How to apply for a barcode

Barcodes Made EasyWelcome to GS1. We're here to help you get your products #RetailReady 

Download your "Barcodes Made Easy" Guide which outlines the steps to register your business and products with GS1.

Getting a GS1 barcode licence

To create barcodes, you need a range of barcode numbers that are exclusive to your company. This is granted by an annually renewable licence. 

licence cert 250pxWhich barcode licence is right for me?

There are different licences depending upon the size of your product range, now and into the future.


Standard Barcode Licence (GCP-9): 
This is the most common licence for a 9 digit company prefix and enables up to 1,000 barcode numbers to be generated for products and outer cases.

Artisan Barcode Licence (GCP-11): This licence is for artisan producers with a very limited product range and a turnover under €1 million. This licence includes only 10 barcode numbers.

Tip: For more than 30 barcodes (i.e. 3 x GCP-11 licences) over the lifetime of a business, a GCP-9 licence is more economical. Remember, outer cases (boxes of product) need their own unique barcodes too.

View barcode licence costs

Register your business and products today to be #RetailReady

register online 250pxFor a quick and easy online application, we recommend you have the following information to hand before you begin: 

  • Company information (business name and postal address)
  • Companies Registration Office (CRO) Number or Registered Business Name (RBN) Number
  • VAT Number (or PPS number if not VAT registered)
  • Latest audited turnover figure (or first year's projected turnover if a new start-up business)
  • Bank Details for Direct Debit (for next year's renewal)
  • Payment method for the current year's fee (by credit card, cheque or EFT)
  • Contact details for primary licence contact and accounts person (name, tel, email)

A GS1 barcode number - your product's passport to global sales

Barcode prefixBarcode numbers are created by brand owners for their products using a GS1-issued prefix. When you join GS1 you will get access to our "Barcode Manager" Tool that will look after the whole process of allocating a barcode number to each product that you register.

FAQ:What's the difference between GS1 barcodes and others I see on the internet?

Your packaging designer will use this barcode number to include a barcode symbol on your product packaging. If you are selling online you will list this number with your preferred platform (e.g. ebay, Amazon, Google Shopping etc.) 

If you are not using a packaging designer, don't worry, you can also use the Barcode Manager tool to download the barcode images (a symbol download fee applies).

These Irish entrepreneurs are #RetailReady with GS1

Daniel Emerson of Stonewell Cider turned his hobby of cider making into a full time business that has enjoyed triple digit growth for several years.

Rose and Alice Handmade Gifts and Soap made from only the best organic and all natural ingredients and without the chemicals and irritants found in mass-market soaps.

Read more about our members

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What happens after I register?

Once we receive your completed online registration and payment we will process your application. You will be issued with your own unique prefix to use for allocating barcodes. Your next step is to log on to Barcode Manager to begin allocating barcode numbers to your products. You will receive details of the steps by email along with your licence. 

Ready?

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Join the thousands of Irish businesses who trust GS1 for their barcodes.

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Applying-Barcode-Symbol

Allocate barcode numbers, generate symbols and share product & GTIN data with our trusted and secure online tool.

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Barcode-Types

The barcodes you use are built on our system of standardised identification types. These are most commonly used for product, shipment and location identification.

Find out more

Calculator Coffee On A Table

Barcode Licence Fees are based on a scale in accordance with company size (determined by your annual turnover or estimated turnover for new start-ups).

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