Barcodes (GTINs)

    Get unique GS1 barcodes to identify your products for retail sale anywhere in the world. The foundation of modern commerce.

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    Why you need GS1 barcodes

    Unique product ID recognised globally
    Required by major New Zealand retailers
    Enables accurate inventory management
    Supports point-of-sale scannability
    Supports online marketplace listings
    Foundation for supply chain visibility

    Major New Zealand retailers require GS1 barcodes on products. Without a valid barcode, your products may not be able to be listed in their systems and sold through their point-of-sale.

    GS1 barcodes are also required for selling on online marketplaces like Amazon and many others.

    Get your barcodes now

    Important: GS1 is the only official provider of GS1 barcodes globally.

    Operating since 1981 we have helped businesses uniquely identify, accurately capture and automatically share information about their products, locations, assets and more.

    Learn why this matters

    What is a barcode?

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

    9 421017 610852

    Barcode number

    Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)

    +

    Barcode graphic

    The symbol that is scanned

    =
    Complete barcode

    Barcode

    Number & graphic combined

    Video thumbnail showing barcode scanning - click to play 'What are Barcodes?' educational video

    Watch: What are Barcodes?

    1:27

    Sachie's Kitchen success story video thumbnail

    3:42

    Sachie's Kitchen

    From home kitchen to supermarket shelves – see how GS1 helped Sachie with barcodes, product photography, and data services to get her Japanese cooking products into stores across New Zealand.

    We can help you too – get in touch

    What is a GTIN?

    A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a unique identifier assigned to every product sold in retail. It's the number encoded in your barcode that allows scanners at checkout to identify your product and retrieve its price.

    When you join GS1 New Zealand, you can license GS1 Company Prefixes that allow you to create unique GTINs for all your products. These numbers are recognised by retailers and marketplaces worldwide.

    Get your barcodesLearn More
    Example GTIN-13 barcode showing 9 421017 610852

    Example GTIN-13

    Types of barcodes

    Different barcode formats for different applications. GS1 New Zealand helps you choose and implement the right barcode for your needs.

    Common in Retail
    GTIN-13 (EAN-13) barcode example - Standard 13-digit barcode for retail products sold in stores...

    GTIN-13 (EAN-13)

    Standard 13-digit barcode for retail products sold in stores worldwide.

    Retail productsConsumer goodsSupermarket items
    Emerging retail standard
    QR code powered by GS1 barcode example - Consumer-facing barcode linking products to digital informat...

    QR code powered by GS1

    Consumer-facing barcode linking products to digital information via GS1 Digital Link.

    Digital LinkConsumer engagementProduct informationRetail productsConsumer goods

    Need to label pallets and cartons too?

    The Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) uniquely identifies transport units for tracking through the supply chain — now required by major retailers.

    Barcode licensing options

    Choose the option that fits your business. All barcodes are globally unique and yours to use for life while your membership is active.

    Recommended

    GS1 Membership

    License blocks of GTINs starting from 100 barcodes. Ideal for businesses with multiple products or plans to grow.

    • Annual membership includes support
    • Access to broad range of GS1 services
    • Best value for growing businesses
    Join now View pricing

    Single Barcode (Affiliate)

    A one-off option to license a single barcode. Available only to businesses with annual revenue under $1 million.

    • License 1 barcode for a single product
    • One-off payment, no annual membership
    • For businesses under $1m revenue only
    Join now View pricing

    Not sure which option is right for you? Contact our team for guidance.

    Scanning a QR code powered by GS1 on a product with a smartphone

    Next generation barcodes are here

    Consumer friendlyCheckout readyDynamic content

    The global ambition is for QR codes powered by GS1 to be scannable at retail point-of-sale, everywhere in the world by the end of 2027. These next generation barcodes carry more data and enable new possibilities for your business and customers.

    Learn about QR codes powered by GS1

    Ready to get started?

    Join GS1 New Zealand today and get your unique barcodes. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.

    Get startedContact us