How to Apply for Barcode Registration Online – Fees & Process

March 21, 2025

13 min read

Barcodes are vertical lines that are etched on a product which can then be scanned electronically to enable identifying and locating each product with the help of details mentioned on it. These details include product number, batch number, serial number, and additional identification marks. Due to the increase in industrialisation, this process has become a need of the hour as once barcode registration is done, product information can be done from the database instantly.

What is a Barcode?

Those vertical lines that you can see on any product when you are out shopping is called a barcode. It is basically a machine-readable image and is encrypted with parallel vertical lines with spacing and numbers, uniquely identifying each product. Often, when at a store, a product could be out of stock which can be quite disappointing. With a barcode, this issue can be resolved within seconds as the store clerk can check on his or her database and let you know which branch the required item will be available. This is an international process and makes identification of items beyond convenient and easy.

Advantages of Barcode Registration

Be it anywhere, malls, cinemas, general stores, grocery stores, supermarkets, etc. a barcode registration proves to be a beneficial process for all. A few of its inherent advantages include;

Easy Identification of the Product details – It is a global identification or recognition system that helps to scan the products at a faster pace.
Error Elimination – It removes the possibility of human error by completely eliminating manual entry and giving precise data. It additionally assists all the major departments in finding accurate information without unnecessary delays.
Time-Saving – The process of identifying the required product takes only a few seconds as all one has to do is scan the printed barcode affixed to the item and its details are displayed on the monitor immediately.
Improves Inventory Control – Barcode registration saves time for it makes it an easy and convenient process to track the items in stock at several branches which is of great help to all the supply chain departments.
Budget-Friendly – It is inexpensive to design and print. Moreover, barcodes can be customized as per the requirement in a cost-effective way.
Promotes Better Decision Making – The scanned Barcodes provide reliable data to the customers which helps them to take better decisions. This ultimately saves their time and money.
Detailed Information – Every barcode on the product will have every detail such as product code, batch numbers and serial numbers, making barcode registration a stellar concept.
Quick Billing – The price is always on the barcode so in case of misplacing or a mix and match of the price tag, the barcode will always give the right pricing at the billing counter, thus making billing extremely swift and convenient.
Unique Identification – Since no two products worldwide will have the same barcode, this form of identification is unique to only one product, making it one of the most convenient methods of segregating similar items.

How are Barcodes Used in Businesses?

We have already established the unique use of barcodes and all their advantages. Mentioned below are some of the uses of barcodes in businesses.

1. Tracking of Assets

The barcode system is primarily used for tracking as well as tagging assets in the asset software systems. This is especially useful considering most businesses today hold l a large number of IT assets.

2. Database for Inventory

Several large departments and stores house over thousands of products from different genres and keeping a track of them manually would just be a nightmare, and quite frankly, impossible. Through this code, literally all the steps of the product, right from manufacture to its final sale are kept recorded with barcodes.

3. Tracking of Returns

Barcodes are also very useful for tracking products that are being returned. This helps for physical stores but more helpful when it comes to online transactions. Barcodes are also attached to the invoices in many cases so that payments from customers can easily be tracked.

Types of Barcodes

There are various types of barcodes, which you can choose from depending on the type of product, assets or inventory. Have a look at the different types of barcodes as stated below;

Type of Barcode	Type of Industry
UPC-A or UPC/E	Retail industry
EAN-13	Retail industry
Code 93	Retail, Logistics and Manufacturing
Code 39	Automotive and Defence
GS1 Databar	Retail and Healthcare
Code 128	Supply chain
ITF	Packaging

Now let us have a look at how and where these barcodes are used;

1. UPC-A or UPC-E

Universal Product Code – It is used to label and scan goods at point of sale in the US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand

2. EAN-13

European Article Number is a 13 digit number for point of sale scanning specifically in Europe

3. Code 93

It enables additional security and it is a safe alternative to Code39

4. Code 39

Code 3 Of 9 – It encodes only 39 characters and is used in the automotive industry as well as the US Department of Defence

5. GS1 Databar

It is used in reducing Point of Sale (POS) transaction time. It depicts the information regarding the manufacture details, match number and expiry dates for ensuring food safety

6. Code 128

It is for non POS products and supports 128 character sets

7. ITF

It encodes 14 numeric digits. This type of barcode only uses numbers for encoding

8.1D Barcodes

It includes GS1-128 and ITF-14 formats, primarily used in global supply chains. GS1-128 can encode diverse data, such as serial numbers and expiration dates. ITF-14 barcodes hold the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) and are ideal for durable packaging like corrugated boxes.

9.2D Barcodes

Popular in e-commerce and payment systems, these can store extensive data (up to 7,000 digits or 4,000 characters). Commonly used for sharing website links, product videos, or integrating with tools like MS SQL and other databases.

How to Get Barcode for Products in India?

In order to generate barcodes for your products, you need to follow the process of barcode registration in India. It is quite simple and can be done by following the steps mentioned below;

Process of Registration

The process of barcode registration is quite simple and can be done by following the steps mentioned below;

1. Log on to https://www.gs1india.org/content/register-for-barcodes

2. Fill up all the requirements as mentioned

3. Upload necessary documents as mentioned

4. Choose the type of package you need and select it

5. Make the payment as per package chosen

6. Once order is placed, you shall be assigned to a representative

7. After due scrutiny and necessary approvals, your application process shall be submitted

8. Barcodes and certificates will be provided at the completion of application success

At any given time, if you need to speak to someone, there are several companies that offer these services. You can check the helpline numbers on their official website and ask for assistance.

How To Apply For Barcode Registration Online %E2%80%93 Fees Process Visual Selection

Documents Required for Barcode Registration

The following stated documents would be required at the time of registering for barcodes;

Letter for requesting allotment of barcode on the company letterhead
PAN card of the establishment
A copy of the audited financial statement of the previous year
VAT/GST registration certificates
A copy of cancelled cheque of the establishment
Partnership deed if any
Certificate of incorporation
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Articles of Association (AOA)

Barcode Registration Fees

The fees that will need to be paid for barcode registration is dependent on the following mentioned factors but will ideally range from Rs.44,000 to Rs. 220,000 There is no free barcode registration in India. The registration fees depend on:

Company turnover
Period of subscription
Amount of barcodes needed

The barcode price in India during the registration often consists of:

One-Time Fee: Paid upon initial registration for barcode numbers.

Membership Fee: Paid when registering with GSI India, varying by company size and needs.

Annual Renewal Fee: Ensures continued access to GS1 barcodes.
- Security Deposit: An interest-free refundable amount.
- Applicable Taxes: These vary by location and registration terms.

Additional Costs: Cover barcode generation and printing services, if outsourced.

Though not mandatory, the scanning of article number barcode is mandatory to book a article, especially in logistics and supply chains. This facilitates efficiency and accurate product tracking. For precise fee details, you should refer to GS1 India’s official website or customer service.

Other Important Information About Barcode Registration

Registration takes approximately 7 to 10 working days, post-document submission and fee payment.
Only brand owners can directly apply for a barcode number. Non-brand owners must apply separately for each brand.
You can register for barcodes in capacities of 100/ 1,000/ 10,000/ 1,00,000 numbers, depending on the current and projected product variants.
Changes to the number of barcodes cannot be made later. That is why it is critical to plan for both current SKUs and future needs.
If you run out of barcodes, you must register anew for more.
Additional documentation may be requested to complete GS1 registration.
Ensure timely renewal of subscriptions to avoid service interruptions for bar code for products.

Note: GS1 India does not authorise agents or intermediaries for its services. You need to contact GS1 offices directly to avoid unauthorised dealings.

Conclusion

It is now established with the details mentioned in the article how important it is to have a barcode on products. It provides efficiency, quick service and overall improves the whole process of product identifying which can otherwise be cumbersome and inefficient. With barcode registration made easy, despite it not being a mandatory requirement by the government, every establishment is opting for it. Now with growing technology, barcodes are an absolute must and almost no company, big or small, will function without them.

For businesses seeking streamlined financial solutions to support such technological advancements, Lendingkart offers tailored financing options to help you grow efficiently.

Barcode Registration FAQs:

1. Do barcodes work in all shops and stores?

Yes. If the shop/store in question has registered for the barcode, then it will definitely work along with all its branches throughout the world.

2. Which are the most popular type of barcodes?

Broadly, the two main kinds or barcodes are EAN (European article number) barcodes and UPC (Universal product code) barcodes.

3. Typically what type of information is printed on GS1 barcodes?

GS1 barcodes have the manufacturer details, batch number and expiry dates (in case of food).

4. For the application process of barcodes, do I personally need to be there?

No. The entire process can be done online in easy steps without you having to make any physical visits.

5. In case I want to apply for an international barcode, can I do so in India?

Yes. If you apply via International barcodes network (IBN), you would be eligible to register for an international barcode as well.

6. Is the price of the product also denoted on the barcode?

You can encode anything you like on the barcode. However, price is not usually part of the barcode information as price tags are attached separately on products.

7. In case someone wants a product that is unavailable in the store, can the barcode help in sourcing the same in other stores?

Of course! This is the main advantage of having a barcode. No matter which store that item is in, the barcode will help source it.

8. Is there a minimum or maximum limit on how many characters can fit on a barcode?

This depends on the type of barcode in question. Whereas some barcodes can have as little as 8 characters, others can go up to 2000.

9. Can I print my own barcodes?

Once your unique GS1 number comes through, you can use a barcode label printer, barcode printing software as well as barcode labels and print them out yourself.

10. Is there a specific size for barcodes or can they be custom made as per choice?

There are specific types of barcodes with specific sizing. However, since they range from a huge size difference, it is going to be easy to find the size you are most comfortable with.

11. How long does it take to complete the barcode registration process online?

The duration to complete the online barcode registration process varies. In India, bar code registration fees and processing times can differ based on the authorities involved and the type of product. Typically, it takes between a few days to a couple of weeks for completion. For precise timelines, consult the specific agency handling the bar code registration.

12. What are the different types of barcodes used for various products?

Barcodes for products vary, like UPC (Universal Product Code), EAN (European Article Numbering), and ISBN (International Standard Book Number). In India, the government mandates barcode registration for products, involving nominal fees for registration. This process, overseen by the GS1 India, ensures unique identification and traceability, supporting efficient inventory management and authenticity verification. The fees vary based on factors like the number of products and registration duration.

13. What is the role of the GS1 in barcode registration?

GS1 manages barcodes globally, ensuring unique identification for products. It plays a pivotal role in barcode registration, offering a standardized system. GS1 assigns unique codes, enabling accurate inventory tracking and streamlined supply chains. While barcode registration fees vary globally, in India, GS1 facilitates bar code registration, ensuring compliance and efficiency for businesses across industries.

14. Is barcode registration mandatory for all types of products, or are there exceptions?

In India, barcode registration is mandatory for most products, with a few exceptions. Certain categories like loose products or small-scale manufacturers might be exempt. The barcode registration fees vary based on the number of products and the issuing agency. However, it’s crucial to verify specific requirements for individual products to comply with the barcode registration regulations

15. Is there a penalty for not quoting the TAN in TDS or TCS transactions?

If you fail to quote the TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) in TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) or TCS (Tax Collected at Source) transactions, a penalty may be levied. The turnover limit for TAN registration varies by the type of business. You can apply for a TAN online, and it’s a unique 10-digit alphanumeric number used to track tax payments. Always ensure accurate TAN quoting to avoid penalties.

16. Can I modify the information on a registered barcode if needed?

Yes, you can modify registered barcode information, but it might involve additional barcode registration fees. In India, bar code registration allows updates, but fees may apply for alterations. Contact the relevant authorities or service providers for specific guidelines on modifying registered barcode details and associated costs to ensure compliance and accurate product information.