EAN, or European Article Number, is a standardized barcode system used to identify and track products in the retail industry. It consists of a 13-digit code that uniquely identifies a specific product, allowing for efficient inventory management and accurate pricing at the point of sale. Originally developed in Europe, EAN has become a global standard and is now used in over 100 countries. This universal system has greatly simplified the process of product identification and has revolutionized the way goods are bought and sold around the world.