EAN or ISBN
To effectively manage our extensive product range of millions of items and present them correctly in the shop, every item requires a unique ISBN or EAN/GTIN. On this page, you will find information about these numbers, also sometimes referred to as barcodes.
To offer an item via bol, you need a valid, registered ISBN or EAN/GTIN:
- ISBN (International Standard Book Number) - This is a unique code exclusively for books and is standardly found on every book cover.
- EAN (European Article Number) - Also known as 'barcode'. It is a unique 13-digit number assigned to an item. Currently, we do not yet enforce unregistered EANs for unbranded items. For branded items, it is mandatory to use an EAN registered with GS1.
- GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) - This is a unique, internationally recognized item code for your item. Although the old term ‘EAN’ is still widely used for item codes, GTIN is actually the correct term for the sequence of numbers you find under the barcode on items. Therefore, when you request item codes from GS1, you may encounter this term.
An ISBN number
An ISBN is a special number for books, e-books, and audiobooks. It helps to easily find a book in stores, libraries, and online. If you want to sell a book, an ISBN is mandatory.
An ISBN has 13 digits and always starts with 978 or 979. The number contains information about the country, publisher, and title. Please note: every version of a book, such as a hardcover, paperback, or e-book, requires its own ISBN.
An ISBN resembles a GTIN-13 but is only used for books. Other items, such as food or electronics, use an EAN/GTIN. An ISBN is managed by Stichting ISBN Nederland, while EANs are handled via GS1.
More information can be found on this page of ISBN Nederland.
An EAN number
An EAN number is a unique 13-digit number assigned to an item.
You can find an EAN on the item itself, usually under the barcode. If you can't find the number there, you can request it from the supplier. For new or unique items, you can purchase an EAN/GTIN yourself via GS1. It is recommended to purchase EAN codes directly from GS1. If you use an intermediary party, always check whether the purchased EAN codes are actually registered with GS1 via the GS1 portal.
If you obtain an EAN/GTIN from GS1, you automatically become the first partner to sell this item via bol. It is good to know that other partners can then sell identical items via bol, and thereby use the EAN/GTIN you purchased and the associated content.
An EAN is linked to a specific item and can only be used for that item. New versions or packaging of the same item may require a new EAN. It is therefore not always possible to reuse an EAN or to offer a similar item that is not exactly registered in that way under the relevant EAN.
If you make changes to the item, such as the brand or packaging, this may require a new EAN. This new number must be added again to your offer in your seller account. In this, bol follows the worldwide GS1 policy. More information can be found on the page of GS1.
Your EAN/GTIN must meet the following conditions:
- Every item has an EAN/GTIN registered with GS1. This is an item number that distinguishes your item from another item. You may not offer identical items under different EANs. Not even from different seller accounts. This is considered a duplicate offer;
- The EAN is permanently linked to this item. If your item changes brand, packaging, or composition, you may need to apply for a new EAN/GTIN for your item. Use the GS1 tool to determine if you need a new EAN/GTIN.
- Please note: the EAN you use for your branded item must be registered with GS1 from the moment you add the item on bol.
Frequently asked questions about EAN/GTIN & ISBN
