GS1 Bar codes

Bar code basics

GS1 Bar codes are data carriers at the core of the GS1 System. They encode globally-unique identification numbers and make these machine-readable for the accurate and rapid recording of data about products, services, other items, organisations and places.  A printed bar code is read with an infra-red scanner and the data decoded by computer software to enable human readability whenever this is needed thereafter. Businesses, other organisations and consumers have benefited for over 30 years.

In the GS1 System, a product, service or other item is identified with its own unique GTIN or Global Trade Item Number that includes the country and organisation of origin (each also having a unique number). A place is identified with a unique GLN or Global Location Number. A GS1 Bar code is, ideally, able to be scanned at any point in a supply chain, from producer to retailer or point of end use.

Globally, GS1 develops and manages the System, making it available to organisations for their specific uses in a vast range of business and other settings.  The System brings major efficiencies to supply chains, supports delivery of products and services to consumers, and enables traceability from the point of end use back to production. 

A complete picture

GS1 also offers a range of other identification systems, technologies and products that work hand-in-hand with our bar codes to deliver more detailed information and smoother pathways for information to travel across.

Find out more about generating bar codes for your business.

For other information see the bar code tools and resources section.

Bar code Accreditation & Verification Services

GS1 NZ offers a Bar code Accreditation Program and Verification. Click on the links below for more detail:

Bar code Accreditation Program – Become an accredited organisation that GS1 will recognise can create bar codes that comply with the international standard.

Bar code Verification – Get you products verified to ensure the bar codes meet the international standards and that of your customer.

GS1 DataBar

GS1 DataBar is the new form of bar code for use on particularly small products or items like pieces of fresh fruit. GS1 DataBar can take only a fraction the space of other bar codes commonly used at retail or it can be enlarged to carry much more information  for traceability and other purposes – information like a “best-before” date, batch number or particular form of certification.  GS1 DataBar was previously called RSS, means reduced space symbology (“RSS” is sometimes appended to GS1 DataBar). Learn more about GS1 Databar.

A new world of data

GS1 Databar will take product identification to a new level when it becomes an open standard on 1 January 2014 (and in the interim. By arrangement between organisations in a trading arrangement)  Older forms of EAN/UCC bar code will continue to be used where they meet supply chain needs. GS1GS1 DataBar can work hand-in-hand with EPC to deliver greater visibility and information in the supply chain.

Check Digit Calculator

A check digit is the result of a mathematical calculation performed on the preceding digits in the number. It is used during scanning to verify that the bar code was correctly read.

This form generates complete bar codes from your details and displays them in a format that can be Copy and Pasted into a spreadsheet. You can process several types of bar code at the same time.

Starter kits

GS1 has produced Starter Kits to help GS1 DataBar users. You’ll find practical advice assistance with equipment - buying decisions and with implementation.

Find out more with our DataBar Tools and Resources.