What is EANCOM?
What is EANCOM? It is the EDIFACT variant for retail and consumer goods. GS1 maintains it, and it uses GS1 numbers for parties and items.
By Vincent Rosenkranz, Sales & Marketing Manager at BESITEC · Updated 9 Nov 2026
In short. A subset of UN/EDIFACT with fixed rules for retail. Companies and locations are identified by GLN, items by GTIN. In German retail it is the usual EDI standard.
What is EANCOM compared to EDIFACT?
EDIFACT
Worldwide United Nations standard with many optional fields.
Retail variant
Uses only the parts retail needs and defines how to fill them.
It is published by GS1. Version EANCOM 2002 is widely used.
GLN and GTIN
| Number | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
GLN | Global Location Number, identifies companies and locations | Supplier, warehouse, store |
GTIN | Global Trade Item Number, identifies items | The barcode on the product |
SSCC | Package number | Pallet in the despatch advice |
Because both sides use the same numbers, order, delivery and invoice match automatically.
What is EANCOM used for in daily trade?
- ORDERS Retailer’s purchase order
- DESADV Despatch advice with package SSCCs
- INVOIC Invoice
- PRICAT Price and item master data
- SLSRPT and INVRPT Retailer’s sales and stock data
EANCOM FAQ
Do I need a GLN?
In retail, usually yes. You apply for it at GS1, and it identifies your company in data exchange.
Is it a separate standard next to EDIFACT?
No. It is a subset of EDIFACT with rules for retail.
Does an invoice in this format count as an e-invoice in Germany?
Yes, as an EDI procedure. A transition rule applies until the end of 2027, from 2028 the data must convert to EN 16931.
Can I start without an interface?
Yes, via WebEDI in the browser. For many documents, connecting your ERP pays off.
More terms in the glossary
A retailer requires EDI from you?
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