Small Format Global Retail
The EAN-8 Barcode Guide
Precision for limited space. Master the 8-digit standard used globally for small products where a full EAN-13 barcode cannot fit.
What is an EAN-8?
The EAN-8 is the short-form version of the EAN-13 barcode. It was specifically designed to identify small items—such as cosmetics, pencils, or candy—where the physical surface area is too small for a standard 13-digit code.
The 8-Digit Anatomy
An EAN-8 code is precisely structured into three segments:
- GS1 Prefix (2-3 digits): Identifies the country where the manufacturer is registered.
- Item Reference (4-5 digits): A unique number assigned by the manufacturer to identify the specific product.
- Check Digit (Last digit): A mandatory mathematical verification number calculated using the standard Modulo 10 (3-1 weight) algorithm.
Registration Requirements
Unlike EAN-13, EAN-8 numbers are not derived from your standard GS1 Company Prefix. Because the total pool of 8-digit numbers is limited, you must apply for EAN-8 numbers directly from GS1 on a per-product basis, providing proof that an EAN-13 will not fit.
Technical Specs
Digit CountExactly 8
SymbologyEAN (Linear)
AlgorithmModulo 10
Data TypeNumeric Only
Retail Use
EAN-8 barcodes are scannable by all point-of-sale systems globally, just like their 13-digit counterparts, ensuring seamless retail integration.