How Do I Get a Barcode for My Product?

Retail barcode packages (EAN-13 format) can be purchased on our Retail Barcodes page.

You can also order via email (we will supply you with a pro forma invoice so that you can pay by bank transfer).

What will you get?

If you order a standard retail barcode package, we will email the barcode numbers to you with the images as attached files.

You will receive:

– a unique EAN barcode number;
– a guarantee certificate
– barcode images (4 different formats: jpeg, pdf, png, svg)
– Barcode registration

You can then easily incorporate the barcode images into your product packaging and start using your barcode. When a retailer first receives your barcode and product they will scan the barcode into the system and input the product information. After this, whenever the barcode is scanned at the checkout, the product information will automatically appear.

The official retail barcode size is 37.29×25.93mm. The barcode can be officially shrunk to 80% of this (i.e. around 20x30mm) without the scannability being affected, however if it is reduced much more than this, barcode scanners will occasionally have trouble scanning the barcode. Also, some retailers require that the barcode meet the minimum specifications so, if at all possible the barcode should be above 80% of the standard size. Full specifications can be seen here.

What more can you get?

1. Barcode Labels

We can supply printed barcode labels to be stuck onto your product manually. These are guaranteed to be printed accurately and be easily scannable. These will be delivered to your door.

2. ITF-14 Carton Codes

These are barcodes for the outer cartons made from your EAN-13 barcode for use on cartons of a set quantity of the item. i.e. a box of 12 may have an ITF-14 carton code on them. These are required by some retailers, but are not always needed.

3. Verification

This is a test scan of your barcode to make sure it scans well. Some retailers require this. Please see ‘barcode acceptance‘ to find out if you will require this or not.

4. ISBN or ISSN Images

These are only required for books and magazines.

5. QR Codes

Many people like to have these link to their websites so that people can scan them with a smart phone and automatically link to their website.

6.  Code 128 or Code 39 Barcodes

These are sequential barcodes that are generated for asset tracking.

7. GLN Numbers

Some retailers require that you have a global location number (GLN) before they will accept your products into their store.

For more information please see this guide: Getting Started with Retail Barcodes.

Go here for CD barcodes, DVD barcodes, ISBN book barcodes and ISSN magazine barcodes.