An EAN barcode is the most common type of barcode used for retail products. EAN codes consist of 13 numbers, and encodes a country code, a company code and a product code. EAN barcode can be used all over the world, except for the USA and Canada where UPC barcodes are used.

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The check digit is the final digit in UPC-A and EAN-13 barcodes, crucial for error detection during scanning. It's calculated using a specific algorithm (often a modulo 10 sum of the preceding digits, with alternating weights). When a barcode is scanned, the scanner performs the same calculation. If the calculated check digit matches the one printed on the barcode, it confirms a successful and accurate scan. If they don't match, an error is signaled, preventing incorrect data entry.