A EAN number on bol.com is an essential part of the sales process on the platform. Without a valid EAN number, you simply can't offer products on bol.com. Yet, many (starting) sellers run into questions: what is an EAN code exactly, where do you request one, what does it cost, and how do you add it to your product? In this extensive article, we answer all your questions about EAN numbers on bol.com - from the basics to advanced tips that save you time and money.
What is an EAN number and why is it mandatory on bol.com?
EAN stands for European Article Number. It's a unique, globally recognized product identification code assigned to each individual product. You recognize the EAN code as the number under the barcode on a product packaging. Bol.com uses EAN numbers to uniquely identify products in their catalog. When multiple sellers offer the same product, all offers are linked to the same EAN number, making it easy for customers to compare.
Since 2022, bol.com requires all products to have a GS1-registered EAN number. This means you can't just enter any random number - the number must be officially registered in the name of your company with GS1 Netherlands or another GS1 organization. Products without a valid EAN number are rejected by bol.com or can be taken offline later.
The difference between EAN-8, EAN-13, and GTIN
There are different types of EAN codes you may encounter. It's essential to understand the difference so you can request the correct codes for your products.
| Type code | Number of digits | Use | Suitable for bol.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAN-13 | 13 | Standard for most products | Yes ✓ |
| EAN-8 | 8 | Small products with little space | Yes ✓ |
| GTIN-14 | 14 | Trade units and boxes | Limited |
| UPC-A | 12 | North American market | Yes ✓ |
| ISBN | 13 | Books | Yes ✓ |
| Non-GS1 EAN | Varies | Cheap codes from third parties | No ✗ |
The EAN-13 is by far the most used and consists of four parts: a country code (2-3 digits), a company code (4-5 digits), a product code (3-5 digits), and a check digit. The EAN-8 is a shortened version for small products. GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is the overarching term - EAN-13 is actually a GTIN-13. On bol.com, you can use both EAN-13 and EAN-8.
Requesting EAN codes from GS1 Netherlands: step by step
Requesting EAN codes from GS1 Netherlands is a structured process. Below, we explain the steps so you can get started right away.
Step 1: Determine how many codes you need
Each unique product (including variants in color, size, or content) needs its own EAN code. A t-shirt in three colors and four sizes needs twelve EAN codes. Make a list of all your products and variants beforehand, so you choose the right package.
Step 2: Choose the right GS1 code package
GS1 Netherlands offers different code packages. The choice depends on the number of unique products you sell:
| Package | Number of codes | Annual costs (excl. VAT) | One-time costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter package | 10 | € 55 | € 73 |
| Basic package | 100 | € 85 | € 73 |
| Extended package | 1.000 | € 170 | € 73 |
| Professional package | 10.000 | € 290 | € 73 |
| Enterprise package | 100.000 | € 450 | € 73 |
Note: the costs are annual recurring. If you stop paying, your EAN codes will become invalid over time. For most starting bol.com sellers, the starter package (10 codes) or basic package (100 codes) is sufficient.
Step 3: Register with GS1 Netherlands
Go to the GS1 Netherlands website and create an account. You'll need your KvK number. After registration and payment, you'll receive a company prefix - a unique series of numbers that forms the beginning of all your EAN codes. Then, you can assign product codes to your individual products via the GS1 portal.
Step 4: Assign codes to your products
In the GS1 portal, you link each EAN code to a specific product. Fill in the product information as completely as possible, including product name, description, image, and classification. This not only helps with registration but also with correctly matching your product in the bol.com catalog.
Add EAN number to your bol.com product
Once you've received your EAN codes from GS1, you can add them to your products on bol.com. There are two scenarios:
Scenario 1: Offering an existing product
If the product is already in the bol.com catalog (another brand or seller has created it before), you search for the product via the existing EAN number. You then link your offer to the existing product page. In this case, you use the EAN number that's already linked to the product - not your own code.
Scenario 2: Creating a new product
If you're selling a product that's not yet in the bol.com catalog (for example, your own brand or private label product), you create a new product. Here, you enter your GS1-registered EAN number along with all product information. It's crucial that you use a valid GS1 EAN number that's registered to your company name.
Tip: use the Boloo product tracker to first check if the product already exists in the catalog before creating a new product. Duplicate product pages can lead to confusion and poor search results.
Common mistakes with EAN numbers on bol.com
In practice, we see that sellers often make mistakes with EAN codes. These mistakes can lead to blocked products, poor findability, or even a temporary suspension of your account. Below are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Buying cheap non-GS1 EAN codes
Online, you can find numerous websites offering EAN codes for a fraction of the GS1 price. However, these codes are not registered with GS1 and are not registered to your company name. Bol.com is increasingly strict about GS1 registration. Products with non-GS1 codes can be taken offline without warning. Save yourself the trouble and invest in official GS1 codes.
Mistake 2: Using one EAN code for multiple product variants
Each unique variant of a product (different color, size, scent, content) must have its own EAN code. If you use one code for multiple variants, bol.com can take your assortment offline, and confusion arises among customers and in your inventory management.
Mistake 3: Not placing the EAN number on the packaging
The EAN number must be physically displayed on the product packaging as a barcode. Bol.com and logistics partners (including LVB) use the barcode for scanning and processing orders. Without a physical barcode on the packaging, your fulfillment will fail.
Error 4: Using someone else's EAN code for your own product
If you're selling a unique (private label) product, you can't just use the EAN number of a similar product. Your product is a different product and needs its own EAN. Reusing someone else's codes is a violation of GS1 policy and bol.com rules.
Costs of EAN numbers: what do you really pay?
The costs of EAN codes consist of a one-time registration fee and annual costs. For a starting seller with a limited range, the costs are straightforward:
| Situation | Recommended package | First year | From year 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-10 products | Starter package | € 128 | € 55/year |
| 11-100 products | Basic package | € 158 | € 85/year |
| 101-1,000 products | Extended | € 243 | € 170/year |
| 1,001+ products | Professional | € 363 | € 290/year |
Compare this to the potential revenue you generate through bol.com: for most sellers, you'll earn back the investment in GS1 codes with the sale of just a few products. Consider it a necessary business investment, not a cost. Tools like the Boloo profit calculator help you calculate in advance whether a product is profitable, including all costs.
Alternatives and exceptions
Books and media: ISBN as an alternative
For books, you use an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) instead of an EAN. The ISBN system is managed by a separate agency and is specific to publications. On bol.com, ISBN numbers are automatically recognized and accepted as product identification.
Second-hand and refurbished products
For second-hand products, you use the original EAN number of the product. You don't need to request a new EAN number - the product is the same, only the condition differs. Bol.com allows you to specify the condition separately with your offer.
Bundles and multipacks
If you assemble a bundle of multiple products (for example, a set of three), that bundle needs its own unique EAN number. The individual products in the bundle retain their own EAN codes, but the bundle as a whole gets a new number.
Tips for efficient EAN management as a bol.com seller
As your range grows, EAN code management becomes increasingly important. Here are practical tips to keep control:
- Keep an overview - Use a spreadsheet or your Boloo account to keep track of which EAN code is linked to which product. This prevents confusion with returns and inventory management.
- Plan ahead - If you expect to grow quickly, choose a larger code package directly. Upgrading costs extra one-time costs.
- Check regularly - Use tools like the Boloo product tracker to monitor whether all your products are correctly listed in the bol.com catalog with the correct EAN codes.
- Be mindful when selling internationally - If you also sell on bol.com Belgium, you use the same EAN codes. The same principle applies when selling on Amazon or other platforms.
- Store your GS1 login details securely - Access to your GS1 account is essential for managing, adding, and changing your EAN codes.
EAN numbers and getting started with selling on bol.com
When you're just starting out with selling on bol.com, requesting EAN codes can seem overwhelming. But it's one of the first steps you need to take, even before you put your first product online. The good news: the process is a one-time thing, and after that, you can quickly add new products.
Start with a small assortment, request the starter package from GS1, and expand as you gain experience and confidence. Use product research tools to identify profitable products before you invest in stock and EAN codes.
Frequently asked questions about EAN numbers on bol.com
Can I reuse an EAN number for a different product?
No. Each unique product (including variants) must have its own EAN number. Reusing codes leads to catalog issues on bol.com and can put your account at risk.
What if my product already has an EAN number from the manufacturer?
If you're selling a product from another brand that already has an EAN number, use that existing number. You don't need to request a new one. Search for the product in the bol.com catalog using the existing EAN.
How long does it take to receive EAN codes?
After registration and payment with GS1 Netherlands, you usually receive your codes within 1-2 business days. In some cases, it may take a little longer if additional verification is needed.
Can I request EAN codes without a KvK registration?
No, GS1 Netherlands requires a KvK registration. This also applies to bol.com itself - you need a business account to sell. If you don't have a company yet, registering with the KvK is the first step.
What happens if bol.com rejects my EAN code?
If bol.com finds out that your EAN code is not registered with GS1, your product will be taken offline. You'll receive a notification with an explanation. Request a valid code from GS1 and add it to your product to go back online.
Start free with Boloo
Use Boloo's tools to sell smarter on bol.com. Try it for free.
Try Boloo for free
