The European Article Number (EAN) is a unique identifier used to distinguish products in retail and distribution. It is a 13-digit code that helps businesses track inventory and sales efficiently. EANs are commonly found on product packaging as barcodes, which can be scanned at points of sale. Originally developed in the 1970s, the EAN system has become a global standard for product identification. It is part of the broader International Article Numbering Association (EAN International), which oversees the assignment and management of these codes. EANs facilitate international trade by ensuring that products can be easily recognized across different countries and retailers.