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Japanese Article Number (JAN)
In 1978, Japan adopted their own version of EAN to use as their common product
code. This product code is called JAN
(Japanese Article Number ).
Originally, JAN was issued a flag code
of
49.
In 1992, JAN was newly issued an additional flag
code of 45.
Since two country codes exist, the maker code virtually becomes
6 digits.
4 - 9XXXXX
4 - 5XXXXX
This is the only difference between the JAN coding system and that
of
other EAN countries.
Short Version
The 13-digit JAN standard code,
which corresponded to EAN standard,
is called Standard version.
Much the same as the UPC E version,
a shorter version of the JAN standard version had to be created for cases when
the code is unable to fit on a product due to space restrictions. Once again,
the of use an 8-digit short version is necessary.
Code System For Short Version
The code system of the short version is as follows:
Symbols For Short Version
The short version has no prefix.
The whole left side is coded
with odd parity
characters.
Checkdigit in Short Version
The checkdigit in the short version is calculated by
modulus 10.
Maker Codes in Short Version
The maker code must be applied for again
when using the short version.
Application and registration of
the maker code for JAN (and UPC)
can be offered at the nearest Chamber of commerce & Industry
or following institute.
The Distribution System Research Institute / DCC
TEL: 03 - 5414 - 8511
OCR-affixed JAN symbol
In Japan, before the adoption of the JAN symbol, many industries
(books, household electrical appliances, sports equipments, toys, etc.) and
some retailers already employed
POS
by using OCR
(Opticai Character Recognition ).
When introducing the JAN symbol, for coordination with OCR,
both the JAN symbol and the OCR letters were and are shown on the scanable label.
This is called
OCR-affixed JAN symbol.
When expressing the code in JAN,
a function code
"T" (in standard version)
"F" (in short version)
is affixed before the OCR letters. It is also necessary to have enough clear
area
(5mm before and after, 3.5mm above and below) around the OCR characters to
insure readability of the OCR.
That is,
- standard version : 45.56mm wide x 10.5mm high,
- short version : 39.29mm wide x 10.5mm high
must be kept to display OCR.
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