What is Barcode Registration?
Barcode registration involves obtaining unique identification numbers for your products from GS1 India, the only authorized body for issuing globally recognized barcodes in India. These barcodes (starting with prefix 890) ensure your products can be uniquely identified, tracked, and sold across retail chains and e-commerce platforms worldwide.
Is it Mandatory? While not legally mandatory by the government, it is a commercial necessity. Most modern retailers (like Reliance Retail, Big Bazaar) and online marketplaces (like Amazon, Flipkart) require GS1 barcodes to list products.
Benefits of Barcode Registration
- Global Acceptance: GS1 barcodes are recognized in over 150 countries.
- Retail & E-commerce Listing: Essential for selling on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and in supermarkets.
- Inventory Management: Automates stock tracking, reducing errors and saving time.
- Brand Credibility: Enhances brand image and prevents counterfeiting.
- Government Tenders: Often a requirement for supplying goods to government agencies.
Types of Barcodes
GS1 India issues various types of barcodes based on usage:
- EAN-13: The standard 13-digit barcode used on retail products worldwide.
- UPC-A: 12-digit barcode primarily used in the USA and Canada.
- ITF-14: Used for outer packaging (cartons) for logistics and warehousing.
- GS1-128: Used for logistics to encode extra data like batch numbers and expiry dates.
- DataBar: Used for fresh foods and small items.
Eligibility Criteria
Any business entity can apply for barcode registration, including:
- Proprietorship Firms
- Partnership Firms & LLPs
- Private & Public Limited Companies
- Societies & Trusts
You must have a valid PAN card and proof of business registration.
Registration Process
- Application Submission: Fill out the application form on the GS1 India portal or through Easyfilings.
- Document Verification: Submit required documents like PAN, GST, and turnover proof.
- Fee Payment: Pay the registration and subscription fees based on your turnover and number of barcodes required.
- Allotment: GS1 India verifies the details and allots a unique Company Prefix.
- Generation: Use the company prefix to generate unique GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) for your products.
Documents Required
- PAN Card: Of the company or proprietor.
- Business Registration Proof: GST Certificate, Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, or Shop & Establishment Certificate.
- Turnover Proof: Balance Sheet or CA Certificate (not required for new companies).
- Cancelled Cheque: Copy of a cancelled cheque of the business bank account.
- Request Letter: On company letterhead requesting barcode allotment.
Fees & Costs
The cost structure set by GS1 India includes a One-time Registration Fee and an Annual Renewal Fee. The fees depend on:
- Company Turnover: Annual sales turnover of the business.
- Number of Barcodes: The batch size required (e.g., 100, 1,000, 10,000, 1 Lakh).
MSME Subsidy: The Ministry of MSME offers a reimbursement scheme for micro-enterprises, covering up to 80% of the registration and annual fees for the first three years.
Validity and Renewal
Validity: Barcode registration is typically valid for 1 to 10 years, depending on the subscription plan chosen.
Renewal: You must renew your subscription annually (or as per your plan) to keep the barcodes active. Failure to renew can lead to deactivation, causing issues with product listings on retail and e-commerce platforms.
DataKart: Registered members get access to DataKart, a repository to manage and share product data with retailers globally.
