EAN International has developed a system of numbers that guarantees unique and unambiguous identification. These numbers provide a common language in which manufacturers, exporters, importers, wholesalers and retailers can communicate information regarding the goods or services they trade.

Product numbers are represented by bar codes which can be read by scanners throughout the supply chain, and provide accurate information for improved management. Items that are scanned at the retail point of sales are called retail units, while items traded between companies are called trade items.

Characteristics of EAN numbers

• They are unique: a separate unique number is allocated for each unit.
• The EAN number in itself is the key to access a database, which contains precise information on the unit.
• They are secure: EAN numbers include a check digit which guarantees secure data capture.

The Numbering of Retail and Trade items
EAN numbers identifying retail/trade items may be represented by a bar code symbol.
This data carrier allows the identification number to be machine read thus enabling automatic data capture (scanning) and data processing.

Benefits for consumers
Consumers benefit in the following ways:

• In a retail scanning store, customers are served more quickly at the checkout.
• They receive itemized receipts that identify each item purchased and its price. This makes it easier for consumers to compare prices between stores.
• Scanning and EDI leads to better store management and less customer inconvenience due to products being out of stock.
• Price errors at the checkout are greatly reduced due to the elimination of manual price entry.
• The efficiencies and savings made by manufacturers and retailers though the use of bar-coding, scanning and EDI are passed on to the consumer through lower prices and better service.

Application Procedure:

1. Fill in EAN Application Form and sign it.
2. A copy of the company’s registration certificate in the Ministry of Industry & Trade (clearly indicating its legal status) has to be submitted with the application form.
3. Registration fees are paid yearly to EAN Association as follows:

• Entrance fees (75) JDs. This is a one time payment on first registration.
• New Vision’s fees (70) JDs. This is a one time payment on first registration.
• Annual membership fees are of 3 categories based on the company’s legal status as follows:

• (85) JDs for sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships & limited partnerships in shares.
• (150) JDs for limited liability companies, charitable societies, and non-profit entities.
• (300) JDs for public shareholding companies, government and public agencies and corporations.