EAN, or European Article Number, is a standardized barcode system used to identify products in retail and logistics. It consists of 13 digits that uniquely represent a specific item, allowing for efficient tracking and inventory management. EANs are widely used in Europe and other regions, facilitating international trade and commerce. The EAN system is part of the broader Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) framework, which includes other formats like UPC (Universal Product Code) used primarily in North America. Retailers and manufacturers rely on EANs to streamline operations, improve accuracy in sales data, and enhance customer experience at checkout.