Barcode Registration - An Overview

Streamline Your Business with Barcode Registration through Trustra Advisory

Updated on: May 8th, 2025 Read Time: Approximately 3-4 minutes

In today's fast-paced industrial landscape, efficient product identification is paramount. The invention of the Universal Bar Code system in the 1970s revolutionized how businesses track and manage goods. A barcode, a machine-readable image of parallel lines and digits, instantly encodes vital product details like numbers, serials, and batch information.

Barcodes are indispensable for product identification across various sectors, including supermarkets, retail stores, and malls. Their inherent benefits – eliminating errors, cost-effectiveness, time-saving, and simplified inventory management – make them a crucial tool for businesses of all sizes. This global identification system ensures smooth operations for everyone in the supply chain, from manufacturers to logistics providers and wholesalers.

How Do Businesses Leverage Barcodes?

Businesses utilize barcodes in numerous ways to enhance efficiency and accuracy:

• Inventory Management: Large retailers rely on barcode systems to track thousands of products throughout their lifecycle, from manufacturing to the point of sale.
• Asset Tracking: Companies use barcodes to tag and monitor their valuable IT and other assets within asset management software.
• Returns Tracking: Barcodes facilitate the tracking of product returns, particularly in the e-commerce sector. They can also be linked to invoices for easier payment tracking.

Understanding Different Types of Barcodes

Several types of barcodes cater to different needs and geographical regions:

• EAN-13: The International Article Number (formerly European Article Number) is a 13-digit code widely used in Europe, India, and many other countries for retail product identification.
• UPC-A: The Universal Product Code is a 12-digit barcode commonly used in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Beyond these, GS1, a leading global organization, develops and maintains standards for various barcodes used in trade and logistics. Key GS1 barcode families include:

• GS1 EAN/UPC Family: The most common GS1 barcodes (GTINs/EANs) used for retail products.
• GS1 DataBar Family: Often used for fresh foods, carrying additional information like batch numbers, expiry dates, and weight.
• GS1 Barcodes (1D): Such as GS1-128 and ITF-14, designed for tracking items in global supply chains with varying data capacities.
• GS1 Barcodes (2D): Square or rectangular codes capable of holding significant amounts of information (up to 7000 digits or 4000 characters), popular for online payments, sharing links, and integrating with databases.

Obtaining Barcode Registration in India

In India, barcode registration is facilitated by GS1 India and the process is entirely online through their website: https://www.gs1india.org. The general steps involve:

1. Filling out the online application.
2. Uploading all necessary documents.
3. Selecting the required type and number of barcodes.
4. Confirming the details.
5. Paying the applicable fees.
6. Tracking the application status.

Essential Documents for Barcode Registration

To apply for barcode registration, you will typically need the following documents:

• Letter requesting barcode allotment on company letterhead.
• PAN card of the entity (or proprietor's PAN for proprietorships).
• Copy of the audited balance sheet to verify annual sales turnover.
• GST/VAT registration certificate.
• Certificate of Incorporation (for companies) or Partnership Deed (for firms).
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) for companies.
• Copy of a cancelled cheque or bank statement.
• Proof of status of the applicant company (depending on the business structure).

Understanding Barcode Registration Fees

The cost of barcode registration in India is determined by several factors:

• Annual Turnover: Higher turnover generally means higher fees.
• Number of Barcodes: The more barcodes you need, the higher the cost.
• Subscription Period: Fees vary based on the duration of the barcode subscription (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, or 10 years).

Based on these factors, the fees can range significantly. It's important to assess your current and future needs carefully when deciding on the number of barcodes and subscription period.

The Advantages of Barcode Registration

Registering for barcodes offers compelling benefits for your business:

• Reduced Errors: Automation minimizes manual data entry errors.
• Cost-Effective & Convenient: Barcodes are relatively easy and affordable to obtain, print, and customize.
• Detailed Information: Barcodes carry crucial product details, aiding in authenticity verification.
• Optimized Inventory: Smooth product movement and tracking lead to efficient inventory management.
• Time-Saving: Quickly scanning barcodes retrieves information, saving time in various processes.
• Accurate & Faster Billing: Automated information ensures billing accuracy and speed.
• Unique & Global Identification: Barcodes provide a globally recognized, unique identifier for each product.

How Trustra Advisory Can Assist You

While the process is online, navigating the requirements and ensuring a smooth application can be complex. Trustra Advisory specializes in simplifying business registrations and compliance for our clients. We can assist you with:

• Understanding your specific barcode needs based on your business and products.
• Compiling and verifying the necessary documentation.
• Guiding you through the online application process on the GS1 India website.
• Helping you determine the appropriate number of barcodes and subscription period.
• Providing support throughout the registration journey.

Avoid the hassle and ensure your barcode registration is handled efficiently. Partner with Trustra Advisory for expert guidance.