What are EAN Codes?
European Article Number (EAN) or Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a type of barcode symbology that is used worldwide to uniquely identify retail products. Barcodes encode EAN or GTIN to facilitate effective inventory management and product tracking. These codes help streamline operations, prevent errors, and enhance product visibility both online and in physical stores. EAN/GTIN codes also enable the smooth integration of product information across international markets, making them essential for global commerce and efficient supply chain management. This system ensures that products are correctly identified and managed throughout the retail and distribution process.
Importance of EAN/GTIN Codes for Indian Businesses
EAN/GTIN codes play a vital role in modern business operations. Here’s why they are indispensable for Indian businesses:
1. Streamlined Inventory Management
EAN/GTIN codes facilitate automated inventory tracking and management, helping businesses maintain accurate stock levels and minimise errors in inventory records.
2. Enhanced Product Visibility
EAN/GTIN codes improve product visibility both online and in physical stores. This ensures consumers can easily find and identify products, leading to better sales opportunities.
3. Global Standards
EAN/GTIN codes align with global standards, making them crucial for Indian businesses looking to expand their reach globally. This compatibility ensures smooth international trade and compliance with worldwide retail practices.
Buying EAN/GTIN Codes in India
Acquiring EAN/GTIN codes in India is a simple process that ensures your products are ready for efficient inventory management and global trade.
Where to Buy EAN/GTIN Codes in India
The best and most reliable source to buy EAN codes in India is directly from GS1 India. GS1 India is the only authorised body responsible for issuing these codes, ensuring they are compliant with global standards and are recognised worldwide. Purchasing from GS1 India guarantees that your barcodes are authentic and will be accepted by retailers and e-commerce platforms globally.
If you label your products with GS1 barcodes, your products will be visible through GS1 repositories. You will get access to GS1 DataKart, the national repository of product information for retail items. GS1’s DataKart service enables free and easy barcode number management and the generation of Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).
Steps to Purchase EAN/GTIN Codes
To buy EAN/GTIN codes from GS1 India, follow these simple steps:
1. Registration: Register with GS1 India by creating an account on the website. You’ll need to provide necessary documents like your company’s PAN card, proof of annual sales turnover, and a letter requesting barcode allotment.
2. Choose Subscription Model: Select a subscription model that suits your business needs, considering your current and future requirements for barcodes. GS1 India offers various options based on company turnover, the number of barcodes needed, and the subscription period.
3. Payment: Complete the payment process securely. Payment can be made online, via NEFT, or through demand drafts. Ensure you calculate the registration fees, which include one-time fees, subscription fees, and a security deposit. The registration process takes about 7-10 working days to complete.
By following these steps, you can efficiently acquire your Global Company Prefix (GCP) which can be used to generate GTINs/EANs. This will ensure your products are ready for streamlined inventory management and global market reach.
Consumers’ Benefits of Buying Products Having EAN/GTIN
EAN/GTIN codes offer numerous advantages to consumers, enhancing their shopping experience and ensuring product authenticity. Consumers can verify the legitimacy of products, access detailed information, and enjoy faster checkout processes. Here’s how these codes benefit consumers:
1. Authentic Product Identification
Avoid Counterfeits: They enable consumers to verify product authenticity using the Smart Consumer app. This helps in preventing the purchase of counterfeit products, ensuring trust and reliability in the market.
2. Product Information Access
Detailed Information: Consumers can access detailed product information by scanning EAN/GTIN codes through the Smart Consumer app. This includes details such as product origin, ingredients, and usage instructions, enhancing the shopping experience.
3. Seamless Shopping Experience
Efficient Checkout: EAN/GTIN codes expedite checkout processes, reducing waiting time for consumers. This leads to a more efficient and pleasant shopping experience, both online and in physical stores.
Conclusion
In conclusion, EAN/GTIN codes are essential for both Indian businesses and consumers. They enhance inventory management, improve product visibility, and align with international standards. For consumers, these codes offer a reliable way to verify product and brand authenticity and access detailed information, contributing to a seamless shopping experience. Additionally, businesses benefit from streamlined operations, reduced errors, and improved efficiency across supply chains. By utilising EAN/GTIN codes, companies can ensure global compatibility, making it easier to manage products both locally and internationally. Ultimately, the widespread use of these codes fosters trust and transparency in the market, benefiting all parties involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I buy an EAN code in India?
To buy EAN/GTIN codes in India, you need to register with GS1 India. After registration, you can choose a barcode package that fits your business needs based on the number of products.
2. What is the Cost of EAN/GTIN Codes in India?
The cost of EAN/GTIN codes in India varies depending on the package you select and the number of barcodes you require for your products.
3. Can EAN Codes be Used for All Products?
Yes, EAN/GTIN codes are versatile and can be used for a wide variety of products across multiple industries. These include retail items such as groceries, electronics, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, clothing, and more.
4. Is EAN used in India?
Yes, EAN/GTIN codes are widely used across India for product identification and inventory management in retail settings. These codes are essential for businesses that aim to improve product tracking, streamline supply chain processes, and ensure compatibility with global retail systems.
5. Can I generate my own barcode?
Yes, you can generate your own barcode once you get your Global Company Prefix (GCP) from GS1. This GCP can be used to login to your DataKart portal and generate GTINs/EANs.
6. Can I use EAN on Amazon?
Yes, EAN/GTIN codes can be used on Amazon. Amazon requires product identifiers like EANs/GTINs or UPCs for listing products on its platform.
7. Is EAN code the same as GTIN?
Yes, EAN codes are also termed GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). Specifically, an EAN-13 code is referred to as a GTIN-13. GTINs are standardised product identifiers used globally to ensure consistency in identifying products across different systems and markets.
