There are 5 simple steps to Bar Coding your products:

Step 1: Take a close look at what you wish to bar code. Determine the number of products you have, how they are packed, their size, whether they are sold by unit or by weight and where they are to be sold, as each of these issues may affect the number type you require and the size of the number bank you need to apply for.

Step 2: Complete the GS1 Online Application Form for the type of GTIN (bar code number) you require. If you wish to read more about the different types of GTIN (i.e. identification numbers) before proceeding please click here.

If you need any assistance determining your requirements, please do not hesitate to contact Beatriz by email at info@gs1ie.org or call our Helpdesk on 01 208 0660 for assistance.

Note: Please ensure you complete a direct debit mandate which can be printed during the online application procedure.  A hard copy original mandate must be sent to GS1 Ireland.  The application will not be processed until this is received.

Step 3: When your application has been approved and processed by GS1 Ireland you will receive a Membership Pack containing details of the unique Prefix Numbers allocated to your company, together with instructions on how to generate a complete bar code number.

Note: Keep all bar code related documents in a safe place. Maintain an accurate record of the bar codes you have generated and to which products they have been allocated.

Step 4: Get your bar code numbers printed in the appropriate bar code symbol format.

There are three methods of doing this:
a) send your numbers to a reputable printer who will print your bar codes on labels
b) give the numbers to your packaging designer who will incorporate the symbols into your packaging artwork
c) with suitable software you can generate the symbols on your PC and print them onto labels as you need them.

Note: Be sure to have samples of your bar code symbols verified before they are printed, to check their quality. It will also be necessary to verify a selection of bar codes during the printing process. This can help avoid costly errors being made.

Step 5: Communicate accurate and detailed descriptions of your products to your customers. These will vary from retailer to retailer but will typically include the products name, description, weight/size, packaging configuration and related bar code details. Many products will have two bar codes associated with them: one for the retail or consumer unit and one for the outer case or traded unit.