EAN-8 is a shortened version of the EAN-13 code. It includes a two or three-digit country code, 4 or 5 data digits (depending on the length of the country code), and a checksum digit. While it is possible to add a two-digit or a five-digit extension barcode, the primary purpose of the EAN-8 code is to use as little space as possible.
EAN-8 symbols are limited in each country and can be used to specifically identify a particular product and manufacturer. Since a limited number of EAN-8 codes are available in each country, they are issued only for products with insufficient space for a normal EAN-13 symbol.