What is a EAN-8?
An EAN-8 barcode is the compact or condensed version of the longer European Article Number (EAN-13) code. The main objective of the EAN-8 barcode is to use as little space as possible. It is called the standard retail product identifier in Europe as well as other parts of the world.
The specification of the EAN-8 barcode includes the two or three-digit country code, followed by the four of five data digits (as per the length of the country code) and the checksum digit. The data digits in an EAN-8 barcode indicate the specific product and manufacturer.
The EAN-8 barcode is encoded using the three EAN-13 character sets. It has a check digit calculated in the same manner as the EAN-13 barcode. As only a limited number of EAN-8 barcodes are available in every country, they are only issued for products that can't fit an EAN-13 symbol.
Where is a EAN-8 used?
As mentioned above, EAN-8 barcodes can be found on products where only limited space is available. Examples include cigarettes, small candies, pencils, and chewing gum packets. EAN-8 barcodes are also used to encode RCN-8s (8-digit Restricted Circulation Numbers) by companies to identify own-brand products sold only in their stores.
Industry
How could Dynamsoft help you with Code EAN-8?
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