Barcodes are machine-readable codes containing numbers and patterns of parallel lines of varying

widths, used to identify a product. The lines and patterns on a barcode represent numbers and data,
enabling basic product information to be easily read by an optical scanning device, such as a barcode
scanner, and automatically entered into a computer system

It is also a very simple method of data entry and data collection and is used for supply monitoring,
job control and batch separation.

This significantly reduces the time needed to record product information and eliminates human data
entry errors.

Documents requirements for Barcode Registration in India

Required Documents

1. PAN Card of the Applicant Entity (for Proprietorship entity, PAN of Proprietor)
2. GST Registration Certificate (Optional- required in case of GST Registered)
3. Request Letter for Barcode allotment (on Company Letterhead)
4. Copy of Audited Balance Sheet
5. Certificate of Incorporation (Company/LLP)
6. Partnership Deed (for Partnership Firm)
7. Memorandum and Article of Association (for Company)
8. Cancelled Cheque Copy

How to obtain barcode registration?

1. Upload the required documents & business details to our web application.
2. Our team of advisors & experts will connect with you to know about the product for which
you are seeking barcode registration.
3. Choose a package and pay online with different payment modes available
4. On placing an order, your application shall be assigned to one of our dedicated professionals.
5. After documents & information scrutiny, our team will apply for product barcode
registration.
6. On successful barcode registration, we will provide barcodes and certificates.

What are the Different types of Barcodes?

There are various types of barcodes used in the industry. Some popular barcode forms are EAN
barcode (linear/1-dimensional barcode), QR code, and Datamatrix (2-dimensional barcodes).

Types of One-dimensional (1D) barcode or linear barcodes

UPC Code: UPC (Universal Product Code) has 2 variations, twelve & six numerical digits barcode.
They help to identify a product, uniquely and also minimize errors in order fulfilment. They are most
commonly used in Inventory Management

EAN (European Article Number) – EAN (European Article Number) is an 8 or 13 numerical digit
barcode generated by a standardized body known as GS1. It is used to identify the products in the
supply chain and helps to sell on various e-commerce platforms. It is a globally accepted barcode.

Code 39 – CODE 39 barcodes can encode up to 43 characters, including letters, numbers, and some
symbols, making them essential for industrial applications like automotive and electronics.
Code 93 – CODE 93 is an updated and fully secured version of Code 39 barcodes which can read both
letters and numbers. To encode special delivery information, these barcodes are used in fields like
Military, and automotive sectors.

GS1–128 – GS1-128 Barcodes are the barcodes mainly used for the shipping process among retailers.
These barcodes are the standard barcodes that provide a lot of data and also the meaning of data
throughout the supply chain.

Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes/matrix codes

A two-dimensional (2D) barcode converts data using dots, squares, and shapes, storing information
both vertically and horizontally. It’s ideal for web addresses, text, images, and coupons, and is also
very capable of holding up to 7,089 characters.

PDF417: PDF417 is a 2D Barcode, used in a variety of applications such as transport, inventory

management, and identification cards.

Data Matrix: A Data Matrix is a 2D code having black and white dots arranged in a square/rectangular
pattern, known as a matrix. The information encoded in this matrix can be text or numeric data.

QR Code: QR code (Quick Response Code) is a two-dimensional Barcode that can be easily read with
the help of a digital device. They are used to track the information of the products in a supply chain
and are also used in marketing & advertising campaigns.

There are many more 2D barcodes available such as PPN, Royal Mail Mail mark, Aztec Code, Giro
Code, Swiss QR Code, etc.

Tips to select barcode for your products

Here are some tips for selecting the right barcode for your product for a successful barcode
implementation plan:

 If you need to barcode a trade item that will be scanned at the retail point-of-sale (POS), the
first symbol of choice is the EAN/UPC symbol. This symbol is guaranteed to be scanned by
POS systems all over the world. In some cases, the use of GS1 Data Bar or GS1 standardised
2D symbols may apply.
 If you are printing a barcode with variable information like serial numbers, expiry dates, or
measures, then you may use GS1-128, GS1 Data Bar, or GS1 standardised 2D symbols.
 If you want to encode a URL into a barcode to make extended packaging information
available to the end consumer, then you should use a GS1 standardised 2D symbol.
 If you need to barcode an outer case to be scanned in a logistics environment, and you want
to print directly on a corrugated carton, GS1-128 or ITF-14 may be the choice for you.

Steps to Barcode your products

Step 1: The first step is to obtain a company prefix, that will help to create identification keys for
trade items, logistic units, locations, parties, assets, coupons, etc. which will be unique all around the
world.

Step 2: The next step is to provide what is to be barcoded and decide whether the barcode will carry
dynamic or static information inside it.
Static information (i.e. same information), can be printed using traditional printing presses directly
on the package or on a label that is applied to the package.

If the information is dynamic then either digital or a combination of digital and traditional printing
will be required.

For example:

Get a Company Prefix: If the product requires multi-colour graphics and a barcode with dynamic
data, the graphics could be pre-printed using traditional printing presses and leave a blank portion of
the label for digital printing inline during production and packaging.

Select Barcode printing process: If the product only requires text and a barcode with dynamic data, a
label could be printed inline and applied to the package. It could also be printed directly on the
package itself without using a label.

Printing Methods

Traditional: flexography and offset

Digital: thermal and laser

Direct Marking: e.g. etching, engraving

Select a "Primary" Scanning Environment: Barcode specification depends on where they will be
scanned. Barcodes scanned at retail point-of-sale require omnidirectional scanning. For barcodes
scanned at both POS and in warehouses, use a larger size for both environments. Healthcare items
scanned in hospitals and pharmacies may not need omnidirectional scanning unless the items are
also scanned at retail POS.

Select a barcode type, size, colour and placement

Selecting the right barcode for your product is critical to the success of your barcode implementation
plan. The size of the symbol within the design will depend on the symbol specified, where the
symbol will be used, and how the symbol will be printed.

The optimum colour combination for good contrast is black bars with a white background. Although
other colours are also available to choose from.

Barcode placement shall be done considering the packaging process and make sure the symbol does
not get obscured or damaged.

Barcode adoption across several Business sectors

Bar coding is used in so many areas because it has proved to be an adaptable and successful
technology. Historically the industrial sector was the early adopter of the bar code followed by retail.
Nowadays bar code technology has extended to many sectors of industry and commerce. including:

1. Automotive
2. Books
3. courier services
4. defence
5. electronics
6. food
7. health
 8. insurance
9. printing & packaging
10. transport
11. wholesaling.

In short, majorly all types of industry are now using bar codes to replace keyboard data input.

Common Application of Barcode in Businesses

1. Inventory Control: Implementing bar code solutions in warehouses enhances inventory
accuracy in receiving and dispatching products, and reduces errors. All the phases of the
product cycle from manufacture to sale can be tracked through the code.
2. Returns tracking: In online shopping, barcodes can be used to track returns. They can also be
attached to invoices to facilitate the tracking of payments from customers.
3. Receiving & Shipping Operations: Shipping companies depend on barcoding to get a large
number of packages transported quickly and efficiently from one transit hub to another.
4. Manufacturing Operations: Manufacturers use barcoding in the production cycle to help
track the product's progress and provide assembly and warehousing instructions.
5. Quality Control: Bar codes are also used in quality control for production systems as a part of
inspection procedures by using different codes to identify faults or rejections.
6. Asset Management: Barcodes are used to tag and track the internal assets of the company,
enhancing the security and maintenance process.

Advantages of Barcode Registration:

1. Detailed product information: Barcoding packs a great amount of information about the
supplier, serial number, purchase order number, product information, inventory location, and
other details that ensure product authenticity.
2. Data Accuracy: Precise data produces accurate reports on any operational function of a
company and allows for more accurate predictions.
3. Efficiency: Barcoding also enables users to work faster. Barcode scanning improves data entry
speed. It also eliminates the need for correcting data entry errors.
4. Cost-effective and convenient: Barcode registration is easy to obtain, cost-effective, and
convenient to print. The cost of printing and reading is minimal. It can also be customized to
meet specific business needs.
5. Unique and global identification: The bar-coding system facilitates unique and globally
recognized identification, ensuring that no two products have the same code.

FAQs
1. Is Barcode registration compulsory?
Barcode registration is not a government mandatory requirement. A retail barcode will work
fine even without registration because stores enter the barcode number and link it to their
billing or inventory software on an individual basis.
2. Is there any government scheme for MSME on Barcode registration?
Yes, the Financial Assistance Scheme is available, provided by the Ministry of MSME.
80% of one-time registration fees and the annual recurring fees for first 3 years for micro
enterprises, subject to maximum limit of Rs. 50,650/-