Barcode Registration

Overview

A barcode is a machine-readable code, printed as a pattern of parallel lines and numbers, that uniquely identifies a product and lets it be scanned at billing counters, in warehouses and across the supply chain. In India, standardised retail barcodes are issued by GS1 India, a not-for-profit standards body set up under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. GS1 India is the only authorised organisation in the country to allot GS1 barcodes (Global Trade Item Numbers, or GTINs) that are recognised worldwide.

Barcode registration is essential for any business that manufactures, distributes, exports or sells branded products. It is practically required to list products on retail chains and supermarkets and on e-commerce marketplaces such as Amazon, Flipkart and BigBasket, as well as for exports, since GS1 barcodes are accepted in over 150 countries.

On registration, a business receives a unique GS1 Company Prefix, from which it can create individual barcode numbers for each of its products. A separate barcode is needed for every distinct product variant – each size, colour, flavour or pack quantity. The registration is a paid annual subscription, with the fee depending on the number of barcodes required, the company's turnover and the subscription period chosen.

What is Barcode

A barcode is a standardised visual representation of data that can be read electronically by an optical scanner. On retail products it encodes a unique product identification number – the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) – which links the physical item to its details (name, price, batch, stock) in a business or retailer's system.

In India, retail barcodes follow the global GS1 standard and are issued by GS1 India. When a business registers, GS1 India allots it a unique Company Prefix; the business then generates its own product numbers from this prefix and converts them into a scannable barcode image to print on packaging.

Key points to understand:

• Only the Brand Owner (or an entity authorised by the brand owner) can apply for barcodes. Job workers and contract manufacturers should not register the brand owner's products under their own name.
• Each product variant needs its own unique barcode number; the same barcode cannot be reused for different products.
• Barcodes obtained from GS1 India are globally unique and accepted by retailers and customs across the world.

Types of Barcode

Barcodes are broadly divided into 1D (linear) and 2D (matrix) formats. The common types relevant to Indian businesses are:

• EAN-13 (European Article Number): A 13-digit numeric barcode and the most widely used retail barcode in India and most of the world. It is the standard format for products sold through shops, supermarkets and Indian e-commerce platforms.
• UPC-A (Universal Product Code): A 12-digit numeric barcode used mainly in the USA and Canada. Indian businesses exporting to North American markets often require UPC barcodes.
• EAN-8: A shorter 8-digit barcode used on small products where a full EAN-13 will not physically fit on the packaging.
• Code 128 / GS1-128: High-density linear barcodes used in logistics, warehousing and shipping. GS1-128 can carry additional data such as batch number, expiry date and quantity.
• ITF-14: Used on outer cartons and shipping cases to identify trade items packed in cartons.
• QR Code (2D): A square matrix barcode that stores large amounts of data and can link to web pages, product information or payment details. GS1 also supports a 2D barcode initiative (GS1 Digital Link) for next-generation retail.

For ordinary retail sale in India, the EAN-13 barcode is the one most businesses need.

Documents Required

Only PAN Card and Aadhaar Card are mandatory; the rest are optional.

• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport-size Photograph
• Address Proof (Utility / Electricity Bill)
• Bank Statement
• Audited Balance Sheet Copy
• Letter of Request (on company letterhead)
• Proof of Business Entity Type (GST/VAT, Shop & Establishment, Partnership Deed, MOA/AOA, or Trust/HUF/Society registration docs)
• GST Registration Certificate
• Udyam (MSME) Registration
• FSSAI License (if applicable)
• Product List with Descriptions
• Brand / Trademark Registration Certificate
• Company Logo

Apply for Barcode

Getting your GS1 barcode registration through TaxoSure is simple and fully assisted. Just follow these steps:

1. Visit TaxoSure. Go to taxosure.com and open this Barcode Registration page.
2. Login or Register. Create your free TaxoSure account, or log in if you already have one.
3. Upload your documents. Your KYC documents (PAN & Aadhaar) are auto-filled from your account; simply upload the remaining documents as per the checklist on this page.
4. Submit your application. Send your application to us in one click.
5. Talk to our consultant. Our consultant connects with you on WhatsApp / Call to confirm the details, share the pricing and begin the work.
6. Get your barcodes. Our experts complete the entire GS1 registration process and deliver your GS1 Company Prefix, GTINs and scannable barcode images to you.

Processing generally takes a few working days after the form, documents and fee are submitted, as per current GS1 India norms.

Benefits

Registering for GS1 barcodes offers several practical advantages:

• Global recognition: GS1 barcodes are accepted by retailers and customs authorities in over 150 countries, making products ready for both domestic retail and exports.
• Retail and e-commerce access: Barcodes are required to list products with organised retail chains, supermarkets and online marketplaces such as Amazon, Flipkart and BigBasket.
• Faster, error-free billing: Scanning at checkout speeds up billing and removes manual data-entry errors in pricing.
• Efficient inventory and supply chain: Automated stock tracking, faster stocktaking and smoother movement of goods through the supply chain.
• Unique product identification: Every product variant carries a globally unique number, preventing duplication and helping protect brand integrity.
• Professional image and trust: Properly barcoded products are easier for retailers and customers to accept, supporting credibility and expansion.

Under a Government scheme, eligible Micro and Small Enterprises may receive financial assistance towards GS1 barcode registration and renewal fees, as per the conditions in force from time to time.

Additional Details

• Issuing authority: GS1 India is the sole authorised body to issue GS1 (EAN/UPC) barcodes in India. Barcode numbers bought from unauthorised resellers may not be globally unique or accepted by retailers.
• Validity and renewal: A GS1 barcode subscription is valid for the period chosen at the time of registration (commonly one or more years) and must be renewed before expiry to keep the barcodes active and valid for use.
• One barcode per variant: A separate GTIN is required for each distinct product variant – different sizes, colours, flavours or pack quantities each need their own barcode.
• Capacity is fixed: The number of barcodes applied for cannot be increased within the same subscription, so businesses should plan their requirement carefully, allowing for future products.
• Who should apply: Only the brand owner, or an entity authorised by the brand owner, should register. Contract manufacturers and job workers should ask the brand owner to obtain the barcodes.
• Fees: The total cost depends on the number of barcodes, the company's annual turnover and the subscription duration. Exact charges are as per the current GS1 India fee schedule.

FAQs