Barcodes

Selling a product starts with a GS1 barcode number (GTIN) and graphic.

Products need GS1 globally unique identifiers for scanning in stores, online, throughout your supply chain and beyond.

What is a barcode?

Barcodes are made up of a barcode symbol and number.
The symbol can be scanned enabling businesses to identify and track products as they move through the supply chain.

Barcode number

Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)

Barcode graphic

The symbol that is scanned

Barcode

Number & graphic

Why use GS1 barcodes?

GS1 is the only official provider of authentic, globally unique barcode numbers (GTINs) – providing visibility and complete traceability here and, around the world. Our barcodes are required by major retailers, distributors and regulators all over the world to automatically identify and track products as they move through supply chains and beyond.

GS1 barcodes uniquely identify your company as the brand owner of every barcode. You’ll receive a certificate to show that the barcode numbers (GTINs) licensed to your company are unique to you - globally. 

You’ll need a unique barcode for each product, as well as the carton/case they are shipped in. Logistics units such as a pallet, (required by some supermarket retailers) require a Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC). Find out more about using SSCCs.

Benefits of GS1 barcodes

Globally trusted
Because each barcode number is unique, they give your retailers and consumers trust in what’s on the physical and digital shelf.

Better traceability
GS1 barcode numbers (GTINs) are licensed to you so they can be tracked and traced through the global supply chain, easily and efficiently.

Truly global
GS1 barcode numbers (GTINs) are the global standard for identifying items and GS1 is the only authorised source for GTINs worldwide.

Increased visibility
GS1 barcode numbers make sure search engines and online marketplaces recognise and represent your products correctly, making them more visible to consumers, globally.

3 easy steps to get a GS1 barcode

 

   

Ready to get started?

Success story

Sachie's Kitchen use GS1 barcodes, view their story.

2D barcodes

GS1 2D barcodes offer many benefits because they can have significantly more product information that can be captured and encoded in them. 2D barcodes are commonly used for batch/lot number, serial number, best before date use-by-date and much more – and all in one, single (and small) barcode symbol. 

As well as being scanned at the check-out, 2D barcodes can also be ‘web enabled’ for consumers to scan and be directed to your website.

Barcode Pricing Plans

Full Membership

As a GS1 member you can licence blocks of barcode numbers (Global Trade Item Number - GTIN).

Discover more about Membership fees.

Number of barcodes

Licence fee

100

$105

1,000

$265

10,000

$525

100,000

$2,600

  Note: All prices are GST exclusive.

Affiliate

Affiliate is for small, start up businesses with annual turnover of less than $1 million, who want to identify their limited product range. Find out more about Affiliate pricing.

License fee/per number

$60

  Note: All prices are GST exclusive.

Are you planning to sell your products in the North American market?

Please note our EAN-13 barcodes should work in North America but only if the retailer's system is set up to take 13-digit numbers. Please check with your importer or agent in North America to determine if the stores they sell to (or intend to sell to in the future) can scan EAN-13. If in doubt you will need a US barcode (Universal Product Code - UPC) which contains a twelve-digit number - these are widely accepted in North America.

Please fill out the form below or give us a call (there will be an extra cost for these). If you do need a UPC, it is usable everywhere in the world so you may not need to label separately for any other market.

Barcodes in action

Barcodes in Healthcare

GS1's barcodes are used in the New Zealand Healthcare sector to enhance patient safety outcomes, while reducing the cost of healthcare delivery. GS1 barcodes are the most widely used supply chain related standards in global healthcare today. Discover more

Barcodes in Logistics

When barcodes are used in logistics, they provide a more automated, accurate and reliable system to manage inventory. They also provide a faster, more streamlined supply chain with greater visibility and security. Discover more

Barcodes in Retail

Barcodes are used on retail products to help retailers sell products quickly and efficiently. They're used for scanning at the checkout as well as managing stock levels. Discover more

Barcode Verification

When you have a product with a barcode, you need to ensure the barcode number is correct and the barcode symbol will scan. Retailers may ask you to get your barcode verified before submitting your product to their stores. 

GS1 can test and verify for barcode correctness and barcode quality.