Definition
EAN (European Article Number) is a standardized barcode system used to identify products in retail and ecommerce.
An EAN is a unique numeric code—typically 13 digits long (EAN-13)—that helps businesses, marketplaces, warehouses, and retailers identify and track products.
What It Means in Dropshipping
In dropshipping and ecommerce, EANs are used to ensure that products can be accurately identified across different sales channels and supply chains.
Many online marketplaces and retail platforms require an EAN when listing products because it helps prevent duplicate listings and improves inventory management.
EANs are commonly used for:
- Product identification
- Inventory management
- Marketplace listings
- Warehouse operations
- Barcode scanning and tracking
Not every dropshipping product has an EAN, especially generic or unbranded items. However, products sold through large marketplaces or retail channels often require one.
Example
Imagine you sell a branded wireless charger through an ecommerce marketplace.
When creating the product listing, you enter the product’s EAN-13 code. The marketplace uses this identifier to distinguish your product from millions of others and to manage inventory, orders, and fulfillment accurately.
Why It Matters
EANs create a common language for product identification across suppliers, retailers, marketplaces, and logistics providers.
For dropshipping businesses, having valid product identifiers can simplify inventory management, improve listing accuracy, and help products integrate more easily with ecommerce platforms and fulfillment systems.