Why is an EAN Code Essential? The Easiest and Fastest Ways to Obtain an EAN Code
1. What is an EAN Code, and Why is it Crucial for European E-Commerce?
How can you promote and track your products without an EAN code?
The EAN (European Article Number) is a unique product identifier, essential for listing and managing inventory across major European marketplaces. Without it, listing your products on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Kaufland is nearly impossible.
Why does every product need a unique identifier?
European e-commerce giants require EAN codes to prevent product mix-ups and ensure that customers find the correct items. These codes also play a significant role in inventory management and fast order fulfillment.
Statistic: 87% of e-commerce businesses in Germany use EAN codes to streamline inventory and sales operations.
2. How an EAN Code Gives You a Competitive Edge in European E-Commerce
How does an EAN code help your business stand out?
Simplifies Warehouse Management: Reduces the risk of product misplacement in fulfillment centers.
Marketplace Compliance: Platforms like Amazon and eBay reject listings without EAN codes.
Efficient Inventory Tracking: Every product can be automatically monitored using its EAN.
Case Study: A German e-commerce business reduced warehouse errors by 35% after implementing EAN codes.
3. The Challenges of Selling on European Marketplaces Without an EAN Code
Can you sell your products in Europe without an EAN code?
Unfortunately, no. Here are the key challenges you’ll face:
Listing Rejection: Marketplaces will not approve your products.
Inventory Issues: Warehousing and tracking become chaotic.
Increased Returns & Lower Customer Satisfaction: Customers receive incorrect products due to poor inventory control.
The bottom line? Operating without an EAN code leads to inefficiencies, financial losses, and lost sales opportunities.
4. The Fastest and Easiest Ways to Obtain an EAN Code in Europe
Is obtaining an EAN code complicated? Not at all! Here’s how to get one quickly:
Buy from Official Platforms: Purchase EAN codes from authorized suppliers like GS1.
Quick Approval Process: The right platforms allow you to generate EAN codes within minutes.
Get Support: Your fulfillment partner can assist in acquiring and integrating EAN codes.
Recommendation: Partner with trusted suppliers to save both time and costs.
5. Common EAN Code Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistakes in acquiring or using EAN codes can lead to unnecessary delays and financial losses.
Common Mistakes:
- Incorrect Product-Code Matching: Leads to tracking and order fulfillment errors.
- Fake or Invalid Codes: Unauthorized codes may cause marketplace bans.
- Wrong Formatting: Non-compliant EAN codes result in listing failures.
Best Practices:
Accurate Registration & Tracking: Ensure the correct pairing of products and codes.
Buy from Official Sources: Always obtain EAN codes from GS1 to avoid compliance issues.
Leverage Fulfillment Partners: Professional support can streamline your e-commerce operations.
6. Do You Need a European Company to Obtain an EAN Code?
No, owning a European company is not mandatory to obtain an EAN code. However, if you want to scale effectively in European marketplaces, setting up a company or working with a distributor can be beneficial.
Here’s how the EAN process works:
- Choose a Reliable Supplier: Get your EAN codes from a certified provider.
- Assign the Codes: Properly match each code to your products.
- Integrate with Inventory & Marketplaces: Ensure your codes are linked across all sales channels.
At Grexon, we provide fulfillment and distribution solutions to help you expand into Europe without the need for company registration.
7. The Role of EAN Codes in Fulfillment & Warehousing
How do EAN codes optimize logistics?
Fast Location Tracking: Products are stored and retrieved with precision.
Error-Free Order Processing: EAN codes ensure accurate picking and packing.
Time Efficiency: Automated tracking speeds up fulfillment workflows.
Case Study: Clients using EAN codes in our German fulfillment center achieved a 99.5% order accuracy rate.
Expand Your Business in Europe with Grexon
EAN codes are not just a technical requirement—they are the key to smooth operations, inventory accuracy, and compliance in European e-commerce.
At Grexon, we offer:
24,000 m² warehouse in Neu-Ulm, Germany
Comprehensive fulfillment & distribution solutions
The ability to sell in Europe WITHOUT registering a companyNeed help with EAN codes, fulfillment, or expanding your e-commerce business in Europe? Contact us today!