EAN-13 vs. EAN-8 Barcodes
Running out of label space internationally? Learn when to use the compact EAN-8 format for cosmetics and tiny products.
The Space Constraint Problem
The standard EAN-13 barcode is the undisputed king of international retail. However, because it encodes 13 digits, it requires a substantial amount of horizontal real estate to scan reliably.
If you are selling a tiny item globally—like a tube of lip gloss, a mascara wand, or small hardware screws—a full-sized EAN-13 simply will not fit on the packaging. That's where EAN-8 becomes essential.
EAN-8 is NOT a Compressed Code
A common misconception among retailers is that EAN-8 is just a mathematically "compressed" version of EAN-13 (similar to how UPC-E relates to UPC-A). This is false.
EAN-8 is a completely separate, distinct 8-digit number (GTIN-8) assigned directly by GS1. Because it only contains 8 digits, it takes up about half the physical space of an EAN-13, allowing cosmetics and small items to be scanned effortlessly at international checkouts.
When to Use EAN-8
The rule of thumb is: Always default to EAN-13 unless GS1 allows otherwise.
Because there are mathematically fewer 8-digit combinations available than 13-digit ones, EAN-8 numbers are in highly limited supply globally. GS1 heavily restricts them and will only issue you an EAN-8 block if you can physically prove your product packaging is too small to accommodate a standard EAN-13.