A barcode (technically called a GTIN or Global Trade Item Number) is a number represented in a machine readable form.  Barcodes are generally represented in vertical lines of varying widths printed on labels to uniquely identify items.Labels are read with a scanner, which interprets the pattern or symbol into numbers and letters that are then passed onto a computer to retrieve original product data.

Why use Barcodes?

Barcodes enable the rapid and unambigous identification of products, assets, documents and people.  Using a barcode can greatly reduce human error in data entry and processing, eliminate doubt caused by inconsistent approaches to product labelling and mistakes in reading handwriting.

There are a number of different types of barcode symbols being used today; these include the most widely known basic, linear or 1D barcodes (GTIN 13) or the smaller GS1 DataBar to the latest technology in 2D GS1 DataMatrix.  For more information on all symbol types, sizes and specifications please click here.

How many Barcode numbers (GTIN's) do you need ?

There a number of things you should consider before applying for a barcode or barcodes. Each trade item (product or service) that is different from another in design and/or content is allocated a separate, unique barcode number (technically called GTIN or Global Trade Item Number). This remains the same as long as the item is traded and unchanged. Changes to the language on the package, size, flavour, colour and shape typically require a new barcode number. 

When to change a Barcode (GTIN)

When launching a new product, changing an existing one or running a promotion many people are uncertain whether or not to keep or change the barcode number (GTIN).

Some examples of when you need to assign a new barcode number are shown below:

• Changes to the packaging material or type
• Changes to the packaging of the Consumer Retail Trade Item
• Minor formulation changes

Find out more about common product changes which may impact barcode number assignment.

Re-using a Barcode Number

If a product is deleted from a range, the barcode number may be reassigned to another product if, the product is no longer within the supply chain and a period of no less than four years has lapsed since the product was deleted. 

For a simple guide to GTIN allocation please download the attached brochure.