ISBN or EAN number
Together we offer our Customers a broad, unique product range with millions of articles. In order to distinguish all these articles from each other and to be able to assign them to the right position in the shop, each article needs a unique ISBN or EAN. You can read all about them on this page.
To offer an article via bol.com you need one of the two following numbers:
– A valid, registered ISBN (International Standard Book Number). This is a unique code specifically assigned to books and is found on every book cover as standard practice.
– A valid, registered EAN (European Article Number) – also known as a ‘barcode’. This is a unique 13-digit number assigned to an article. Below you can read how to search for or request an EAN.
Search for EAN
You will find the EAN on the article itself, for example under the barcode. Are you unable to find the 13-digit number there? Then you can request the EAN from the Supplier.
Request EAN
Do you want to sell a unique or new article via bol.com, but do not yet have an EAN/GTIN? Then you can purchase it yourself at:
When you purchase an EAN/GTIN from GS1, you are automatically the first Supplier to sell this article via bol.com. Read more about offering new articles here.
It is useful to know that other Suppliers can then sell an identical article via bol.com and use the EAN/GTIN you purchased and the product information known about this EAN/GTIN.
Using EAN
An EAN is linked to a specific article and can only be used for that article. It is therefore not possible to reuse an EAN. If you change the article or a product feature – such as brand or colour – you must use a different EAN and add this to your offer again in your sales account. In this regard we adhere to the global policy of GS1.
What is the difference between an EAN and a GTIN?
You may have seen the abbreviation ‘GTIN’ before with regard to product identification. GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number. Although the old term ‘EAN’ is still widely used for product codes, GTIN is actually the correct term for the series of numbers found under the barcode on products. You may come across this term when you request product codes from GS1.
When can I use an existing EAN?
You can use an existing EAN if the article you want to offer is identical to the existing article in the product range at bol.com. If your article deviates from the article known at bol.com, you must request a new EAN from GS1.
I doubt whether my article is identical to that of another partner. What should I do?
If you are in doubt as to whether the article of another partner is identical to your offer, we recommend that you contact the seller. You can do this by contacting the other partner via the contact details available on the partner’s shop page. If you cannot resolve the issue yourselves, you can always contact Partner Service.
I purchased an EAN and it does not work. How is this possible?
There can be various causes, please find below some security questions:
– An EAN consists of 13 digits. Did you enter 13 digits?
– Do you have only 12 digits? Then place an additional “0” in front of the series of digits.
– Is your EAN still not recognised and did you purchase the EAN from GS1 or another party?
Then get in touch with them.
My article has an 11-digit EAN. What should I do?
If an article has an EAN shorter than thirteen digits, you need to add ‘leading zeros’. Place these at the front. This will give you a 13-digit EAN and the article can be added to your offer.
Is it possible to transfer content or other product information from one EAN to another EAN?
No, this is not possible. Each EAN relates to a specific article and this means that it is not possible to copy product information. The same applies to product reviews and other data associated with an EAN; this information cannot be transferred to another EAN either.
Is it possible to offer a double product range via bol.com?
No, it is not permitted to offer the same articles under other EANs via bol.com. This can cause confusion among Customers and is also not convenient for you because the number of sales, clicks and views are then divided over several articles instead of one. This reduces the likelihood that your article will achieve a high sales position. Suppliers who put the same offer online under a new EAN number will be approached accordingly. The same articles under a different EAN will also be removed.
For the same reasons, it is not permitted to offer a double product range from different accounts. If you have several
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