If you want to sell products on bol.com, you need a valid EAN code for each item. Many sellers look for ways to get an EAN code for bol.com, but the process is a bit different than you might think. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain everything about getting EAN codes, costs, common mistakes, and how to ensure your products are correctly registered on the platform.
What is an EAN code and why do you need one on bol.com?
EAN stands for European Article Number (now officially known as International Article Number). It's a unique identification number assigned to each product. You recognize the EAN code as the number under the barcode on product packaging. On bol.com, a valid EAN code is required for each product you offer.
The EAN code serves several purposes on bol.com:
- Unique product identification - each product has its own number, preventing confusion
- Catalog management - bol.com links products from different sellers to the same product page via the EAN
- Fraud prevention - GS1-registered codes can be traced back to the company
- Quality guarantee - bol.com can identify unauthorized sellers
- Logistics - with Logistics via Bol (LVB), products are scanned based on the EAN
Buying an EAN code for bol.com: how does it work exactly?
Strictly speaking, you can't buy an EAN code for bol.com through the platform itself. Instead, you register EAN codes with GS1 Netherlands, the official organization responsible for managing product identification codes worldwide. This is the only method accepted by bol.com.
Step-by-step: requesting EAN codes from GS1
- Go to GS1 Netherlands - visit the GS1 Netherlands website
- Choose a code package - select the package that suits the number of products you want to offer
- Register your company - fill in your company details, including your KvK number
- Pay the annual fee - the costs depend on the chosen package
- Receive your codes - after payment, you'll receive a company prefix to create EAN codes
- Assign codes to products - each product gets a unique code within your prefix
- Add the EAN to your bol.com listing - use the code when creating or editing your product listing
Costs of EAN codes at GS1 Netherlands
The costs for EAN codes at GS1 Netherlands consist of one-time registration fees and an annual fee. Below, you'll find an overview of the available packages and associated costs:
| Code package | Number of codes | One-time | Per year | Cost per code (year 1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS1 Starter | 10 | €75 | €55 | €13,00 |
| GS1 Basis | 100 | €75 | €85 | €1,60 |
| GS1 Plus | 1.000 | €150 | €150 | €0,30 |
| GS1 Premium | 10.000 | €150 | €275 | €0,04 |
| GS1 Enterprise | 100.000 | €300 | €450 | €0,01 |
For most starting bol.com sellers, the GS1 Starter or Basic package is sufficient. If you plan to scale up quickly, it may be more cost-effective to take a larger package directly - the cost per code decreases significantly with larger packages.
The difference between GS1 EAN codes and other EAN codes
A common mistake is buying EAN codes from unofficial providers. Online, you'll find websites selling cheap EAN codes, but these are not registered with GS1 and are not accepted by bol.com. The main difference:
| Feature | GS1 EAN code | Unofficial EAN code |
|---|---|---|
| Registered with GS1 | Yes | No |
| Traceable to company | Yes | Often not |
| Accepted by bol.com | Yes | No |
| Worldwide recognition | Yes | Limited |
| Annual costs | Yes | One-time |
| Suitable for retail | Yes | No |
Bol.com actively checks if EAN codes are registered with GS1. Products with invalid or unregistered codes are taken offline, which can lead to loss of sales and even temporary suspension of your sales account.
8-digit and 13-digit EAN codes
There are two types of EAN codes you can use:
- EAN-13 - the standard 13-digit code, most commonly used and suitable for almost all products on bol.com
- EAN-8 - a shorter 8-digit code, intended for very small products where an EAN-13 does not fit
Structure of an EAN-13 code
A 13-digit EAN code is structured as follows:
- Country prefix (2-3 digits) - indicates the country where the manufacturer is registered (87 for the Netherlands)
- Company prefix (4-7 digits) - unique to your company, assigned by GS1
- Product code (2-5 digits) - assigned by you per product
- Check digit (1 digit) - automatically calculated for verification
Common mistakes when obtaining EAN codes
During the EAN code purchase bol.com process, sellers often make the same mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls:
1. Buying cheap EAN codes from unofficial providers
As discussed earlier, bol.com only accepts GS1-registered codes. Although unofficial codes may seem cheaper, you risk having your products taken offline and losing your investment.
2. Using the same EAN code for multiple products
Each product and each variant (color, size, version) must have its own EAN code. Reusing codes leads to confusion in the catalog and can cause problems with orders and returns.
3. Requesting too few codes
Are you starting with 5 products but growing your assortment quickly? It may be more cost-effective to purchase a larger package immediately. You can always upgrade to a larger package, but you'll have to pay registration fees again.
4. Not entering EAN codes correctly on bol.com
A typo in your EAN code can make your product unfindable or link it to the wrong item. Always carefully check if you've entered the correct code when creating your listing.
5. Forgetting to pay the annual fee
GS1 registration requires an annual fee. If you don't pay it, your codes may be deactivated, and your products on bol.com may be taken offline.
EAN codes for private label products
When you sell your own brand products on bol.com (private label), you need a unique EAN code for each product. The process is the same: register with GS1 Nederland and request codes. The advantage of having your own brand registration is that you have full control over your product pages.
For private label sellers, it's extra important to request enough codes. Consider that each variant - color, size, bundle - needs a separate EAN code. A product in three colors and four sizes already requires 12 EAN codes.
Alternatives to standard EAN codes
In some cases, there are alternatives to the standard EAN-13 code:
- ISBN - for books and publications (also a GS1 standard)
- ISSN - for magazines and periodicals
- GTIN-14 - for trade and logistical units (boxes, pallets)
For most bol.com sellers, the standard EAN-13 code is the right choice. Use the Zoloo Product Database to research which products and categories are popular before you compile your assortment.
Tips for managing your EAN codes
Good administration of your EAN codes prevents problems in the long run:
- Keep a spreadsheet - note which EAN code belongs to which product, including variants
- Plan ahead - order enough codes if you plan to expand your assortment
- Check your registration - use the GS1 GEPIR database to verify that your codes are correctly registered
- Save your login details - you need access to the GS1 portal to manage your codes
- Set a reminder - for the annual contribution, so your registration doesn't expire
Consequences of incorrect or missing EAN codes on bol.com
Not having valid GS1 EAN codes can have serious consequences for your sales activities:
- Product offline - bol.com takes products without valid EAN codes offline
- Sales loss - as long as your product is offline, you miss out on revenue
- Account warning - repeated violations can lead to warnings
- Account block - in severe cases, your sales account can be blocked
- Reputation damage - an unreliable sales profile scares off customers
Therefore, always invest in official GS1 codes. The annual costs are a small investment compared to the risk of sales loss. With tools like the Zoloo Sales Dashboard, you can track how much revenue your products generate and quickly intervene if there are problems.
Frequently asked questions about EAN codes for bol.com
Can I buy EAN codes without a KvK registration?
No, you need a KvK number for GS1 registration. Without a KvK registration, you also can't create a sales account on bol.com.
How long does it take to request EAN codes?
After payment, you usually receive your codes within 1-2 working days. In busy periods, it may take a little longer.
Can I transfer my EAN codes to another company?
No, GS1 EAN codes are registered in the name of the company that registered them and are not transferable.
What if my product already has an EAN code from the manufacturer?
If you sell products from a brand that already has EAN codes, you use the existing codes from the manufacturer. You don't need to request codes yourself.
Are EAN codes the same as barcodes?
The EAN code is the number; the barcode is the visual representation of it. Bol.com only needs the number, but for physical products, you'll also need the barcode on the packaging.