EAN-8
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EAN-8 is a shortened
version of the EAN-13 code. It includes a 2 or 3 digit
country code, 4 of 5 data digits (depending on the length of the
country code), and a checksum digit. While it is possible to add a 2-digit or 5-digit
extension barcode, the primary purpose of the EAN-8 code is to use as little space as
possible.
Unlike the UPC-E symbol, which compresses data that could also
be printed as a full-size UPC-A symbol by squeezing out zeroes,
the data digits in an EAN-8 symbol specifically identify a particular product and
manufacturer. Since a limited number of EAN-8 codes are available in each country,
they are issued only for products with insufficient space for a normal EAN-13 symbol.
For example, a 2-digit country code permits a total of only 100,000 item numbers.