EAN / GTIN
Also known as: EAN, GTIN, Strichcode, Barcode
A globally unique article number printed as a barcode on the package and scanned at the checkout.
The EAN, usually 13 digits in Germany, is part of the international GTIN standard. Every packaging level of a product gets its own number: the single bottle, the crate and possibly a carton have different codes.
In trade the number serves as clear identification in checkout, merchandise management and ordering. Since bottle and crate carry different codes, care is needed to scan the right packaging level. The numbers are issued by a central organisation. Prices and stock are usually assigned through this number in merchandise management, so error-free master data is important.
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