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EAN Code Andorra: Why It Shares Spain’s 84 Code

Ultra-realistic image illustrating Andorra's shared EAN code with Spain, featuring a barcode starting with 84 and a map connecting Andorra and Spain.
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Everything You Need to Know About EAN Codes: Andorra’s Shared 84 Code with Spain

EAN Code Andorra plays a crucial role in identifying products, but why does Andorra, despite being a co-principality with France, share its EAN code with Spain? In this article, we will explore the EAN coding system, explain how it works, and uncover the reasons why Andorra uses the 84 code with Spain. Additionally, you’ll find a complete guide that helps you understand this unique coding arrangement.

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Key Highlights: EAN Code Andorra & Spain’s Shared 84 Code

  1. EAN Code Andorra: All About EAN Codes and Their Importance: Andorra shares the 84 code with Spain, mainly due to strong trade relationships.
  2. What Is an EAN Code and Why Is It Important?: EAN codes play a critical role in global product identification, especially in retail and supply chains.
  3. How EAN Codes Are Structured: The structure of EAN codes consists of a country prefix, product number, and check digit.
  4. Complete List of EAN Codes by Country (Updated in 2024): A comprehensive list of EAN codes for countries with assigned EAN-13 codes, updated for 2024.
  5. Why Does Andorra Share Its EAN Code with Spain?: Andorra shares its EAN code with Spain due to economic ties and logistical efficiency.
  6. Examples of Valid EAN Codes for Andorra: Valid EAN codes for Andorran products, starting with the prefix 84.
  7. How the Shared EAN Code Works: How GS1 manages Andorra’s shared EAN code with Spain.
  8. Benefits of Sharing the Code: Advantages for Andorra in sharing its EAN code with Spain, such as cost reduction and logistical efficiency.
  9. How to Verify the Validity of EAN and UPC Codes: Methods for checking the validity of EAN and UPC codes using the check digit.
  10. UPC and EAN: Differences and Correspondence: The difference between UPC and EAN codes and how they correspond.
  11. Alternatives to GS1 for Obtaining EAN Codes: Exploring alternatives like resellers, online platforms, and local agencies for obtaining EAN codes.
  12. Finding the Best EAN Code Solution for Your Business: Determining the right EAN code acquisition strategy depending on your business needs.

All About EAN Codes and Their Importance

EAN Code Andorra illustrates how the EAN (European Article Number) system operates on a global scale. GS1 actively manages this system, which ensures that every product crossing international borders has a unique identifier. Over 100 countries rely on EAN codes to track and identify goods efficiently.

Businesses that engage in international trade must assign EAN codes to their products. These codes play a critical role in streamlining logistics and improving product traceability. By adopting this system, companies guarantee that their products are correctly identified, no matter where they are shipped or sold. As a result, they meet global standards, enhancing both their credibility and operational efficiency in the global market.

What Is an EAN Code and Why Is It Important?

An EAN code allows businesses to identify and track products globally with ease. These codes play a critical role in retail, supply chain management, and product traceability systems. By using EAN codes, businesses automate inventory management and streamline commercial transactions. As a result, companies can manage their stock more efficiently, reduce errors, and ensure their products are easily traceable from production to sale. This makes EAN codes indispensable for businesses operating in today’s fast-paced global market.

How EAN Codes Are Structured

An EAN-13 code is made up of the following elements:

  • The first 3 digits are the country prefix, representing where the company is registered.
  • The next 9 digits identify the company and its specific product.
  • The final digit is a check digit, calculated to verify the accuracy of the code.

Complete List of EAN Codes by Country (Updated in 2024)

In this section, you’ll find the complete list of 195 countries, highlighting which ones have their own EAN code and which do not. These EAN codes, managed by GS1, are crucial for identifying products in global commerce. By 2024, around 130 countries have been assigned a unique EAN code, while others either share a code with neighboring countries or do not require one. This table allows you to quickly determine if your country has a unique EAN code or shares one.

Countries with Assigned EAN Codes

Below is the list of countries that have been assigned a specific EAN-13 code by GS1. This assignment ensures proper product identification and traceability, helping businesses streamline international trade and manage stock efficiently. By using these codes, companies can ensure their products comply with global standards for accurate identification across borders.

Country EAN-13 Code
Algeria 613
Andorra (with Spain) 84
Argentina 779
Armenia 485
Australia 93
Austria 90 to 91
Belgium 54
Bolivia 777
Brazil 789 to 790
Bulgaria 380
Canada 00 to 13
Chile 780
China 690 to 695
Colombia 770 to 771
Croatia 385
Cyprus 529
Czech Republic 859
Denmark 57
Egypt 622
El Salvador 741
Finland 64
France 300 to 379
Georgia 486
Germany 400 to 440
Greece 520
Honduras 742
Hungary 599
Iceland 569
India 890
Indonesia 899
Iraq 626
Ireland 539
Israel 729
Italy 80 to 83
Japan 45 and 49
Kazakhstan 487
Kenya 616
Latvia 475
Lithuania 477
Luxembourg 54
Malaysia 955
Malta 535
Mexico 750
Netherlands 87
New Zealand 94
Nicaragua 743
North Macedonia 531
Norway 70
Panama 745
Paraguay 784
Peru 775
Philippines 480
Poland 590
Portugal 560
Romania 594
Russia 460 to 469
Saudi Arabia 628
Serbia 860
Singapore 888
Slovakia 858
Slovenia 383
South Africa 600 to 601
South Korea 880
Spain (with Andorra) 84
Sri Lanka 479
Sweden 73
Switzerland 76
Taiwan 471
Thailand 885
Tunisia 619
Turkey 869
Ukraine 482
United Kingdom 50
United States 00 to 13
Venezuela 759
Vietnam 893

Countries Without Assigned EAN Codes

On the other hand, several countries have not been assigned their own EAN code. In many cases, these countries either do not participate extensively in international trade, or they share a code with a larger neighboring country. For businesses or consumers looking to identify whether their country has a unique EAN code, here is the list of countries that do not have a dedicated EAN code:

Country EAN-13 Code
Afghanistan Not assigned
Albania Not assigned
Antigua and Barbuda Not assigned
Aruba Not assigned
Bahamas Not assigned
Barbados Not assigned
Belize Not assigned
Bhutan Not assigned
Botswana Not assigned
Burundi Not assigned
Cape Verde Not assigned
Central African Republic Not assigned
Chad Not assigned
Comoros Not assigned
Congo (Brazzaville) Not assigned
Congo (Kinshasa) Not assigned
Djibouti Not assigned
Dominica Not assigned
East Timor Not assigned
Eritrea Not assigned
Eswatini (Swaziland) Not assigned
Fiji Not assigned
Gabon Not assigned
Gambia Not assigned
Grenada Not assigned
Guinea Not assigned
Guinea-Bissau Not assigned
Guyana Not assigned
Haiti Not assigned
Jamaica Not assigned
Kiribati Not assigned
Laos Not assigned
Lesotho Not assigned
Liberia Not assigned
Libya Not assigned
Madagascar Not assigned
Maldives Not assigned
Mali Not assigned
Mauritania Not assigned
Micronesia Not assigned
Monaco Not assigned (Shares with France)
Mongolia Not assigned
Montenegro Not assigned
Mozambique Not assigned
Myanmar Not assigned
Namibia Not assigned
Nepal Not assigned
Niger Not assigned
Palau Not assigned
Papua New Guinea Not assigned
Rwanda Not assigned
Samoa Not assigned
Sao Tome and Principe Not assigned
Seychelles Not assigned
Sierra Leone Not assigned
Solomon Islands Not assigned
Somalia Not assigned
South Sudan Not assigned
St Kitts and Nevis Not assigned
St Lucia Not assigned
St Vincent and Grenadines Not assigned
Sudan Not assigned
Suriname Not assigned
Syria Not assigned
Tonga Not assigned
Turkmenistan Not assigned
Tuvalu Not assigned
Uganda Not assigned
Uzbekistan Not assigned
Vanuatu Not assigned
Yemen Not assigned
Zambia Not assigned
Zimbabwe Not assigned

In summary, as of 2024, 130 countries have been officially assigned EAN codes, while the remaining countries either share a code with another nation or have not yet been assigned a code. This distinction helps businesses and consumers understand the status of EAN codes for their respective countries, ensuring that products are correctly identified and managed in the international market.

Why Does Andorra Share Its EAN Code with Spain?

Andorra, though a co-principality with both France and Spain, actively chooses to share Spain’s EAN 84 code rather than having its own unique code. This decision is primarily driven by practical and economic factors.

First and foremost, Andorra maintains strong economic ties with Spain. Over the years, Andorra has relied on Spain for the majority of its imports, including essential goods such as food, fuel, and other products. This long-standing relationship naturally led Andorran businesses to align themselves more closely with Spain in terms of trade and logistics.

In addition, the small size of Andorra’s market makes it less feasible to maintain a unique EAN code. With a relatively small population and limited market activity, it isn’t cost-effective for Andorra to have its own system. Sharing Spain’s code helps reduce costs and streamline processes, enabling Andorran companies to integrate smoothly into Spain’s commercial network.

Moreover, logistical efficiency plays a critical role in this choice. By using Spain’s well-established commercial infrastructure, Andorra simplifies its logistics and stock management processes. This allows Andorran businesses to focus on their core operations without worrying about managing separate systems for product identification. As a result, they ensure compliance with global trade standards and enhance their ability to participate in international markets.

In the end, Andorra’s decision to share the EAN code with Spain reflects practical realities and strategic choices. Leveraging Spain’s infrastructure for logistics and distribution, Andorran companies enjoy smoother operations, lower costs, and easier access to global markets, all while ensuring that their products meet international standards for identification and trade.

Examples of Valid EAN Codes for Andorra

For Andorra, the EAN-13 code starts with 84. Here are some examples of valid EAN codes for products registered in Andorra:

  • 8400000000012
  • 8400000000029
  • 8400000000036

These codes follow the standard EAN-13 structure, with the prefix “84” indicating Andorra/Spain, followed by a product reference number and a calculated check digit.

How the Shared EAN Code Works

GS1 manages the EAN 84 code that Andorra shares with Spain. Andorran companies register their products for international trade and use Spain’s infrastructure to handle logistics and distribution. This setup ensures that Andorran businesses can efficiently enter global markets without needing their own EAN code.

Other small countries, such as Monaco and San Marino, also share EAN codes with larger neighbors like France and Italy. They benefit from the same logistics and distribution advantages, which simplifies their participation in international trade. By sharing these codes, smaller nations ensure full compliance with global standards, while avoiding the complexities of managing their own code.

Benefits of Sharing the Code

There are several advantages to Andorra sharing its EAN code with Spain:

  • Simplified Trade: Andorran products can move freely between Andorra and Spain without needing recoding.
  • Cost Reduction: Companies in Andorra avoid the expense of obtaining and managing a separate EAN code.
  • Efficient Stock Management: Sharing a code allows businesses to use the same product tracking systems as Spanish companies.

How to Verify the Validity of EAN and UPC Codes

Ensuring that your EAN or UPC codes are valid is essential for avoiding errors in product tracking and inventory management. This section explains how to verify codes by calculating the check digit and ensuring compliance with international standards.

Differences Between EAN and UPC Codes

  • UPC (Universal Product Code): This is a 12-digit barcode primarily used in North America.
  • EAN (European Article Number): A 13-digit barcode used internationally, particularly in Europe.

Both codes refer to the same products, but the EAN adds a digit to comply with global standards.

Steps to Verify EAN Codes Using the Check Digit

You can verify the validity of an EAN code by calculating its check digit. Let’s take the example of the EAN code 0659436219502 and follow these steps:

  1. Multiply the digits:
    • Multiply the odd-positioned digits (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) by 1.
    • Multiply the even-positioned digits (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) by 3.
  2. Add the results: Add the results of your multiplications:
    • (0 * 1) + (6 * 3) + (5 * 1) + (9 * 3) + (4 * 1) + (3 * 3) + (6 * 1) + (2 * 3) + (1 * 1) + (9 * 3) + (5 * 1) + (0 * 3) = 110.
  3. Determine the check digit:
    • Find the number that, when added to your total, will make it a multiple of 10.
    • In this case, the total is 110, which is already a multiple of 10, so the check digit is 0.
  4. Confirm the code:
    • With the check digit 0, the full EAN code 0659436219502 is valid.

How to Verify the Validity of EAN and UPC Codes

Verifying the validity of your EAN or UPC codes is essential for preventing errors in product tracking and inventory management. To confirm that your codes are correct, you can calculate the check digit. This simple process confirms whether the code follows the proper structure. However, to ensure full compliance with global standards, you should consider using tools like Verified by GS1.

By using GS1’s verification service, you can easily check if your product’s code is registered and recognized worldwide. This step not only guarantees that your EAN or UPC code meets international standards, but it also enhances your credibility in the market. As a result, you can ensure smooth operations across the supply chain, minimizing the risk of errors and maintaining trust with your partners and customers.

UPC and EAN: Differences and Correspondence for Andorran Products

While UPC and EAN codes differ in length, they both identify the same product globally. The UPC code typically consists of 12 digits, mainly used in North America, while the EAN code has 13 digits and is used internationally, including in Andorra, which shares the EAN 84 code with Spain.

Here’s how UPC and EAN codes correspond for the same Andorran product:

Product UPC EAN (Andorra)
Andorran Product 1 012345678905 84012345678905
Andorran Product 2 123456789012 84123456789012
Andorran Product 3 234567890123 84234567890123

In these examples, you can see that the EAN codes begin with 84, representing Andorra/Spain, and are structured similarly to UPC codes, with the addition of an extra digit to comply with international standards.

Alternatives to GS1 for Obtaining EAN Codes

While GS1 is the global authority responsible for assigning EAN codes, there are several alternative methods to obtain these codes. These options are often better suited for small businesses or start-ups that may be looking for more cost-effective solutions. Let’s explore these alternatives and their advantages.

EAN Code Resellers

First, you can consider purchasing EAN codes from resellers. These resellers buy unused EAN codes from GS1 and then sell them at a reduced price. As a result, this option can be much more affordable. However, you need to keep in mind that these codes might not be registered under your company in the GS1 database, which could lead to potential issues when it comes to product traceability.

Online Platforms

Another convenient option involves using online platforms like Nationwide Barcode and Buyabarcode.com, which provide EAN codes quickly and at a lower cost. In this case, you benefit from faster access to the codes. However, because these codes might not be directly linked to your company in the official GS1 system, this could cause traceability challenges with larger retailers or international partners.

Local or Regional Solutions

In some regions, local agencies offer EAN codes specifically for use within that country or area. These local solutions are usually cheaper, making them a good choice for businesses that operate regionally. On the downside, these codes may not be recognized internationally, limiting your opportunities for global trade.

Finding the Best EAN Code Solution for Your Business

When you sell products internationally or work with large retailers, obtaining your EAN codes directly from GS1 ensures full recognition and traceability across global markets. This choice provides the highest level of confidence that your products will meet international standards. It helps your business thrive in a competitive environment.

On the other hand, if your business operates primarily in local or regional markets, you should consider exploring more affordable alternatives. You could turn to EAN resellers or local agencies, which offer flexibility at a lower cost. These options still allow you to meet the needs of smaller markets. At the same time, they give you room to scale when necessary. In many cases, this approach proves more cost-effective for businesses that don’t require global compliance right away.

Throughout this guide, you’ve discovered how EAN codes work and learned why Andorra shares the 84 code with Spain. You’ve also found out how to verify code validity. Whether you run a small business with local reach or a large enterprise with global aspirations, understanding the best approach to EAN code acquisition empowers you to make the right decision for your business. In the end, choosing the right path sets your products up for success. It ensures they can be tracked and managed smoothly, no matter where they are sold.