Barcode Registration - Apply for Barcode in India
With the increase of industrialisation and the availability of thousands of products in the market, businesses faced a growing challenge—how to efficiently manage and identify goods. In 1970, this problem found a revolutionary solution when George J. Laurer introduced the Universal Bar Code system in the USA. This system transformed the way products are tracked, stored, and sold by enabling machines to read product information instantly. Over the years, Barcode Registration has become a critical aspect of modern business operations, especially in industries like retail, logistics, and manufacturing.
What is a Barcode?
A barcode is a visual representation of data in the form of black and white parallel lines. These lines vary in width and are typically accompanied by numbers printed below. A barcode holds specific information about a product, such as the product code, serial number, and batch number. When scanned using a barcode scanner, this information is instantly retrieved and processed by the system. Barcodes come in different formats, such as one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) codes. The most common 1D barcode is the UPC (Universal Product Code), widely used in retail. 2D barcodes like QR codes are capable of holding more information and are now popular in mobile payments and product packaging.
Importance of Barcode Registration
Barcode Registration is the process of assigning a unique barcode to a product and registering it in a global or national database. This ensures that each product has a distinct identity that can be recognized and tracked across various platforms. It not only improves accuracy in inventory management but also reduces the chances of duplication and fraud. Registering a barcode allows a business to associate product-specific information with a code, making it easier to manage stock, track shipments, and maintain consistency across different systems and locations. For global operations, it helps standardize product identification and enhances brand visibility.
Compliance Calendar LLP offers end-to-end assistance with Barcode Registration for businesses across industries. From documentation to final allotment, our expert team ensures a hassle-free registration process so that your products meet national and international identification standards.
If you want to register your barcode, you can connect with our experts at info@ccoffice.in or Call/WhatsApp us at +91 9988424211.
How Businesses Use Barcodes?
The following are the usage of Barcodes:
Inventory Management
In retail and wholesale businesses, managing inventory is a major task. Stores and warehouses can have thousands of products, and manual record-keeping is both time-consuming and prone to errors. With Barcode Registration, each item can be scanned during purchase, restocking, or transfer. This provides real-time updates on stock levels, reduces stock-outs, and prevents overstocking.
Asset Tracking
Many companies use barcodes to tag their physical assets such as laptops, printers, machinery, and furniture. This ensures that all assets are properly recorded and easily trackable. Businesses use asset management software that reads barcodes during audits or inspections to ensure no asset is lost or misplaced.
Sales and Billing
At the point of sale (POS), barcodes make the billing process faster and more accurate. When scanned, the product details such as name, price, and discounts are fetched directly from the system, reducing human errors in billing and improving customer satisfaction.
E-commerce and Logistics
With the growth of online shopping, Barcode Registration has become essential for packaging, order tracking, and return processing. Every product is assigned a barcode that is used during order fulfillment. Shipping labels and invoices contain barcodes that help track the parcel at every stage—from warehouse to delivery. For returns, the barcode on the invoice or product makes it easy to verify the item and process refunds or exchanges quickly. Logistics companies rely heavily on barcodes to sort and route packages accurately.
Quality Control and Manufacturing
In the manufacturing sector, barcodes are used to track the production of goods from raw materials to finished products. Each unit is marked with a barcode, which helps in maintaining quality records, tracing defects, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Types of Barcode
Different types of barcodes are used for various purposes, depending on the region and the nature of the product. Below are the main types:
EAN-13 (European Article Number)
This is a 13-digit barcode standard primarily used in Europe, India, and several other countries. It contains product-related information and is widely accepted internationally. Businesses that want to trade products in multiple countries usually opt for EAN-13 barcode registration.
UPC-A (Universal Product Code)
The UPC-A is a 12-digit barcode commonly used in countries like the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It helps in the identification of retail products and is most widely seen in packaged goods sold in supermarkets.
Databar Barcodes
Databar barcodes are often used for perishable products like fresh food. These barcodes can store additional product information such as batch number, expiry date, and weight, which is especially useful in the grocery and food retail industry.
1D Barcodes (GS1-128 and ITF-14)
The GS1-128 barcode can carry multiple ID keys and details like expiration dates and serial numbers. It is highly versatile and supports supply chain tracking globally. The ITF-14 barcode holds the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) and is ideal for printing on corrugated packaging materials used in bulk transport.
2D Barcodes
These barcodes store a large amount of data, including links to websites and multimedia files. A single 2D barcode can hold around 7000 digits or 4000 characters. With the growing use of online payment wallets, 2D barcodes have become common in mobile transactions. They also integrate seamlessly with programs like MS Office, SQL Servers, and other databases.
Advantages of Barcode Registration
The following are the advantages of Barcode Registration:
Reduces Error
One of the primary advantages of barcodes is their accuracy. Since all the product data is automated, the chances of manual errors in data entry are eliminated. This results in a more reliable and error-free system.
Cost-effective and Convenient
Barcodes are affordable and easy to implement. They can be generated, printed, and customized at a low cost. Businesses benefit from quick adoption without heavy investment.
Detailed Product Information
Barcodes store important information such as product numbers, batch numbers, and serial numbers. This helps verify product authenticity, track manufacturing batches, and identify issues in the supply chain.
Optimised Inventory Management
By enabling real-time tracking, barcodes make inventory management efficient. Products move smoothly across the supply chain, reducing delays, stockouts, and overstocking.
Time-Saving
Barcode scanning significantly reduces the time required for data entry, billing, and inventory checks. Retailers and warehouses can perform stock audits and generate reports in minutes.
Accurate and Faster Billing
Barcodes facilitate quick billing processes in retail and wholesale businesses. Once scanned, all product details are populated automatically, reducing waiting time and improving customer satisfaction.
Unique and Global Identification
Every barcode is globally unique, ensuring that no two products share the same code. This enhances brand recognition and protects the product’s identity across international markets.
Eligibility for Barcode Registration in India
Barcode registration is a crucial step for any business involved in manufacturing, trading, or retail. It helps in unique product identification and enhances supply chain efficiency. In India, barcode registration is administered by GS1 India, the authorized body affiliated with GS1 Global. The good news is that barcode registration is not restricted to a specific type of business entity. Any individual, company, organisation, or group can apply for barcode registration, provided they are engaged in activities that require product tracking and inventory management.
Who is Eligible?
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Individuals (Proprietors): Even if you are a sole proprietor running a small business, you are eligible to apply for barcode registration. For example, a local bakery, home-based soap maker, or handcraft artist can obtain barcodes to label their products professionally.
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Partnership Firms and LLPs: Businesses operating as partnerships or Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) involved in manufacturing or trading goods can register for barcodes to streamline product identification and logistics.
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Private Limited Companies & Public Limited Companies: These entities, being registered under the Companies Act, often need barcodes for their diverse product ranges, especially if they deal with wholesalers, retailers, or export goods.
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Startups and MSMEs: Barcode registration supports startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in reaching larger marketplaces like supermarkets, e-commerce platforms, and international trade fairs.
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Government Organisations, Societies, Trusts & NGOs: If such entities are engaged in the sale or distribution of goods (such as packaged food, handlooms, or books), they too can apply for barcode registration.
Purpose Behind Barcode Registration
The primary reason for obtaining barcode registration is to assign a unique identification number (GTIN – Global Trade Item Number) to products. This helps in tracking, managing stock, enhancing visibility across the supply chain, and complying with retail and export requirements.
Whether you're selling online on platforms like Amazon or Flipkart, distributing products to physical stores, or exporting goods, having a barcode is essential for professionalism and operational efficiency.
To register, applicants must submit basic business documents and product details. For hassle-free assistance, businesses can reach out to Compliance Calendar LLP via email at info@ccoffice.in or Call/WhatsApp at +91 9988424211.
EAN-13 Barcode: Structure, Use, and Importance
EAN-13, short for European Article Number, is one of the most widely used barcode formats in the world. It consists of 13 digits and is a standardized system developed under GS1 for identifying retail products. EAN-13 barcodes are especially common in supermarkets, retail outlets, and product packaging, making them a key component of modern trade and supply chain systems.
Structure of EAN-13 Barcode
An EAN-13 barcode is made up of the following components:
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Country Code (First 3 Digits):
This identifies the country where the barcode was registered, not necessarily where the product is manufactured. For instance, barcodes starting with "890" are registered in India.
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Manufacturer Code (Next 4-6 Digits):
This portion is unique to the company or organization that registered the barcode. GS1 India or other local GS1 offices assign this code to businesses.
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Product Code (Next 3-5 Digits):
This is assigned by the manufacturer to uniquely identify a specific product, such as a particular brand or size of shampoo.
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Check Digit (Last Digit):
This is a mathematical digit used for error detection and ensures the accuracy of the scanned barcode.
Where EAN-13 is Used?
EAN-13 barcodes are primarily used for retail products. Whether it's a bottle of water, a packet of biscuits, or an electronic item, EAN-13 helps in automatic product identification at the point of sale. It allows for fast billing, stock tracking, and reduces human errors.
EAN-13 is supported by most barcode scanners and is accepted globally, making it ideal for both domestic and international trade.
Importance of EAN-13
The EAN-13 barcode simplifies inventory management, improves supply chain visibility, and ensures quick and accurate billing. It is a must-have for businesses wishing to sell products through supermarkets, retail chains, and e-commerce platforms like Amazon or Flipkart.
Documents Required for Barcode Registration
To successfully apply for Barcode Registration in India, the following documents are required:
- A formal letter requesting allotment of barcodes for the business.
- PAN card of the entity to verify tax identity.
- A copy of the audited balance sheet to determine financial standing.
- GST registration certificate to confirm tax compliance.
- Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership Deed as proof of business structure.
- Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association for companies.
- A copy of a cancelled cheque to validate bank account details.
These documents ensure that the applicant is a genuine business entity eligible for barcode allotment.
Process for Obtaining Barcode Registration
The Barcode Registration process in India is conducted online through GS1 India, the official authority that allocates barcodes in the country. The process involves the following steps:
Step 1 – Fill the Application
The first step begins by visiting the official website of GS1 India at https://www.gs1india.org. GS1 India is the only authorized body in the country responsible for issuing globally unique barcodes. On the homepage, you need to select the "Get Barcode" or "Apply for Barcode" option.
You’ll then be directed to an online registration form. In this form, you must enter accurate and complete business information. This includes the business name, type of entity (proprietorship, partnership, LLP, private limited company, etc.), address, contact details, nature of products, and turnover details. This data forms the base for your barcode application.
Step 2 – Upload Relevant Documents
After filling out the form, you must upload supporting documents that verify your business identity and operations. These documents generally include:
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PAN card of the entity or proprietor
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Certificate of Incorporation (for companies/LLPs)
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GST Registration Certificate
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Address Proof (such as utility bill or rent agreement)
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Copy of audited financial statements or ITR
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Product catalogue or description
These documents are necessary for GS1 India to verify the authenticity of the applicant and to approve the barcode license issuance.
Step 3 – Choose Type and Number of Barcodes
In this step, the applicant is required to select the type of barcode suitable for their products. The most commonly used format is EAN-13. Depending on your business model—whether it’s retail, pharma, food, etc.—you can choose accordingly.
You must also choose the number of barcodes needed. For each unique product (size, flavour, weight), a separate barcode is required. If your business has 10 different product variations, you’ll need at least 10 barcodes.
The quantity selected here determines the cost, as well as the subscription type—typically offered in 1-year, 3-year, or 10-year options.
Step 4 – Confirm Details
After choosing the barcode type and quantity, you will reach a summary page where all your entered information will be displayed. It is crucial to double-check every detail—such as business name, GSTIN, turnover amount, and the number of barcodes selected.
This is your final opportunity to make corrections before proceeding to payment. Errors in the application may cause unnecessary delays or rejections, so accuracy at this stage is critical.
Step 5 – Pay the Applicable Fees
Barcode registration fees in India are determined based on:
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Annual Turnover of the applicant
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Number of barcodes required
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Subscription period selected
For example, a small business with a turnover below ?5 crores may pay a lower fee than a medium or large enterprise. Payment is done online via net banking, debit/credit cards, or UPI.
Once payment is successfully made, the system generates an acknowledgment receipt confirming your submission and payment. This receipt must be saved for future reference.
Step 6 – Track the Status
After the application and payment are completed, applicants can track the progress of their barcode registration directly on the GS1 India portal.
Using your login credentials (created during application), you can log in and check updates on verification, approval, or if any document is pending or incorrect. Typically, once all requirements are met and documents are verified, the barcode allotment is made within 3-7 working days. Once approved, you will receive access to GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) which you can use to generate your barcodes and print them on product packaging.
For assistance with documentation, barcode selection, or error-free filing, businesses can contact Compliance Calendar LLP at info@ccoffice.in or +91 9988424211 for professional support in completing their barcode registration smoothly and accurately.
Barcode Registration Fees in India: Factors That Influence the Cost
The cost of barcode registration in India is not fixed and varies depending on several key factors. GS1 India, the authorized body responsible for issuing barcodes, has structured the fee model in a way that makes it accessible to businesses of all sizes—from startups to large enterprises.
1. Company Turnover
One of the most important criteria for determining the barcode registration fee is the annual turnover of the applicant’s business.
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For startups and small enterprises with a turnover below ?5 crores, the fees are relatively low.
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For medium and large businesses, with a turnover above ?5 crores, the registration fee is higher.
This ensures that barcode registration remains affordable for micro and small enterprises while keeping it scalable for larger companies.
2. Number of Barcodes Required
Another significant factor is the quantity of barcodes a business needs. Each distinct product and product variant (based on size, colour, or type) requires a separate barcode.
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Businesses with a wide product range need more barcodes, resulting in a higher cost.
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Those with fewer product lines may only need a limited number, which helps control expenses.
3. Subscription Period
GS1 India offers barcode subscriptions typically for 1 year, 3 years, or 10 years.
How Compliance Calendar LLP Facilitates Barcode Registration?
To get started with barcode registration:
- Upload Required Documents: Provide necessary business details on our web portal.
- Consult Our Advisors: Discuss the specifics of your product with our team.
- Choose a Package: Select the package that suits your needs and complete the payment.
- Verification Process: Our professionals will verify your documents and apply for barcode registration.
- Receive Your Barcodes: Upon successful registration, we’ll deliver your barcodes along with a certificate.
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