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Free EAN-8 Generator: 8-Digit Compressed EAN Barcodes for Small European Packaging
EAN-8 is the 8-digit short form of the EAN-13 standard, designed for products whose packaging is too small to legibly print a 13-digit barcode. Common on candy, lighters, single-serve sachets, and small cosmetics sold in European markets.
Validator
Paste an existing EAN-8 into the field above. We compute the check digit if you provide just the payload, verify it if you provide the full code, and refuse to render if the check digit is wrong — so anything that renders here is guaranteed to scan.
Every EAN-8 produced here includes the correct modulo-10 check digit. Randomize generates a fresh valid code; or paste 7 digits and we compute the check digit, or 8 to validate.
Structure
8 digits: a country prefix (2–3 digits), a short manufacturer/product code, and 1 check digit. Unlike UPC-E, EAN-8 codes are independently allocated by GS1 — they don't compress to a longer code.
When to use EAN-8
- Small European or international retail packaging
- Companion barcodes for products that already carry an EAN-13 on outer packaging but need a smaller code on a sample-size SKU
- Items where print area is below the EAN-13 minimum readable size
Where it's required
- European retailers selling small-format SKUs
- Same retail destinations as EAN-13, when print area can't accommodate the longer code
FAQ
Is EAN-8 allocated separately from EAN-13?
Yes. EAN-8 codes are issued by GS1 in their own allocated number range — they are not a compressed form of a longer code (which is what differentiates them from UPC-E). Each EAN-8 is a fresh, independent product identifier.
Does Amazon accept EAN-8?
Amazon's EU marketplaces accept EAN-8 for eligible products. Amazon may decline EAN-8 for items it deems suitable for a full EAN-13 — in practice this is rarely contested.
Can I use EAN-8 in North America?
EAN-8 is recognized by most US/Canada POS systems but is uncommon. UPC-E is the North American equivalent for compressed retail barcodes.