In today’s fast-paced business world, efficient inventory management and product identification are essential for smooth operations. Barcodes have emerged as a simple yet powerful solution to streamline these processes. This article is aimed at businessmen looking to understand the basic steps involved in barcode registration and the associated costs, without getting lost in technical jargon.

How Can Businesses Use Barcodes?

Barcodes are used to provide a unique symbol, often parallel lines and a number, that can be read by the scanner to populate all the information of the product from the database.

Types of Barcodes

Before we delve into the registration process, it’s important to understand the various types of barcodes:

  1. EAN-13: Used in Europe, India, and other countries, it’s a 13-digit barcode.
  2. UPC-A: Common in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, it’s a 12-digit barcode.
  3. Databar Barcodes: These are used for fresh food products and contain additional information like batch numbers and expiry dates.
  4. 1D Barcodes: Such as GS1 128 and ITF-14, are versatile and ideal for tracking products in global supply chains.
  5. 2D Barcodes: Used for a wide range of applications, they can hold a large amount of information and are often used for online payments and data integration

How to Register a Barcode and Costs Involved

To register a barcode in India, you can follow these simple steps:

  • Step 1: Visit the GS1 India website at https://www.gs1india.org.
  • Step 2: Fill out the online application form and upload the required documents (the full list is mentioned below)
  • Step 3: Choose the type and number of barcodes you need.
  • Step 4: Review and confirm all the details provided.
  • Step 5: Pay the applicable fees, which depends on your company’s turnover, the number of barcodes required, and the subscription period. Fees typically range from Rs. 44,000 to Rs. 2,20,000.

Documents For Barcode Registration

  • Letter requesting allotment of barcode
  • PAN card of the entity
  • Copy of audited balance sheet
  • GST/VAT registration certificate
  • Certificate of incorporation/partnership deed
  • Memorandum of Association/Articles of Association
  • Copy of cancelled cheque
  • Fees For Barcode Registration

Advantages of Barcodes

  •  Error Reduction: Automation minimises errors by eliminating manual data entry.
  • Cost-Effective: Barcodes are easy to obtain and customize, making them cost-effective.
  • Detailed Information: Barcodes include vital product details, ensuring product authenticity.
  •  Optimized Inventory: Efficiently manage product movement through the supply chain.
  •  Time-Saving: Scanning barcodes speeds up processes and decision-making.
  •  Accurate Billing: Automation ensures accurate and efficient billing.

Global Identification: Barcodes provide globally recognized unique identification.
In conclusion, barcode registration is a simple and effective way to enhance business operations. Understanding the process and costs involved can help you make informed decisions and leverage the benefits of this global identification system.