If you want to sell products on bol.com, you'll soon come across the term EAN bol.com. Each product on the platform must have a valid EAN code - a unique identification number used worldwide to recognize products. Without a valid EAN code, you simply can't offer products on the platform. In this comprehensive article, we'll explain everything about EAN codes, how to apply for them, what the costs are, and which pitfalls you should avoid as a seller.
What is an EAN code and why is it mandatory on bol.com?
EAN stands for European Article Number, now internationally known as GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). It's a unique number assigned to each individual product. You probably know it as the number under the barcode on product packaging. On bol.com, a valid EAN bol.com registration is required for each item you want to sell.
The EAN code serves multiple crucial functions on the platform. First, it ensures unique product identification: if multiple sellers offer the same product, they are automatically linked to the same product page. Second, it prevents confusion among customers, as each product has a unique number worldwide. Third, bol.com uses the EAN code for inventory management, order processing, and return handling.
The difference between EAN-8 and EAN-13
There are two main types of EAN codes: EAN-8 (8 digits) and EAN-13 (13 digits). The EAN-13 is by far the most widely used variant and is applied to the vast majority of all consumer products. The EAN-8 was developed for very small products where a full EAN-13 number simply doesn't fit on the packaging, such as chewing gum packets or small cosmetic products.
| Feature | EAN-8 | EAN-13 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of digits | 8 | 13 |
| Use | Small products | Standard consumer products |
| Structure | Country code + product code + check digit | Country code + manufacturer code + product code + check digit |
| Availability | Limited (special request) | Standard, available via GS1 |
| Suitable for bol.com | Yes | Yes (most used) |
For most bol.com sellers, the EAN-13 is the standard. Only if you sell very small products where there's no physical space for an EAN-13 barcode can you apply for an EAN-8 from GS1.
How an EAN-13 code is structured
An EAN-13 code consists of four parts that together form the unique product number:
- Country code (2-3 digits): indicates the country where the manufacturer is registered. For the Netherlands, this starts with 87.
- Manufacturer code (4-5 digits): a unique number assigned to your company by GS1.
- Product code (4-5 digits): a number you assign to each individual product as the manufacturer.
- Check digit (1 digit): calculated based on the preceding digits and serves as error control.
The total number of digits is always 13. The distribution between the manufacturer and product code depends on the code package you purchase from GS1. A larger package gives you a shorter manufacturer code and thus more space for product codes.
GS1 registration: the only correct way to obtain EAN codes
The only source of EAN codes accepted by bol.com is GS1 Netherlands. GS1 is the international organization responsible for assigning and managing EAN codes worldwide. Only EAN codes registered with GS1 are accepted by bol.com.
There are many websites online that offer cheap EAN codes, but these are not registered with GS1 and are not accepted by bol.com. Using such codes can lead to your products being taken offline or your sales account being blocked. Therefore, always invest in an official GS1 registration.
Applying for EAN codes from GS1: step by step
Applying for EAN bol.com-codes via GS1 is a straightforward process that you can complete in a few steps:
- Go to gs1.nl and create an account with your company details (KvK number required).
- Choose a code package that suits the number of products you want to register.
- Fill in your company information and go through the application process.
- Pay the annual fee - the costs vary per package size.
- Receive your codes - usually within 1-2 working days after payment.
- Assign product numbers to your individual products via the GS1 Data Portal.
- Enter the EAN codes when creating your product offer on bol.com.
With the Zoloo Product Tracker, you can then track how your products perform on the platform after registering them with your EAN codes.
Costs of GS1 EAN codes in 2026
GS1 Netherlands works with annual subscriptions. The one-time connection costs are currently €110 (excl. btw). In addition, you pay an annual fee that depends on the number of codes you need:
| Code package | Number of codes | Annual costs (excl. btw) | Cost per code per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS1 Micro | 1-10 | €85 | €8.50 - €85.00 |
| GS1 Small | 11-100 | €170 | €1.70 - €15.45 |
| GS1 Medium | 101-1,000 | €340 | €0.34 - €3.37 |
| GS1 Large | 1,001-10,000 | €580 | €0.06 - €0.58 |
| GS1 XL | 10,001-100,000 | €850 | €0.01 - €0.09 |
For starting sellers with a limited range, the Micro package is often sufficient. As your range grows, you can upgrade to a larger package. The investment is relatively low compared to the potential turnover you can generate. Use the Zoloo Sales Dashboard to track your sales and margins.
GS1 EAN codes versus non-registered EAN codes
A frequently asked question among new sellers is why they cannot simply buy cheap EAN codes from an external provider. The difference is crucial:
- GS1 codes are registered in the name of your company and can be traced back to the manufacturer or distributor. They are recognized worldwide by all retailers, including bol.com.
- Non-GS1 codes are often resold or recycled numbers that are not linked to a specific company. Bol.com actively checks the validity of EAN codes and can take products with invalid codes offline.
The consequences of using non-registered codes can be significant: your products become invisible to customers, you lose sales, and in severe cases, your sales account can be suspended. Read more about the EAN code requirements on bol.com.
When don't you need your own EAN code?
Not in all cases do you need to apply for your own EAN codes. There are situations where you can use existing codes:
- Reselling branded products: if you sell products from an existing brand, these products already have a manufacturer's EAN code. You'll use the existing code.
- Books: books have an ISBN number that serves as the EAN code. You don't need to request a separate EAN.
- Second-hand products: here, you also use the product's original EAN code.
You do need to request EAN codes yourself if you sell your own products (private label), offer products without an existing EAN, or create bundles that are offered as new products.
Common mistakes with EAN codes on bol.com
Many beginning sellers make mistakes when dealing with EAN codes. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Buying cheap EAN codes: as discussed earlier, bol.com only accepts GS1-registered codes. Don't skimp on this.
- Entering the wrong EAN code: a typo in your EAN code means your product won't be correctly identified. Always double-check the number.
- Using one EAN code for multiple variants: each unique product (color, size, variant) must have its own EAN code. Using one code for multiple variants leads to customer confusion and logistical issues.
- Letting GS1 registration lapse: the annual fee must be paid on time. If your registration lapses, your codes become invalid and your products can be taken offline.
- Using an EAN code from another product: this can lead to customer complaints about receiving a different product than expected, and bol.com may sanction your account.
EAN codes and Logistics via Bol (LVB)
If you use Logistics via Bol (LVB), EAN codes play an even more important role. bol.com's warehouses identify your products entirely based on the EAN code. A wrong or missing code means your products won't be stored, shipped, or returned correctly.
With LVB, you must ensure each product is physically labeled with a readable barcode containing the correct EAN. If the barcode on the original packaging is damaged or missing, you must print and apply labels before sending the products to the bol.com warehouse.
Managing EAN codes with the GS1 Data Portal
After registering with GS1, you'll get access to the GS1 Data Portal. Here, you can:
- Assign EAN codes to specific products
- Enter product information (name, description, dimensions, weight)
- Generate and download barcodes for your product packaging
- Manage your entire product portfolio
- Share data with retail partners and online platforms
Correctly filling out the Data Portal can also help with faster and better registration of your products on bol.com, as product data can be automatically exchanged.
Tips for efficiently managing EAN codes as a bol.com seller
As your product range grows, managing your EAN codes becomes increasingly important. Here are practical tips:
- Stay organized: use a spreadsheet or your Zoloo Product Database to keep track of which EAN code belongs to which product.
- Plan ahead: if you regularly launch new products, choose a larger GS1 package to get a better deal per code.
- Check regularly: make sure your GS1 registration is still active and all your products are correctly registered.
- Document variants: make clear agreements on how you number variants (color, size) within your product codes.
- Use the right tools: with the Zoloo Listing Generator AI, you can quickly create professional product pages that correctly process your EAN codes.
Frequently asked questions about EAN bol.com
Can I sell on bol.com without an EAN code?
No, bol.com requires a valid EAN code for each product. Without an EAN code, you can't create a product offer on the platform.
How much does an EAN code for bol.com cost?
The costs depend on the GS1 package you choose. The one-time connection costs are €110, and the annual contribution starts at €85 for up to 10 codes. The more codes you purchase, the lower the price per code.
How long does it take to apply for an EAN code?
After completing your GS1 registration and payment, you usually receive your codes within 1-2 working days.
Can I take over EAN codes from another seller?
No, GS1 EAN codes are not transferable. They are registered in the name of the company that applied for them. If you take over a company, you need to contact GS1 to transfer the registration.
What if my product already has an EAN code?
If you resell branded products, you use the existing EAN code from the manufacturer. You only need to apply for codes for your own products (private label) or bundles.
How do I check if an EAN code is valid?
You can check the validity of an EAN code via the GS1 website or the GS1 Data Portal. There, you can see if the code is registered and which company it is assigned to.
What happens if my GS1 registration expires?
If you don't pay your annual contribution, your EAN codes will be deactivated after a reminder period. This may mean that your products on bol.com will be taken offline until the registration is restored.