAN-8: Which Barcode for Cosmetic Products?
Labeling small items like lipstick or nail polish can be tricky. Find out if the compact EAN-8 barcode is the right solution for you.
For international retail, **EAN-13** is the standard barcode. But what happens when your product is too small to fit a full-sized barcode? This is a common problem in the cosmetics industry. The answer is **EAN-8**, a barcode designed specifically for small packaging.
EAN-13: The Global Standard
The EAN-13 is the 13-digit barcode used on the vast majority of retail products sold around the world. It encodes a GTIN-13, which identifies the product and manufacturer. It is always the preferred choice unless space is an issue.
EAN-8: The Space-Saver
The **EAN-8** is an 8-digit barcode that functions as a compact version of the EAN-13. It's specifically intended for products with very limited label space, making it perfect for items like:
- Lipsticks and lip balms
- Small jars of cream or eyeshadow
- Pencils and eyeliners
- Other small cosmetic items
Because they hold less data, EAN-8 numbers are requested from GS1 on a per-product basis and are not derived from your company's standard prefix.
Verdict: When to Use Which?
The guideline is straightforward: **Always use EAN-13 unless it is physically too large to fit on your product.** The EAN-8 is a special-case solution for small items and should not be used on standard-sized packaging.