You’ve seen them on every product—from milk cartons to shampoo bottles—but what exactly are those barcodes called EAN codes, and what do they actually do?
Let’s decode them and show how Promoscore puts them to work to help you make smarter shopping decisions.
What is an EAN code?
EAN stands for European Article Number, and the most common versions are EAN-13 and EAN-8—barcodes printed on nearly every product sold in retail.
It’s not just a bunch of numbers—it’s a unique ID that tells stores, systems, and even your phone exactly what the product is, where it came from, and how it should be handled.
What do the digits mean?
Here’s a simple breakdown of the digits in an EAN-13 barcode:
-
Digits 1–3: Country code
These indicate the country where the manufacturer is registered (not necessarily where the product is made).
Examples:- 594 = Romania
- 590 = Poland
- 400–440 = Germany
- 376 = France
-
Digits 4–9: Manufacturer code
This identifies the company that produces or distributes the product. -
Digits 10–12: Product code
A unique number given by the manufacturer to that specific item (like flavor or package size). -
Digit 13: Check digit
A calculated number used to detect errors when scanning.
In short: The EAN code is the digital fingerprint of a product. It ensures that a 1L bottle of milk from Brand X isn’t confused with a 2L juice from Brand Y—even if they look similar.
Are there other types of EAN codes?
Yes! While EAN-13 is the most common format in European retail, there are other barcode types depending on product size, packaging, or region.
| Barcode Type | Length | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| EAN-13 | 13 digits | Standard retail products in Europe and many other countries |
| EAN-8 | 8 digits | Small items (e.g. gum, cosmetics, travel-size packs) |
| UPC-A | 12 digits | Retail items in the US and Canada |
| UPC-E | 6 digits | Very small packages in North America |
| Code 128 | Variable | Shipping labels, warehouse tracking |
| QR Code | Variable (2D) | Marketing, payments, app links (not for retail scanning) |
💡 Promoscore supports both EAN-13 and EAN-8 barcodes, covering almost all grocery and retail products, including smaller packaging.
Why EAN codes matter
EAN codes keep the modern retail world running. They allow for:
- Fast, accurate checkout — no typing needed
- Inventory tracking — stores know what’s in stock and what’s missing
- Efficient logistics — easy product identification through the supply chain
- Global compatibility — the same code works across countries and retailers
And for you as a shopper…
Promoscore lets you scan and compare
With the Promoscore app, you can scan any product barcode (EAN-13 or EAN-8) and instantly:
- Identify the product
- See if it’s on promotion nearby
- Compare prices in different stores
- Decide whether to buy now—or go somewhere else for a better deal
Add to favorites and get alerts
When you scan a product in Promoscore, you can add it to your Favorites list with one tap.
This gives you:
- Quick access to all promotions for your favorite products anytime
- Email alerts when a great promotion is available near you
It’s the easiest way to make sure you never miss a discount on products you love.
Discover product origins
By reading the EAN code, you also get valuable information about where the product comes from—its country and manufacturer.
This can help you choose local products made in your country and support local brands.
💡 Want to see the full list of EAN country codes?
Check the complete list on Wikipedia.
Use it in store or at home
Here’s how you can use Promoscore’s scanning feature in real life:
- While shopping: Scan before buying to see if another store nearby has it cheaper
- At home: Check your fridge or pantry and scan products to plan where to shop next
- On the go: If you buy the same products often, scan them and add to favorutes to track deals over time
Promoscore turns a simple barcode into a smart shopping decision.
Bottom line
That tiny barcode on your product isn’t just a label—it’s a powerful tool.
Now that you know what an EAN code is and what it does, you can also use it to shop better. With Promoscore, one scan tells you everything you need to save money and shop smart.
Next time you reach for a product, don’t guess—scan, compare, and save.