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Benefits of Purchasing EANs Directly from GS1: A Guide for all Brand owners

Posted on by Heena

Introduction

European Article Number (EAN), also referred to as Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), is a type of barcode symbology, accepted and used all across the globe. Businesses obtain EAN/GTIN to uniquely identify their products in the market, sell them cross-border, list them on e-marketplaces and eventually streamline their operations. In India, GS1 India – one of the 116 member organisations of GS1 Global, is the only body authorised to assign GTIN/EAN codes to Indian businesses who wish to sell products in the domestic and international market. 

 

The Importance of EANs/GTINs for Brand Owners

Every product being sold in the market needs to have a unique identification to differentiate itself from others. Unique product identities foster transparency in the supply chain, build trust and optimise business operations globally. GTIN/EAN is one such unique identification number which is recognised and accepted worldwide and provides better visibility to the products being sold. 

Be it an online marketplace such as Amazon or offline retailers, GTINs/EANs are required by all to streamline product listing. In fact, Google has reported that products having GTINs/EANs have as high as 40% impressions and have more than 20% chances of conversions. As a brand owner, if you want to maintain customer trust and brand credibility then it is paramount for you to buy EAN codes. 

 

What Are EANs/GTINs?

EANs/GTINs are a series of numbers in a standardised order used on retail products. This unique number set is composed of four critical components – Country Code, Company Code, Product Code and Check Digit. Every component of a EAN/GTIN identifies a specific element. Country code is the unique code of the country with which the company is registered for barcodes, the company code is a unique number provided by GS1 member organisation to the company as its unique identification, product code is generated by the company and check digit is a computer generated digit used to validate the GTIN/EAN.

 

‘890’ is the country code provided by GS1 Global to GS1 India. This means every GTIN/EAN of products manufactured in India will have ‘890’ as their prefix. The company code and product code of a GTIN will vary based on the number of barcodes the company is registered for. Below given is an example (fig 1) of a GTIN wherein the company is registered for 100,000 barcodes. Companies can get registered for 100, 1000, 10000 or 100000 barcodes, based on their requirements. 

 

EAN/GTIN Types 

EAN-13/GTIN-13 – It is a 13-digits unique identification code that is used to identify retail products internationally. This barcode can be read by scanners at point-of-sale or throughout the product’s supply journey with the help of a scanner. 

EAN-8/GTIN-8 – It is a compressed version of EAN-13/GTIN-13. It contains 8-digits and is used to identify products that are very small, for example – cosmetics. 

 

Why Purchase EANs Directly from GS1?

Purchasing EANs/GTINs from GS1 is the only way to ensure your barcodes are authorised. GS1 is an international not-for-profit and neutral organisation which brings industry leaders, regulators, government and different associations together with the purpose to develop and implement standards-based supply chain solutions. It has member organisations in 116 countries and has more than 2 million user companies which promote 10 billion transactions every day. 

 

This extensive reach and globally standardised approach to unique product identification, structured operations, authenticity and inclusivity make GS1 the only recognised provider of barcodes globally. Let’s understand the above mentioned features of GS1 in detail, with context to the Indian businesses. 

 

Extensive Reach – Indian businesses who wish to export (sell their products in different countries worldwide) are recommended to obtain GS1 barcodes. GS1 barcodes are accepted and used worldwide making cross-border sale operations easier for businesses. It simplifies their journey of reaching international marketplaces and empowers businesses with streamlined supply chain operations. Additionally, the EAN number promotes consistent identification of products, regardless of the geographical boundaries. 

 

Global Standardisation – With GS1 barcodes, businesses get a standardised system of product identification through the EAN/GTIN codes which is accepted globally. 

 

Unique Product Identification –  GS1 barcodes are unique to each product being sold in the market. No two products having differences in weight, size, packaging, colour, ingredients, dimensions, etc. can have the same GTIN. Every product variant will have a different GTIN on it which allows businesses to track and manage their inventory efficiently. The unique product identification helps avoid product misidentification and product mismatches. 

 

Structured Operations – EAN/GTIN codes are based and created following a predefined structure of product identification codes set by GS1. Every member organisation follows this same structured approach to assign GTINs/EANs to companies promoting structured operations worldwide. 

 

Trust & Authenticity – The EAN/GTIN codes assigned by GS1 are authentic. Businesses around the world trust these codes and apply them on their products for their unique identification. Consumers trust these codes as they guarantee the product is sourced from the original manufacturer.

 

Inclusivity – EAN/GTIN codes of GS1 are inclusive to all types of organisations. No matter the scale of the organisation, if you want to sell your products in the market you can get registered for GS1 barcodes. 

 

Verified Products –  EANs/GTINs can be verified and product information can be validated through the Smart Consumer mobile and web app. Furthermore, retailers can verify EAN/GTIN information through the ‘GTIN Validation’ page of GS1 India wherein all the information concerned with the EAN/GTIN will reflect on the screen. 

 

Data is sourced directly from DataKart which is the national product data repository of India. DataKart shares product information with ‘Verified by GS1’ allowing retailers, organisations or consumers all across the globe to validate your product details. As much as 7.8 million GTINs are checked against the ‘Verified by GS1’ database every 90 seconds, making it paramount for businesses to obtain GTINs/EANs in order to improve their product visibility.  

 

How to Purchase EANs from GS1

To purchase EANs/GTINs from GS1 India you can follow the below mentioned steps – 

  1. Visit ‘Register for Barcodes’ page of GS1 India.
  2. Fill the registration form.
  3. Submit all the required documents as and when asked. 
  4. Pay the one-time registration fees and the subscription fees. 
  5. In 7-10 working days you will receive a barcode allotment letter along with your Global Company Prefix (GCP). 
  6. Use your GCP to login into DataKart and start creating GTINs/EANs for your products. 

 

The subscription fees will depend on the number of barcodes you are getting registered for. You can get a subscription for 100,1000,10000 and 100000 barcodes. 

 

To view the barcode registration fee structure you can click on this link – https://www.gs1india.org/wp-content/uploads/GCPBarcodes-Registration-Fee-effective-from-1st-July-2024.pdf

 

Common Questions and Misconceptions about EANs

1. Can I buy EAN codes from third-party providers?

GS1 does not recommend any company to buy EAN codes from any third-party providers. Only GS1 India is the only authorised body in India to issue barcodes starting from ‘890’. Any EAN codes provided by third-party providers are unauthorised and are not interoperable.

2. What is the difference between EAN and UPC?

European Article Number (EAN) and Universal Product Code (UPC) are both barcode symbologies that are accepted worldwide. UPC symbology is used specifically in North America. It has two types – UPC-A (a 12-digit code similar to GTIN-13/EAN-13) and UPC-E (a 8-digit code similar to GTIN-8/EAN-8).

3. How do I find my EAN number?

EAN code is printed on the packaging of your product. It is right below the barcode which is a series of black and white vertical lines.

 

Conclusion 

It is extremely important as a business owner that whichever products you are selling in the marketplace have authorised barcodes and correct GTIN/EAN codes. This empowers not only you but every other element of the supply chain, including the end-consumers. If you have not yet registered for GS1 barcodes we recommend you follow the provided steps and start your journey of selling products seamlessly without any complications. 

 

FAQs

Q1. What does EAN stand for?

Ans. EAN stands for European Article Number and is a type of barcode symbology that is used to uniquely identify products sold in the domestic and international market. 

 

Q2. What is the EAN code for India?

Ans. ‘890’ is the country code provided by GS1 to GS1 India. 

 

Q3. Who provides EAN codes?

Ans. EAN codes are provided by GS1 member organisations globally. In India, GS1 India provides EAN codes to companies.

 

Q4. What is a 13 digit EAN number?

Ans. EAN-13 is similar to GTIN-13 and is used to identify retail products in the market. 

 

Q5. Do EAN numbers expire?

Yes, EAN/GTIN codes are provided based on the subscription model. Companies will have to renew their EANs/GTINs in order to continue using these numbers. 

 

Q6. Can I use a third-party seller for EANs?

No, only GS1 India is authorised to issue EANs/GTINs to companies in India. No other company can provide authorised unique identification numbers. 

What Every Smart Consumer Needs to Know About Product Information

Posted on by Heena

In this fast-paced marketplace, being an informed consumer is essential for making smart purchasing decisions. From understanding product information to recognizing authentic products, consumers should be equipped with the knowledge to make choices that align with their values. Knowing where and how to access reliable information, empowers consumers to ensure the safety and quality of the products they choose.

Product Information

Being a smart consumer goes beyond finding the best deals. It’s about understanding the detailed information behind every product bought. Whether shopping online or in-store, having accurate and complete product information is essential for making informed choices.

What is Product Information?

Product information includes all the data about a product that helps consumers make purchase decisions. It ranges from basic details like price and ingredients to more complex attributes like product manufacturer, expiration date, and regulatory information. Accessible correct product information is critical to ensure transparency and strengthen trust in consumers.

Types of Product Information

  • Basic Product Details: Price, brand, quantity, and SKU.

  • Technical Specifications: Size, material, and performance.

  • Compliance Information: Certifications, regulations, and safety warnings.

  • Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: Environmental impact, labor practices and responsible sourcing.

Importance of Product Information for Consumers

Accurate and comprehensive product information is crucial for various reasons. To begin with, It empowers consumers to make the right decisions, promotes trust in brands, and protects consumer rights. Additionally, well-informed consumers are less likely to experience buyer’s remorse. 

  • Empowering Consumer’s Decision-Making: Clear product information helps consumers evaluate if a product meets their needs.

  • Making Informed Purchases: Accurate data prevents misleading choices, leading to better shopping experiences.

  • Ensuring Safety and Reliability: Detailed product specifications and certifications contribute to safe purchases.

Enhancing Trust with Verified Product Information

As a consumer, confidence grows when product information is clear, reliable, and easy to access. Today, consumers expect transparency in everything – right from the ingredients to the origin of the products being purchased. The Smart Consumer Application ensures that the product data received is sourced from verified databases. Whether it’s pricing or ethical sourcing, the app provides real-time, accurate product details. By scanning barcodes or manually searching, one can quickly access trustworthy information that supports purchasing decisions. This level of transparency benefits not only the consumer but also encourages brands to uphold higher standards in the products they offer.

Leveraging Technology for Better Consumer Insights

Technology plays a vital role in delivering better product data to consumers.

Smartphone Apps for Product Information

The Smart Consumer Application offers features like product scanning and detailed information retrieval, allowing users to quickly verify product authenticity and compare details. By scanning barcodes or manually entering the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), consumers can access detailed product data, reviews, and validate its authenticity. This enables them to make informed choices, enhancing their overall shopping experience.

Features to Look for in the Smart Consumer App

  • Product Information Access: One of the standout features of the Smart Consumer Application is its ability to scan barcodes and provide comprehensive product details. Powered by DataKart, India’s national product data repository, the app ensures that users receive accurate and reliable information about product availability, ingredients, and discounts. This feature allows consumers to make informed decisions based on reliable data.

  • Product Comparison: The app allows users to easily compare multiple products, helping them make better purchasing choices. Consumers can weigh different attributes such as price, quality, and features, allowing them to select the product that best suits their needs. This comparison is particularly useful for making budget-friendly and quality-conscious decisions.

  • Reviews and Ratings: The app aggregates reviews from verified sources, offering users credible insights into product quality. Consumers can read genuine reviews and check ratings before making a purchase, helping them feel more confident about the products they choose. This feature fosters transparency and enhances the user’s shopping experience by offering reliable opinions from other users.

  • Direct Brand Interaction: Smart Consumer Application facilitates direct interaction between consumers and brand owners. Users can reach out to brands for feedback, complaints, or inquiries, ensuring a seamless communication channel. This feature allows for better consumer engagement and resolves issues directly with the company, enhancing brand transparency and trust.

  • User-Friendly Interface: The Smart Consumer Application is designed with a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate. 

Future Trends in Product Information Technology

The world of product information is evolving with technological advancements, offering new possibilities for enhancing the consumer experience.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology will revolutionise availability to product information by providing a secure and transparent way to track products throughout their lifecycle. By recording every transaction and movement, blockchain will ensure that product information is tamper-proof. This technology can enhance consumer trust by allowing authentic information flow. 

Consumers can scan 2D barcodes through the Smart Consumer Application and access detailed information about that product. The QR codes, which are a type of 2D barcode, can hold data beyond basic identification, including batch numbers, and expiration dates, providing consumers with instant access with a simple scan. The Smart Consumer Application through this technology aims to enhance customer engagement by offering more interactive experiences and in future will play a crucial role in industries like healthcare, retail and logistics. 

Ensuring Transparency and Trust

Building trust through transparency in product information is essential for long-term success. The Smart Consumer Application is a powerful technology that fosters transparency and trust between brands and consumers by providing accurate, real-time product information.

The Smart Consumer Application provides access to verified product details, including ingredients, availability, and compliance information, consumers can trust that the information provided is reliable. This level of transparency helps brands build long-term consumer trust and align with ethical practices in product labelling.

By scanning a product’s barcode or entering the GTIN, the Smart Consumer Application provides detailed information about the product’s origin. This transparency encourages ethical consumerism and supports brands that prioritise responsible sourcing.

Tips for Accessing and Utilising Product Information

Making the most of available product information requires knowing where to find reliable data and how to interpret it.

Utilising Online Resources

  • Product Information Websites and Apps: Make use of trusted platforms that provide detailed and accurate product data.

  • Consumer Review Platforms: Read reviews and ratings from other consumers to gain insights into the product’s quality and performance.

Reading and Deciphering Labels

  • Understanding Common Labels and Symbols: Familiarise yourself with certifications and standard symbols that indicate quality and compliance.

  • Identifying Misleading Information: Learn to recognise marketing tactics and ensure the data provided is factual and relevant.

Conclusion

For every smart consumer, having access to accurate and detailed product information is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. By staying informed and making use of the latest technology, consumers can make better choices, safeguard their rights, and contribute to a more transparent and trustworthy marketplace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.Who is a smart consumer?

A smart consumer actively seeks reliable product information, makes informed purchasing decisions, and values transparency and quality in the products they buy. They prioritise research and consider factors like product sustainability, safety, and ethical sourcing before making a purchase.

2. What is a smart consumer application?

The Smart Consumer is an application that provides product details, comparisons, and additional information to help users make informed choices.

3. What are the benefits of apps for consumers?

Smart consumer apps offer convenience, instant access to detailed product data, and the ability to verify authenticity. These features lead to better decision-making, easier comparisons, and more confident purchases, improving the overall shopping experience.

4. What are the Smart Consumer app’s benefits?

The Smart Consumer application provides many benefits to consumers, including quick access to product information, accurate price listing and better decision-making. 

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