Revised:
EAN and UPC: the product barcode
The 13-digit EAN (or 12-digit UPC in North America) identifies a product version from its manufacturer or brand owner. The first digits show where the code was issued, not where the product was made; for example, codes starting with 871–872 were issued in the Netherlands. Scanning the EAN is the most reliable starting point for identification.
Retailer article numbers
Large retailers print their own article numbers on labels and shelf tickets, often above or next to the barcode. These numbers are not barcodes, so a scanner does not read them, but they are useful for identifying discontinued retail items. Photograph the label so the number can be read from the image.
ASIN, FNSKU and LPN on marketplace returns
Amazon uses ASINs (starting with B0) for catalogue items, FNSKU labels (often starting with X0) for seller inventory, and LPN codes for individual returned units. Returns and liquidation stock often carry these instead of, or in addition to, the EAN. An LPN identifies a single unit and is not suitable as a product identifier on its own.
Turn codes into faster intake
Store every code you capture with the product. When the same EAN arrives again, a system that remembers earlier identifications can fill in the product without new AI work. WareRushAI keeps the scanned barcode, reads printed codes from label photos and reuses confirmed identifications, so repeated items are listed in seconds.