The EAN register is the central system that gives products a unique identification code worldwide. Whether you're launching your own brand on bol.com or selling existing products, you can't offer products on most sales platforms without a valid EAN code. In this comprehensive article, we'll explain step by step what the EAN register is, how to apply for EAN codes, what the costs are, and how to use them optimally for your online sales.
What is the EAN register?
EAN stands for European Article Number, also known as GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) today. The EAN register is the global database managed by GS1 - an international non-profit organization that manages product identification standards. Each EAN code in the register is unique and is linked to one specific product from one specific company.
The register ensures that there are no two products in the world with the same code. This makes it possible to scan products in stores, search for them in databases, and trade them via online platforms like bol.com, Amazon, and Shopify webshops. Also, check out our article on GS1 EAN-codes for more technical background.
Difference between EAN-8 and EAN-13
There are two common EAN formats in the register:
| Feature | EAN-8 | EAN-13 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of digits | 8 | 13 |
| Use | Small products (little space on packaging) | Standard for almost all products |
| Country code | Yes (2-3 digits) | Yes (2-3 digits) |
| Company code | Short (4 digits) | Extended (4-7 digits) |
| Article number | 1 digit | 3-5 digits |
| Check digit | 1 digit | 1 digit |
| Bol.com compatible | Yes | Yes (most used) |
For most sellers, the EAN-13 is the standard. This is the format you need when you register products in the EAN register for sale via bol.com.
Why is the EAN register important for sellers?
Registering your products in the EAN register is essential for several reasons:
- Mandatory on bol.com: Bol.com requires a valid EAN code for each product you offer. Without an EAN code, you can't create a product page or win the buy block.
- Unique product identification: Each product gets a unique code, preventing confusion between similar items.
- Automatic linking: Scanners in warehouses, stores, and fulfillment centers automatically recognize your product via the EAN barcode.
- Inventory and logistics management: With EAN codes, you can keep track of inventory, track orders, and automate logistical processes.
- International trade: EAN codes are recognized worldwide, making it easy to export your products or sell them via international platforms.
- Brand protection: By officially registering your products via GS1, you establish that you are the owner of the product code.
Want to analyze and optimize your product offerings on bol.com? Check out the Boloo Product Database to discover market opportunities.
How do you register EAN codes via GS1?
Requesting EAN codes for the register is done through GS1 Nederland (for Dutch companies) or GS1 België. Below, we'll walk you through the entire process step by step:
Step 1: Register your company with GS1
Go to the GS1 Netherlands website and create an account. You'll need your KvK number. GS1 verifies that you're a legitimate company before you can request EAN codes.
Step 2: Choose the right package
GS1 offers different packages, depending on the number of EAN codes you need:
| GS1 package | Number of EAN codes | One-time costs (indicative) | Annual costs (indicative) | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 1–10 | €75 | €45/year | Small sellers, starters |
| Basis | 11–100 | €200 | €115/year | Growing brands |
| Professional | 101–1,000 | €500 | €230/year | Established companies |
| Enterprise | 1,001–10,000 | €1,000 | €460/year | Large brands, manufacturers |
| Corporate | 10,001+ | On request | On request | Multinationals |
Note: The rates are periodically adjusted by GS1. Always check the current prices on the GS1 website.
Step 3: Receive your GS1 company number
After registration, you'll receive a unique GS1 company number (also known as GLN - Global Location Number). This number forms the basis of all your EAN codes. The first digits of every EAN code you create will start with this company number.
Step 4: Create EAN codes for your products
Through the GS1 portal, you can then generate a unique EAN code per product. You add product information per code: name, description, image, dimensions, and weight. This information ends up in the international EAN register.
Step 5: Generate barcodes
With your EAN code, you can generate a physical barcode (via the GS1 portal or external tools). You print this barcode on your product packaging. The format is a standard EAN-13 barcode that can be read by all common scanners.
EAN register and bol.com: practical applications
On bol.com, the EAN register plays a crucial role in the sales process. This is how you use EAN codes effectively:
Add a new product
If you're selling a product that doesn't exist on bol.com yet, you need to create a product page with your EAN code. Bol.com checks if the EAN is valid in the register. You can read more about this in our article on EAN codes on bol.com.
Offer an existing product
If you're selling a product that's already on bol.com, you link your offer to the existing EAN code. You don't need to request a new code - you use the EAN that the original manufacturer has registered.
Win the buy block
The EAN code determines which product page your offer appears on. To win the buy block, you compete with other sellers who offer the same EAN. Factors like price, delivery time, and service score determine who gets the buy block.
Product research
With the Boloo Product Tracker, you can search for products by EAN code to analyze sales data. This way, you can see how many other sellers are active, what the average selling price is, and if there's enough margin.
Common mistakes when registering EAN
Many starting sellers make mistakes when registering and using EAN codes. Here are the most common pitfalls and how you can avoid them:
1. Buying EAN codes from third parties
There are websites that sell cheap EAN codes without GS1 registration. These codes are technically valid but not officially registered in the GS1 register. Bol.com may reject such codes, and you risk legal problems. Always buy EAN codes via GS1.
2. Using one EAN code for multiple products
Each product variant - different color, size, content - must have its own EAN code. A blue T-shirt in size M has a different EAN code than the same shirt in size L. This is essential for correct inventory management and customer satisfaction.
3. Not renewing EAN codes
GS1 registrations must be renewed annually. If you let your registration expire, your EAN codes will be deactivated in the register over time. Ensure timely payment of your annual contribution.
4. Incorrect product information during registration
The product data you link to an EAN code in the register must be correct. Incorrect information can lead to problems with customs, returns, and customer complaints.
5. No barcode on the packaging
If you ship via Logistics via Bol (LvB), your products must have a readable barcode. Without a barcode, the fulfillment center cannot process your product, leading to delays and extra costs.
Costs of the EAN register: a complete overview
The costs for registering EAN codes consist of two components: one-time registration costs and annual license costs. Additionally, there may be additional costs:
| Cost item | Amount (indicative) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| GS1 registration (one-time) | €75 – €1.000+ | One-time |
| Annual license | €45 – €460+ | Per year |
| Barcode generation (GS1 portal) | Free (included) | N/A |
| Printing barcode on packaging | €0,01 – €0,10 per piece | Per product |
| Additional EAN codes (above package limit) | Upgrade to higher package | One-time + annual |
For a starting seller with 1–10 products, the costs are approximately €120 in the first year (€75 registration + €45 license). This is a relatively small investment compared to the opportunities it opens up for sales via bol.com and other channels.
Alternatives to the GS1 EAN register
Although GS1 is the official and recommended route, there are alternatives for obtaining EAN codes:
- ISBN codes (for books): Books use ISBN numbers instead of EAN codes. These are issued by the Dutch ISBN office. An ISBN can also be displayed as an EAN-13 barcode.
- Bol.com product codes: In exceptional cases, bol.com can assign an internal article number if a product does not have an EAN code. However, this is only for very specific situations and is not standardly offered.
- UPC codes (American): A UPC code (Universal Product Code) from the US can be used on European platforms in most cases. UPC codes are 12 digits and are automatically converted to EAN-13 by adding a leading zero.
For sellers on bol.com, we always recommend working with official GS1 EAN codes. This prevents issues with product approval and offers the best compatibility. You can find more information about the technical details in our article on EAN and GS1.
Searching and checking the EAN register
You can search the international EAN register via the GS1 GTIN Registry or via the Boloo Product Database. This is useful for:
- Product verification: Check if an EAN code is valid and which product and company it's linked to.
- Competitor analysis: Search by EAN code to see how many sellers offer a product and at what price.
- Purchase decisions: Before you buy a product, you can check via the EAN if it's already being sold on bol.com and how much competition there is.
- Brand verification: Verify if a supplier is actually the rightful owner of the products they offer by checking the EAN registration.
Tips for efficient EAN management
As your product range grows, managing your EAN codes becomes increasingly important. Here are some practical tips:
Keep your own EAN database
Create a spreadsheet or use software to keep track of each product's EAN code, product description, purchase and sales price, supplier, and status (active/out of stock). This saves you a lot of searching.
Use EAN codes for inventory automation
Link your EAN codes to your EAN database and inventory management. When a product arrives or is sold, scan the barcode to automatically update your inventory.
Plan EAN codes in advance
If you know your product range will grow, immediately opt for a larger GS1 package. Upgrading is more expensive than choosing the right package from the start. With 50 planned products, the Basic package (up to 100 codes) is a smart choice.
Document product variants
Record which specific variant each EAN code refers to: color, size, weight, packaging unit. This prevents confusion when creating bol.com listings and processing orders.
Frequently asked questions about the EAN register
Can I reuse EAN codes for another product?
No. An EAN code is permanently linked to one specific product. If you remove a product from your range, you cannot assign the associated EAN code to a new product. This would cause chaos in the supply chain.
How long does it take to apply for EAN codes?
At GS1 Netherlands, you can usually have your EAN codes within 1-3 working days. The registration itself is an online process that takes 15-30 minutes to complete.
Can I sell on bol.com without an EAN code?
In principle, no. Bol.com requires a valid EAN for each product. In exceptional cases (such as handmade products without a standard EAN), you can apply for an exemption, but this is rarely approved.
What if my supplier already has an EAN code?
If you're purchasing an existing brand product, use the manufacturer's EAN code. You don't need to apply for a new code. This applies, for example, if you're purchasing products via Alibaba that already have an EAN.
Are EAN codes the same as barcodes?
An EAN code is the number; the barcode is the visual representation of it. The barcode is a pattern of black and white stripes that scanners read and translate into the EAN number.
Conclusion: the EAN register as the basis for successful selling
The EAN register is the invisible backbone of modern trade. For every seller on bol.com, understanding and correctly using EAN codes is a basic requirement. By registering your products via GS1, you're not only investing in the findability and sellability of your products, but also in professional inventory management and brand protection.
Start by understanding EAN codes, request them via GS1, and use tools like the Boloo Product Database and the Product Tracker to get the most out of your product data. With the right EAN strategy, you'll lay the foundation for scalable growth on bol.com and beyond.
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