GS1 RegistryBarcode Generator

Aztec barcodes are 2D codes. They originated in grocery stores and are now used in many other places, including doctors offices, law firms, post offices, retail stores, security applications, and car rental returns.

An EAN which begins with the Bookland prefix 978 is called a Bookland EAN code and is used on books and book related products internationally. The Bookland symbol is the barcode of choice in the book industry because it allows for encodation of ISBNs (the numbers publishers use to identify their products). Since an ISBN is unique to one particular title (or product), the corresponding Bookland EAN symbol is a title-specific marking which is unique for that title. For example, if a title is available in hard cover, soft cover and as an e-book, three unique ISBN Bookland EAN bar codes are required.

Codabar is a self-checking barcode that is designed to be read on printed forms, especially from dot matrix printers. Its typical uses have include Fed-Ex packages and blood bank forms. In many ways, the Codabar code has become outdated, as newer code forms now allow a much larger amount of information to be contained in a much smaller space. However, the Codabar is not yet obsolete, and is still in use in libraries (on the spines of books) and several other organizations.

A Codabar barcode consists of up to 16 different numeric characters, plus an optional 4 more letter characters (generally A, B, C, and D), which are used to designate the beginning and the end of the code. The order the letters are placed in designates what the barcode is being used for: library, blood bank, photo lab, etc. Since Codabar is self-checking, a check number at the end is not necessary, though some organizations choose to employ one anyway.

Code 128 is a denser barcode than most, but it is also the most versatile barcode in the 1-D category, in terms of potential information storage. Its name comes from the fact that it can encode all 128 ASCII characters. That includes letters and numbers, but also punctuation, symbols, and more. It is most commonly used in the logistics of things like purchasing and shipping, but can potentially be used for a variety of other purposes.

Specifications: There are six se

ctions to a Code 128 barcode. The first and last sections are both “quiet zones,” which consist of a certain amount of blank space, based on other elements of the code. After the opening quiet zone is a start character, which designates what code set the barcode falls into. Code 128 has three code sets. Set A designates codes with all capital letters. Set B is for codes with both capital and lower case letters, and set C is for codes with only numeric data — which allows it to compress twice as much data into the same space. After the start character comes the data itself. Each encoded character consists of exactly three bars and three spaces. After that is a check digit, to ensure accuracy, followed by an end character to signify the end of the code, and finally the closing quiet zone.

Code 39 was the first barcode to be able to encode both numbers and letters. It can have a varying length, encoding up to 43 different characters. Extended Code 39 is an updated version of Code 39, which uses combinations of those same encoded characters to allow it to represent the entire range of 128 ASCII characters, including punctuation and special symbols, as well as lower case letters. It is generally used for military and automotive purposes.

Specifications: Extended Code 39 barcodes are set up similarly to regular Code 39 codes, with specially designated start and end characters (represented as * in a regular font), along with an optional check digit, to ensure accuracy. Each special character is represented by a combination of two regular Code 39 characters. This is possible since Code 39 already uses character combinations to represent other characters.

Code 93 barcode is an updated, more secure and compact version of the Code 39 barcode, which is able to read both letters and numbers. It is used in the military and automotive fields, as well as by Canada Post to encode special delivery information.

Specifications: Like Code 39, the Code 93 barcode has start and end symbols that cannot be expressed in regular ASCII characters, but are instead generally designated as *. After the start symbol is the encoded data. Like with Code 39, each letter is represented by a certain numerical value. After the data comes a two character check number, which is calculated to ensure accuracy when entering in the code by hand. The two characters are called “Modulo-47 Check Character C” and “Modulo-47 Check Character K.” A certain combining of the numbers in the code yields a remainder, and the corresponding letter or number becomes Check Character C or K. After the check number is the stop character, followed by a termination bar, to indicate the end of the barcode.

Strict industry regulations require cigarette manufacturers to ensure end-to-end tobacco traceability. Each cigarette or e-cigarette pack must contain a unique code that includes manufacturer, date and lot information, and contents. This information is stored in a database for regulatory compliance and authentication, and to track and trace the product from production line to retail distribution.

A Codabar barcode consists of up to 16 different numeric characters, plus an optional 4 more letter characters (generally A, B, C, and D), which are used to designate the beginning and the end of the code. The order the letters are placed in designates what the barcode is being used for: library, blood bank, photo lab, etc. Since Codabar is self-checking, a check number at the end is not necessary, though some organizations choose to employ one anyway.

Deutsche Post Identcode is a numeric code using the numbers 0..9. This code is used by the Deutsche Post AG (DHL). The base of this code is Code 25 Interleaved, but with a different check digit.

Deutsche Post Leitcode is a numeric code using the numbers 0..9. This code is used by the Deutsche Post AG (DHL). The base of this code is Code 25 Interleaved, but with a different check digit.

The KIX barcode (Klant index) is a linear barcode used by postal services in the Netherlands and Belgium to identify and sort mail and parcels. The KIX barcode is a compact representation of the destination address used by the Dutch TPGPost. 

Dutch KIX symbology. Dutch KIX barcode (Also known as Royal TNT Post Kix, Dutch KIX 4-State Barcode, Kix Barcode, TPG KIX, Klantenindex Barcode, TPGPOST KIX). This symbology is used by Royal Dutch TPG Post (Netherlands) for Postal code and automatic mail sorting. It provides information about the address of the receiver. This symbology encodes alpha-numeric characters (0-9, A-Z).

The GS1-128 is a special form of the Code 128. It’s used for goods and palettes in commerce and industry. The name GS1-128 replaces the old name EAN/UCC 128.

There can be coded more than one data field inside one barcode. For example a food palette gets a barcode with the product number (e.g. the EAN 13 number) and additional the weight and the pull date.

To code this different data field inside one barcode the GS1-128 or EAN/UCC-128 codes used the international standard of Application Identifiers (AI). A barcode could look like this:

The numbers inside the brackets are the Application Identifiers (AI) and the data behind are the data for this AI. The brackets are only used for the human readable line of the barcode. There are not coded! The AI “(01)” defines that the product code follows. This product code is always 14 digits long. This length is specified with the AI. This 14 data digits follow directly to the AI. After the product code of 14 digits, the next AI follows. In this example it’s the pull date, specified with the AI “(15)”. This one is always 6 digits long and must be specified using the mask YYMMTT. In this example the date is 31st December 2005.

What is GTIN?

GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is a system developed by the GS1 and is an internationally recognized system for identifying products. It is a blanket term to describe various GS1 numbering codes – UPC and EAN. It is, hence, safe to term an EAN-13 code as a GTIN-13. GTIN provides the global supply chain solution for the identification of any item that is traded (priced, ordered, and invoiced)..

GTIN includes four types of codes:

UPC-12:               The twelve-digit code that North America uses.

EAN-8:                The eight-digit code used on smaller retail trade items.

EAN-13:               The thirteen-digit code for all other countries.

GTIN-14:              The fourteen-digit number used on general distribution trade items, not intended to be sold at the Point-of-Sale.

To create a GTIN, a company needs to be in possession of a GS1 company prefix. The assigned company prefix forms the base for the creation of all GS1 identifiers like GLN, GTIN, and SSCC numbers.

Why EAN-13 barcode?

The advent of the EAN-13 barcode is a data structure stepping-stone toward the supply chain control. It is used in global trade to distinguish the product type, specification, etc. In other words, it helps the product be uniquely identified. It is a numeric-only bar code system used for the identification of retail products. Unique numbers are allocated to each separate retail product, not just by product brand but by unique numbers. This assists in positing the products with retailers and e-commerce companies. It facilitates a future where intelligent workflows will fuel data-driven smart supply chains.

The future smarter supply chains continue to not just embrace automation with the help of the EAN -13 barcode, but also use AI to make processes more efficient, responsive, and adaptive. Most importantly the visibility and traceability solutions in the supply chain have gained momentum, these are the “twin engines of sustainable” supply chain.

The EAN-13 barcode has withstood the test of time because it continues to serve a key role in the evolving digital future of retail where the product is identified uniquely and the data it captures will shape decisions affecting customers and retailers.

Components of an EAN-13 barcode number

The first three digits of the EAN-13 serve as the GS1 Prefix. The GS1 prefix usually identifies the GS1 Member Organization which the manufacturer has joined.

The Manufacturer Code is a unique code assigned to each manufacturer by the numbering authority and all products made by a certain company use the same manufacturer code. The product code is a unique code assigned solely by the manufacturer.

The check digit is the last number used to confirm if a bar code was scanned correctly. This additional number is mathematically determined through an algebraic equation to create a checksum.

Barcodes revolutionising the world

Barcode is worldwide used; its popularity can be attested by its use in all parts of our life. A barcode reader is an optical machine-readable representation of data relating to the object to which it is attached.

The EAN-13 barcodes are used worldwide for marking products often sold at retail points of sale. The numbers encoded in EAN-13 bar codes are product identification numbers. All the numbers encoded in UPC and EAN barcodes are known as Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN), and they can be encoded in other GS1 barcodes.

EAN-13 is popular, recognizable, and useful for general day-to-day retail transactions since it can be read by any barcode reader. The check number also helps ensure accuracy when entering the code by hand. It combines numbers together mathematically in a certain way to get a specific, one-digit outcome. If the check digit does not match that outcome, then the code has been entered incorrectly.

Additional benefits

Barcode numbers play a crucial role in supply chains, including selling products over the counter and listing them on e-commerce websites. Various national and international regulatory bodies have endorsed the use of GS1 barcodes on products. The use of GS1 barcode numbers (GTINs) helps you in complying with various requirements, including those of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, DGFT, US FDA, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Delhi Excise EU Regulations on UDI, and more. GS1 barcode numbers on your products enable you to list your products faster with leading retailers and online shopping portals. GS1 barcode numbers, when used on a product webpage, show a 40% improvement in search results. GS1’s DataKart service enables free and easy barcode number management and the generation of barcode images

Why buy from GS1 India

• GS1 India is the only authorised body in India to issue GS1 barcode numbers.
• If your label your products with authentic GS1 barcodes (bought from GS1 India), your products will be visible through various GS1 repositories, including Verified by GS1, GEPIR, GS1 DataKart, etc.
• You will get access to GS1 DataKart, the national repository of product information for retail items.
• Your product information would be visible to consumers through Smart Consumer mobile app, wich is accessed by millions of consumers
• You would get implementation assistance at every step of the process
• You would get assistance in uploading information on your old products to DataKart
• You would get complementary access to an imaging app, to click retail-ready photos of your products using your phone.

The Future

For the last 20 years, barcode technology has been the bastion of bigger businesses that adopted the technology to massively reduce human errors and increase efficiency in business operations.

Today, barcodes are completely integrated into mainstream life—nearly every product in a grocery, department, or mass merchandise store bears a barcode. It’s clear that this technology works, and will continue to do so.

If you already understand the needs of your partners and customers, choosing how to serve those needs most efficiently is where GS1 India can help.

All you need to do is connect with GS1 India team to learn more about how GS1 standards can support your needs. As it continues to provide leadership, guidance, and support for on-pack solutions that allow businesses to adapt and scale over time, aligning with GS1 India will offer you a plethora of tools and abundant globally aligned guidance to help your business along this journey.

What is GS1, and why does everyone use GS1 barcodes?

GS1 is an international not-for-profit organization that develops and maintains a broad set of global standards used by businesses the world over. Of the various standards created by the organization, the GS1 barcode is undoubtedly the most well-known. Everyone from Amazon to eBay follows GS1 barcode standards, as these regulations help them easily share additional information about products with consumers and retailers.

A group of U.S. grocery retailers founded GS1 in 1973. Simultaneously, they created the first barcode labels. Since its inception roughly 50 years ago, GS1 has established itself as the leading authority on product identification regulations.

While GS1 general specifications have evolved over the years, the mission behind GS1 has remained unchanged. The organization is committed to promoting operational efficiency and supporting the sharing of information. It does so by providing e-commerce businesses, distributors, manufacturers, and retailers with an easy-to-follow set of labeling standards.

In 2023, GS1 barcodes are contributing to the proliferation of the global commerce ecosystem. Standardized produce labels like barcodes transcend borders, language barriers, and currencies. They enable members of the supply chain to interact on a worldwide scale to the benefit of consumers everywhere.

Why are GS1 barcodes important?

The short answer is, as we said above, standardized GS1 barcodes allow us to maintain order and avoid chaos. Workflows become quicker and more efficient. The GS1 barcodes keep supply chains running by enabling companies to sell, ship, track, reorder, and return products, in most cases by scanning with a handheld device or a camera-based system.

GS1 barcodes also expedite communication, traceability, visibility, and transparency. It’s really all about sharing information quickly in order to know the source of ingredients/components and products, where they’ve been and where they’re going, and when they reach their final destination.

These capabilities not only make supply chains more efficient — they also increase product safety and protect consumers. If there’s a recall, for example, a company can locate its products quickly, make sure shipments are stopped, remove items from stores, and share data with regulators and even consumers.

GS1 barcodes also save money. Administrative costs come down when everybody uses the same standards and has the same expectations. And because GS1 barcodes facilitate digital supply chains, they increase speed and reduce paperwork.

The bottom line is that GS1 barcodes provide members of the supply chain with easy access to product data. In turn, distributors, carriers, and retailers use barcode graphics to trace products throughout the supply chain, optimize operational efficiency, and ensure that consumers are receiving safe and authentic products.

GSI Identification Keys

GS1 standards define a set of unique identification codes, known as identification keys. GS1 says its identification keys “refer unambiguously to a real-world entity,” such as a product, a logistics unit, a physical location, a document, a service relationship, or another entity.

In other words, the ID keys let you quickly and conveniently access information about items in your supply chain and share it with your partners. Only GS1 members can build ID keys, which must include a GS1 company prefix. There are 12 ID keys:

Global Trade Item Number (GTIN): identifies products and services, such as food and clothing

1. 1. 1. 1. Global Location Number (GLN): identifies parties and locations, such as companies, warehouses, factories, and stores
         2. Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC): identifies logistics units, such as parcels and palletized products
         3. Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI): identifies returnable assets
         4. Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI): identifies assets, such as equipment used in manufacturing and transportation
         5. Global Service Relation Number (GSRN): identifies relationships between service providers and recipients, such as hospital staff and members of brand “loyalty” or rewards programs
         6. Global Document Type Identifier (GDTI): identifies documents, such as shipping paperwork
         7. Global Identification Number for Consignment (GINC): identifies consignments, such as logistics units being transported in a container on a ship or airplane
         8. Global Shipment Identification Number (GSIN): identifies shipments
         9. Global Coupon Number (GCN): identifies coupons
         10. Component/Part Identifier (CPID): identifies components and parts
         11. Global Model Number (GMN): identifies a product’s model number

The GS1 standards also encompass data capture, including definitions of barcode and radio-frequency identification (RFID) data carriers, that allow ID keys and other data to be affixed directly to an object. Data standards also address the hardware to read and produce barcodes (e.g., scanners and printers), and hardware and software to connect the barcodes and RFID tags to business applications.