Barcoding - getting it right - Recommendations for best practice by GS1 UK - v9
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Barcoding – getting it right
Recommendations for best practice by GS1 UK
v9
Version 9
Barcoding – getting it right About GS1 UK GS1 UK is a not-for-profit organisation owned by its members. We develop and implement global supply chain standards to make it faster, cheaper and safer for our members to serve their customers, regardless of where they are in the world. The basis of our standards is the accurate identification of items such as products, assets, and even patients. We license globally unique numbers so that organisations can identify their items and develop global standards to help them share accurate data with their trading partners. We use our standards to develop solutions such as master data management, traceability and asset tracking, which can tackle real issues in the supply chain. GS1 standards are used over a billion times a day by millions of businesses globally. GS1 UK was founded over 40 years ago and is one of 115 GS1 member organisations in over 150 countries worldwide.
Barcoding – getting it right
Foreword
Barcoding has transformed value Printing a good quality barcode
chain management over the last that conforms to GS1 standards
twenty years, and the ability to may cost more than printing
capture data automatically at unscannable symbols,
every significant point in the chain but the benefits outweigh the
enables faster and more efficient costs. This booklet sets out
management. We are moving recommendations for best practice
closer to the point when all the that will require investment in
trading organisations in any value appropriate staff and equipment.
chain can begin to work together
as one linked enterprise, with the This advice is provided by GS1 UK
scanning of products providing a which is responsible for ensuring
flow of information that informs all that UK users have the support
other actions. they need in their use of the GS1
system. If the application of any
of these guidelines is unclear,
please contact the staff of GS1
UK for clarification. More detailed
The accuracy of barcodes remains information about the technical
fundamentally important because aspects of the system can be
when a barcode fails to scan it obtained from GS1 UK and by
adds cost to the trading process. consulting the GS1 General
At best data has to be keyed in Specifications which are available
manually, and at worst customers to members at the website
may reject a complete consignment www.gs1uk.org.
of goods, resulting in lost sales and
possible financial penalties. It has
been estimated that the cost of
poor barcode quality in the UK is
somewhere between £500 million James D Spittle
Chairman, GS1 UK
and £1 billion pounds per year, and
this booklet explains clearly how to
achieve accurate barcodes that will
scan the first time, every time.
Barcodes used in open trade
must meet the requirements of
the GS1 system which is managed
globally by GS1. In the UK these
GS1 standards are promoted and
supported by GS1 UK.
1
Barcoding – getting it right
Contents
Foreword 1
1. What barcodes do 4
2.Number allocation 5
What happens when a consumer unit is also a traded unit?
Number notification
Re-using item numbers
3. T
he ideal barcode 7
For consumer units
For traded units
For logistics units, for example pallets
Barcode origination
Barcode colours
4. Choosing the correct barcode 12
5. Barcodes on consumer units 13
Main requirements
X-dimension
Quiet Zones
6. Barcodes on traded units 15
Using EAN-13 or UPC-A barcodes
Using ITF-14 barcodes
Main requirements
Bearer bars
Quiet Zone indicators
Using GS1-128 barcodes
Main requirements
Bearer bars
Light margin indicators
When are brackets required around the application identifiers?
Products with a shelf life of up to 42 days
Variable measure products
7. Pallet labels 21
Position of label on pallet
8. The verification process 24
9. Common problems to avoid 27
10. Checklist 31
2
Barcoding – getting it right
11. Summary of best practice recommendations 32
12. Barcode management 34
13. Glossary of terms 35
Appendix 1 37
Barcode dimensions
Appendix 2 38
GS1 Barcode specifications
Appendix 3 39
Creating GTINs and SSCCs
Global trade item numbers
Creating GTIN-13s
Creating GTIN-12s
Creating branded variable measure restricted circulation numbers (RCNs)
Creating own-label variable measure restricted circulation numbers (RCNs)
Creating GTIN-14s
Component parts of GTIN-14
Creating SSCCs
Check digit calculation
Appendix 4 44
Printing techniques
Printing on demand
Appendix 5 46
Printing GS1-128 barcodes
Function 1
Choosing the correct character set
Concatenation
Choosing the correct size
Height of bars
Keeping adequate Quiet Zones
When are brackets required around the application identifiers?
Determining the length of a GS1-128 barcode
Choosing the correct application identifiers
Appendix 6 49
Symbol show through
Appendix 7 50
How X-dimensions and magnification factors compare
Further information 51
3
Barcoding – getting it right
1. What barcodes do
All barcodes represent data in
a machine readable form. The
different widths of bars and spaces
in a barcode represent different
numbers or letters which can be
decoded by a scanner. The data is
then sent back to the appropriate
computer system where it is
recorded and used to prompt
further action.
Barcodes used at the retail point of
sale represent a global trade item
number (GTIN) which acts as a key
to information held on a database.
It is important that each GTIN
correctly identifies the product and
that the barcode representing this
5 012345 000053 >
number can easily be seen and
scanned successfully.
The barcodes used on outer cases This booklet will explain more
(trade items that do not cross a about the printing and positioning
retail point of sale) will sometimes of barcodes, but it is not intended
represent a GTIN by itself. When it as a replacement for the GS1
is also necessary to have additional General Specifications. These
information such as expiry dates, specifications are available free of
batch information or serial numbers charge to GS1 UK members via the
in a machine readable form, GS1 UK website at www.gs1uk.org.
this will also be included in the
barcode.
Logistics labels are used to identify
the units transported in the supply
chain and examples include pallets
of goods.
All of the barcodes in the
GS1 system carry GS1 standard
data. These standards are agreed
internationally by GS1 members
and are the basis for effective
unambiguous communications
between companies in value
chains and their final customers.
4
Barcoding – getting it right
2. GTIN management
The Global Trade Item Number The number allocated to a
(GTIN) Management Standard is consumer unit (an item that could
designed to help industry make be sold at a retail point of sale)
consistent decisions about the must be changed when:
unique identification of trade items
in open supply chains. It is vitally • the declared weight is different
important that each company
barcoding its products has a •e
xtra product is provided free, for
unique company prefix number example 10% extra
from GS1 UK or another GS1
authority. This number is then used • t hename of the product changes,
as the basis for the creation of for example from Marathon™ to
unique global trade item numbers Snickers™ Different numbers are required on
(GTINs) as explained in appendix 3. outer cases (traded units or trade
•a
price that is pre-printed on the items that do not cross a retail
Each company must ensure that packaging is changed point of sale) when:
every different product line has
a different number. If particular Numbers allocated to consumer • t hey contain different quantities
levels of packaging also need to units must remain unaltered when of the same consumer unit
be identified for trading purposes,
then each level being identified •a
promotional offer is being • t he products inside the outer
requires a different number. advertised case have a new item number
• t he undeclared weight changes •a
promotion needs to be
by an amount that does not distinguished for ordering and
affect its handling within any invoicing purposes
supply chain
• t he packaging of the consumer
•a
minor packaging change, units changes significantly, for
for example a different type of example when a glass container
similar packaging material is replaces a plastic container
now being used
Changes of number are required
when the outer case needs to
be distinguished from any other
outer case. Changes in packaging
material may affect the gross
weight of the item even though
all other aspects are unaltered.
This weight change may affect the
logistics processes involved in the
product’s handling, so a different
number is required.
If the product is only ever sold
at a traded unit level, either an
EAN-13 barcode of at least 150%
magnification, or an ITF-14 or
Example of a business scenario that requires a GTIN change - the height of the GS1-128 barcode must be used.
product changes by 43% from 7cm to 10cm
5
Barcoding – getting it right
What happens when a
consumer unit is also a
traded unit?
When a product is traded between
companies and also sold at the
retail point of sale, the product is
both a traded unit and a consumer
unit. Examples are a sack of
potatoes, a toaster or a 12-pack
of canned drinks. It does not need
a new number for the second
purpose as its identity is still
the same.
Number notification
Re-using item numbers A document fully explaining
the Global Trade Item Number
Poor communication of item
(GTIN) Management Standard is
numbers between trading partners The GS1 rules about the reuse
available from https://www.gs1.
prevents effective handling of of GTINs are changing, so that
org/1/gtinrules//en/
trade information. Following good from December 2018 a GTIN must
practice will achieve immediate never be reassigned to identify a
improvements, at no extra cost. different trade item. This change
means that a GTIN will only ever
• For proprietary branded products identify one trade item, so making
the manufacturer or supplier will the traceability and tracking of
notify the wholesalers or retailers a product unambiguous in any
of the GTINs being used supply chain.
• For own brand products, the The only exception is when a GTIN
retailer or wholesaler will let has been assigned to a product
the manufacturer know which that has never been actually
numbers are to be used to produced. In this case the GTIN
identify new products may be reused 12 months after it
has been deleted from the seller’s
When a new product is being catalogue.
introduced, all the GTINs that
relate to it must be notified to all A product that has been withdrawn
the trading partners before the from the market and then
products are first supplied. reintroduced may use the same
GTIN if the product has not been
changed.
If you are concerned about running
out of GTINs to allocate to new
products, please contact GS1 UK
for help and advice.
6
Barcoding – getting it right
3. The ideal barcode
The ideal barcode is one that •B
arcodes must be in the same
represents the correct data, and location on all similar shaped
EAN-13
can be easily scanned. The GS1 products
General Specifications explain how
to choose the correct size for a •T
he barcode must be no
barcode and recommend the use closer than 8 mm to a seam or
of verification equipment which can packaging fold
measure how well a barcode has
been printed and give an indication •T
he barcode must be on a flat
of how easily it will be scanned in or consistently curved surface
practice.
UPC-A
•T
he barcodes on consumer units
The correct type of barcode must must not be visible through the
be chosen before including it on outer packaging
the packaging of the product.
The different types of product •F
or products with curved
and barcodes are explained below. surfaces, place the barcode
on the flattest surface.
0 12345 67890 5
For consumer units
•F
or small cylindrical products
Scanners at the retail point of sale the barcode must be positioned EAN-8
are designed to read EAN-13, UPC- vertically (in ladder orientation*),
A, EAN-8 and UPC-E barcodes so that the curvature of the
so one of these symbols must be product results in an apparent
used. Most UK users will use EAN- loss of height of the bars.
13 barcodes on their products (or
EAN-8 barcodes for very small If printed horizontally on a cylindrical
products). item, such as a can, the total width of
the barcode, including its quiet zones, UPC-E
must take up no more than one sixth
of the product’s circumference. For
further details see section titled ‘Trade
items with curved surfaces’ in the GS1
General Specifications.
0 123456 5
Difference between ‘Ladder’ and ‘Picket Fence’ orientation All of these barcodes are
at 100% magnification.
The ideal barcode is one
that represents the correct
data, is printed within the
allowable range of sizes and
Ladder orientation Picket fence orientation
scans first time.
7
Barcoding – getting it right
For traded units very important that the barcodes
on the consumer units inside them
cannot be scanned at these points
Scanners in warehousing and
of sale.
distribution and at the wholesale
point of sale are designed to read
A minimum of one barcode is
EAN-13, UPC-A, ITF-14 and GS1-
required, but two are
128 barcodes, so one of these must
recommended when the barcodes
be used. The symbols used on very
are pre-printed direct onto the
small products, the EAN-8 and
outer packaging. This is because
UPC-E barcodes, will not generally
the cost of pre-printing an extra Symbol placement on cartons
be used on traded units. and outer cases
symbol is minimal, and should one
barcode become damaged and For cartons and outer cases,
Traded units may be handled
unreadable, the second one should symbol placement will vary
automatically by goods inward slightly in practice, however the
still be scannable. When two
and warehouse systems and so target placement for the bottom
symbols are provided, ideally one
the barcodes must always be of the barcode is 32 millimetres
should be on a short side and the (1.25 inches) from the natural
printed so that the bars of the
other on the adjacent long right base of the item. The symbol
symbol are upright when the unit
hand side, but they can be placed including, its Quiet Zones,should
is in its normal storage position. be at least 19 millimetres (0.75
on opposite sides if this means
Traded units will often be sold at inch) from any vertical edge to
they will both remain scannable.
a wholesale point of sale, and it is avoid damage.
ITF-14 barcode with X-dimension of 0.635 mm
GS1-128 barcode with X-dimension of 0.50 mm
The data in this barcode provides the information that the GTIN is
25012345678904 and that the product’s expiry date
is 25th December 2018.
8Barcoding – getting it right
If barcoded labels are being used, obscured by any final packaging •T
he minimum height of the
then one label is sufficient. This bars of all the barcodes must
is because these barcodes are be 32 mm. There is no maximum
generally of a higher quality and height for the barcode
For logistics units, for
will be scanned more reliably. This
example pallets
label should ideally be placed on •T
he barcodes must be upright,
one long side of the item. in picket fence orientation
Scanners used to read labels on
•T
he barcodes on consumer units logistics units are designed to read
inside the outer case must not GS1-128 barcodes.
be scannable through the outer
packaging All the barcodes on the pallet label
must be GS1-128 barcodes.
•T
he barcodes must be upright, in
picket fence orientation, so that •T
here must be two identical
the bars are vertical labels on each unit
•T
he minimum height of the bars •O
ne label must be placed on a
of the barcode must be 32 mm short side and the second label
must be placed on an adjacent
•T
he barcodes including their long side
Quiet Zones must be no closer
than 19 mm to a vertical edge •T
he barcodes including their
Quiet Zones must be no closer
• The barcodes must not be than 50 mm to a vertical edge
9Barcoding – getting it right
Barcode origination Barcode colours Any colours used for the printing of
the bars must be pure colours, and
not printed out of the conventional
Barcodes can be sourced as Barcodes must be printed so that
four colour process. It is not always
digital files, in EPS (encapsulated the darker bars appear against a
necessary to introduce black as an
PostScript) or TIFF (tagged image paler background. It is not possible
extra colour to print the bars if one
file format) formats, or through to read a barcode if it is reversed
of the colours already used in the
the use of design software used out, that is, printed with white bars
design will appear black under
in-house. Whichever method is against a coloured background.
red light.
used it is important to determine Scanners detect the contrast
the correct size for the particular between the bars and spaces using
use of the barcode, taking into red light, and it is important to
account the choice of substrate use colours that will maximise this
and printing technique. contrast.
More details are provided in If using a semi-transparent
appendix 4. substrate, do not rely on the colour
of the contents of the packaging
It is recommended that the to provide a background colour:
barcodes on the finished products print a background in white,
are then verified to ensure that yellow, orange or red to provide
all the production processes have adequate contrast with the bars
resulted in a scannable barcode. of the symbol. Black bars on a
Verification equipment meeting the white background are a good
requirements of ISO/IEC 15426-1 combination, but other colours may
must be used as it will provide a be used provided the bars have a
check on all the important criteria. high blue, black or green content
and are printed on a background
More information about that is white, yellow, orange or
verification is provided in red. The illustrations overleaf show
section 8. examples of scannable and non-
scannable combinations of colour.
This verification is strongly
recommended because poor Verifiers that meet the
quality, unscannable barcodes requirements of the international
create additional cost and delay specification ISO/IEC 15426-1 are
for supply chain and point of sale able to measure the contrast of a
operations. printed barcode, and they may be
used to check that particular colour
combinations are scannable.
10Barcoding – getting it right
Barcode colours
Scanners use red light and only certain colour combinations can be used.
Scannable Non-scannable
11Barcoding – getting it right
4. Choosing the correct barcode
5. If the traded unit has a short
shelf life, say less than 42 days,
use a GS1-128 barcode to
encode the GTIN for the item
and its expiry date. Most users
will not be able to achieve a
symbol of adequate quality
unless they use print and apply
labels or use white kraft board
as the substrate.
6. If the traded unit has to
be barcoded with extra
information, such as a batch
number or variant number, use
a GS1-128 barcode to encode
this information together with
the GTIN.
7. If the traded unit is of variable
measure, use a GS1-128
barcode, which will encode the
The rules set out below will help 3. If the traded unit could also be
measure (often the weight in
you choose the correct barcode for sold at a retail point of sale (for
kilograms) alongside the GTIN.
each level of packaging. example, a box of 24 cans of
beer), it must be barcoded with
8. If pallets are being labelled,
1. If the product is a consumer at least one EAN-13 or UPC-A
only GS1-128 barcodes must
unit (it could be sold at a retail at a magnification of at least
be used on the label.
point of sale), use an EAN- 150%.1
13, UPC-A, EAN-8 or UPC-E
barcode to identify it. 4. If EAN-13 or UPC-A symbols
are printed on a traded unit,
2. If the product is a traded unit make sure that the packaging
(a product that will not be sold materials are of an adequate
at a retail point of sale), any quality to allow for scannable
of the GS1 barcodes may be symbols to be printed. The
used. However if barcodes are outer packaging of the traded
printed direct onto fibreboard unit must also obscure all the
packaging, ITF-14 symbols may barcodes that appear on the
need to be used. products inside it.
*The size of a barcode is specified in terms of its X-dimension. The X-dimension
is the width of the narrowest bars and spaces of a barcode. In the past the term
“magnification factor” was extensively used to specify the size of a barcode. This
technique relied upon setting a nominal size (100%) that was directly related to a
given X-dimension. Since January 2000, the term “X-dimension” has been used to
specify permissible symbol sizes. (see Appendix 2 on page 38).
12Barcoding – getting it right
5. Barcodes on consumer units
Consumer units (items that may be The EAN-8 barcode represents
sold at a retail point of sale) must a GTIN-8 number which is directly
EAN-13
be barcoded with EAN-13, UPC-A, assigned by GS1 UK for the
EAN-8 or UPC-E symbols, and they identification of very small items.
are shown here. In these examples
the barcodes are shown at a size of The UPC-E barcode is a special
100%. Whenever symbols are made representation of a GTIN-12
smaller or larger they must be kept number that would otherwise
in proportion. The height of the be shown in a UPC-A barcode
bars should not be reduced unless symbol. These barcodes can be
absolutely necessary as this makes scanned in the UK but they are not
the barcode more difficult to scan. generally available for UK users to
create. Further information about UPC-A
The UPC-A barcodes are the these symbols is available in the
American equivalent of EAN-13 GS1 General Specifications and
barcodes and occupy the same from GS1 UK.
area as an EAN-13 barcode.
They can be used in the UK and These four symbols – EAN-13,
elsewhere with no problem. EAN-8, UPC-A and UPC-E – are
0 12345 67890 5
sometimes referred to as EAN/
UPC symbols. The barcodes have
a nominal or 100% size which can
be varied, and the size chosen will EAN-8
depend on the printing process
and the quality of the inks and
substrates being used. Appendix 2
lists the width and height of EAN-
13 and EAN-8 barcode symbols at
different sizes.
UPC-E
0 123456 5
All of these barcodes are
at 100% magnification.
13Barcoding – getting it right
Main requirements X-dimension Quiet Zones
• The bars of the codes must When any of these barcodes is at The clear spaces to the left and
not be shortened in height its nominal or 100% size the width right of each barcode are very
(truncated) unless the product’s of the narrowest bar or space is important as they are used by the
size makes this absolutely 0.33 mm. This measurement is also scanner to determine where the
necessary known as the X-dimension or the barcode starts and finishes. These
module width, and this expression Quiet Zones must be the same
• Adequate light margins or Quiet may sometimes be used to specify background colour as the rest of
Zones must be provided to the the size of a barcode. The width the barcode and nothing must be
left and right of each barcode. of the other bars and spaces printed in these areas except for
is two, three or four times the the symbol’s Quiet Zone indicators.
• The target size is 100% but X-dimension. These Quiet Zone indicators are
the standards allow a range optional, but they are strongly
between 80% and 200%. However, recommended to help safeguard
keep them in the 80% to 120% the Quiet Zones.
magnification range if print
quality allows. The nominal dimensions for these
Quiet Zones are provided in
When printing barcodes smaller appendix 1, but it is important to
than 100% remember that the allow slightly more than this space
printing tolerances are much at each side to allow for variation in
tighter, and you must use high printing tolerances.
quality printing processes. It is not
always possible to improve the
quality of the printing process so
tests must be carried out before
committing to a particular size of
symbol. If the consumer unit is also
a traded unit, please see the next
section for advice on the barcode’s
size.
14Barcoding – getting it right
6. Barcodes on traded units
Traded units are sometimes Using EAN-13 or UPC-A •T
he barcode must have Quiet
called outer cases or trade item barcodes Zones to the left and right, and
groupings. These traded units the use of quiet zone indicators
may cross a wholesale point of is strongly recommended as a
If an EAN-13 or UPC-A barcode
sale, and may also be scanned in means of safeguarding these
is printed on the packaging of a
automated goods handling systems
traded unit:
and at goods receiving and •T
he barcode must be upright, in
despatch points. They are handled picket fence orientation, so that
•T
he barcode must have a
by manufacturers, distributors, the bars are vertical
magnification of at least 150%, so
transporters, wholesalers, and
that the width of the narrowest
retailers. They usually contain a • The
barcode including its quiet
bars is at least 0.495 mm
predefined number of consumer zones must be no closer than
units, the items sold at a retail 19mm to a vertical edge. The
•A
minimum of one barcode
point of sale. bottom of the barcode should be
is required, but two are
approximately 32mm above the
recommended when the
These items can be barcoded natural base of the item – Please
barcodes are pre-printed direct
with EAN-13, UPC-A, ITF-14 or see the image on page 8.
onto the outer packaging. If
GS1-128 symbols depending
possible, one barcode should be
on the type of outer case
on a short side and the other on
packaging material being used and
the adjacent long right hand side.
the type of information required by
trading partners.
• It must not be possible to scan
any of the EAN or UPC barcodes
Some products, such as washing
on any of the items inside
machines, furniture and large
through the outer packaging.
multipacks, are both traded units
For further information see
and consumer units. If this is
appendix 7
the case, the item number is the
same for both uses. An EAN-13 or
UPC-A symbol is required for the
retail point of sale.
Examples of EAN-13 and UPC-A barcodes printed at a magnification of 150% are shown below:
EAN-13 UPC-A
15Barcoding – getting it right
ITF-14 barcode at nominal size
Using ITF-14 barcodes ITF-14 barcode with X-dimension of 0.635 mm
It may be necessary to use ITF-14
symbols when barcodes are being
printed directly on to fibreboard
outer cases. If you have to provide
extra variable information such as
expiry dates or batch numbers, you
will have to use GS1-128 barcodes
which are explained below.
Examples of an ITF-14 symbol
printed at its nominal size
(equivalent to an X-dimension
of 1.016 mm) and at reduced
sizes with X-dimensions of 0.635
mm and 0.495 mm are shown ITF-14 barcode with X-dimension of 0.495 mm
alongside. Although the
X-dimensions are smaller, the
height of the bars remains at
32 mm, as shown here. As
with the EAN/UPC symbols the
aim is to print a scannable barcode
within the specified size range.
16Barcoding – getting it right
Using ITF-14 barcodes •T
he wide to narrow ratio for the Bearer bars
bars and spaces should be 2.5:1.
The acceptable range is from
Main requirements The heavy box around the ITF-14
2.25:1 to 3.0:1.
symbol is called the bearer box
and it must always be included
•W
hen printing directly onto •T
he barcodes on the consumer
when pre-printing directly on to
fibreboard cases use symbols units inside the outer case must
fibreboard materials.
which have a maximum not be scannable through the
X-dimension of 1.016 mm outer packaging. For further
If the ITF-14 symbol is printed
information see appendix 6
using on-demand printing
•A
minimum of one barcode
equipment it is only necessary to
is required, but two are •T
he barcodes must be upright, in
print the top and bottom bearer
recommended when the picket fence orientation, so that
bars and these should have a width
barcodes are pre-printed direct the bars are vertical
of at least 1 mm.
onto the outer packaging. If
possible, one barcode should be •T
he barcodes including their
These bearer bars prevent any mis-
on a short side and the other on Quiet Zones must be no closer
scanning of the ITF-14 symbols,
an adjacent long side. Only one than 19 mm to a vertical edge
and help prevent the top and
barcode is required if a label is
bottom of the bars from splaying
used or the barcode is printed on •T
he minimum acceptable size for
apart when using flexographic
demand ITF-14 symbols is an X-dimension
printing plates. When these
of 0.495 mm
barcodes are printed on demand
•T
he bars must be 32 mm tall. This
the bearer bar still prevents mis-
height is needed to help improve •O
nly use ITF-14 symbols with
scans and may also provide a
the performance of automated an X-dimension of less than
visible check that all the print head
scanning systems 0.635 mm when printing on to
elements are working.
labels, or directly on to high
•C
lear Quiet Zones must be quality substrates; samples will
provided on both sides of the need to be checked to ensure
symbol that these symbols are scannable Quiet Zone indicators
Quiet Zone indicators are not
mandatory but are strongly
recommended. Users of ITF-14
symbols must be confident that
adequate Quiet Zones are being
provided.
It is also important to check that
the barcodes are not obscured by
any final wrapping or treatment of
the item.
17Barcoding – getting it right
Using GS1-128 The size of the GS1-128 barcode
barcodes will depend on the amount of The barcodes on the
information it includes:
consumer units inside the
These barcodes, together with the
•M
ake sure no barcode, including outer case must not be
application identifier standards,
its Quiet Zones, is longer than
enable companies to provide scannable through the outer
165 mm
additional information about a
packaging. For further
product alongside the GTIN for
• If the barcode would be too long,
the product itself. These barcodes information see appendix 6.
use two or more barcodes to
cannot be scanned at the retail
show the information
point of sale so they are restricted
to use on traded units.
•W
hen printing on fibreboard,
use symbols which have an
These barcodes are recommended Main requirements
X-dimension of 1.016 mm
when it is necessary to be able to
scan
•A
minimum of one barcode •T
he minimum bar height is
is required, but two are 32 mm. This improves the
• Use by and best before dates
recommended if these are performance of automated
pre-printed direct onto the outer scanning systems
• Measurements for variable
packaging. One barcoded label
measure products
or one on-demand printed •T
he barcodes must be upright,
symbol is sufficient. in picket fence orientation, so
• Batch and serial numbers
that the bars are vertical
•W
hen printing on labels, the
The different types of data must
minimum size is an •T
he barcodes including their
be specified by the application
X-dimension of 0.495 mm, which Quiet Zones must be no closer
identifiers which appear before
means the narrowest bars and than 19 mm to a vertical edge
each data field. The brackets are
spaces have a width of 0.495 mm
only shown around the human
readable numbers below the
barcode. The brackets are not
data and must not be encoded
into the symbol. Full details about
the choice of application identifiers
are provided in appendix 5 and
in the GS1 General Specifications
which are available to GS1 UK
members via the GS1 UK website
at www.gs1uk.org
18Barcoding – getting it right
Bearer bars When are brackets required
around the application
identifiers?
These are not mandatory but
are strongly recommended to
highlight barcode printing Brackets are used around each
problems. When GS1-128 barcodes application identifier (AI) when the
are printed on demand in picket data is printed below the barcode.
fence orientation any missing This makes it easier for people to
print head elements will show up read the AI and the data it defines.
as white gaps in the bearer bars The brackets must not be encoded
at the top of the symbol. The use into the GS1-128 symbol itself.
of bearer bars will help ensure
accurate production of these
symbols.
Products with a shelf life
of up to 42 days
Quiet Zone indicators
In the UK many retailers expect
shelf life dates to be barcoded on
Quiet Zone indicators are not traded units that contain products
mandatory but are strongly whose shelf life is less than 42 days.
recommended. Users must be
confident that sufficient Quiet An example of a barcode for a
Zones are provided at each side short life product is shown below.
of the symbol. The diagram below
provides an example of a suitable The AI 01 defines the GTIN for the
format for these. product while the AI 17 defines the
expiry date in the format YYMMDD.
If a best before date is required,
the AI 15 is used.
GS1-128 barcode with X-dimension of 0.50 mm
The data in this barcode provides the information that the GTIN is
25012345678904 and that the product’s expiry date
is 25th December 2018.
19Barcoding – getting it right
The GS1-128 barcode has Quiet Variable measure products
Zones to the left and right which
are also indicated by the optional
When traded units contain catch
quiet zone indicators. If the
weight items (items that do not
barcode is printed in picket fence
have a predefined weight), then the
orientation, the horizontal bearer
net weight of the contents must
bar will also make it easier to see if
be shown in a GS1-128 barcode.
any of the print head elements are
Other variable measures such as
not working. If the code is printed
length, area and volume can be
in ladder orientation, any missing
shown using different application
print head elements will show up
identifiers, but weight is the most
as horizontal white lines across
common measure used in the UK.
the symbol which will reduce its
For further details about the other
scannability. This is because the
application identifiers, see chapters
white lines will divide the symbol
3 and 4 of the GS1 General
horizontally and make it unreadable
Specifications.
by some scanners.
•U
se the AI 3102 to give the
For further information about on
net weight in kilograms to two
demand printing, see appendix 4.
decimal places. Other AIs can
be used to give weight to a
different number of decimal
places
•T
he GTIN must be a 14-digit
number and use a leading
indicator value of 9
The data in this barcode provides the information that the GTIN is 95012345678903, that the product’s net weight is
12.75 kilograms, and that the expiry date is 15th June 2018.
20Barcoding – getting it right
7. Pallet labels/other transport units
Pallets and other transport units The most common label size is In addition to the SSCC most users
must be labelled with a GS1 close to A5 which is 148 mm wide will provide details of the contents
logistics label and an example of and 210 mm tall. If less information of the pallet.
one is given on page 22. is required, some companies will
choose to use a label size close to •U
se AI 02 to give the GTIN of the
For further information about A6 which is 105 mm wide and 148 cases on the pallet together with
using pallet labels, see “How to... mm tall. The actual size of the label AI 37 to provide a count of the
create Logistics Labels and serial will depend on the requirements of cases using an even number of
Shipping Container codes (SSCCs) the particular value chain, and any digits, by adding a leading zero
guidelines on the GS1 UK website. size of label may be used. if necessary, as this will reduce
the width of the barcode. For
https://www.gs1uk.org/support/ The label uses GS1-128 barcodes example, encode 0110 rather
how-to-guides/gs1-logistics-label- and provides information that will than 110 when using the AI 37 as
and-ssccs be useful to all the participants shown in the example on Page 22
in the transport and distribution
The X-dimension for the GS1-128 chain. •O
nly use AI 01 to give a GTIN for
barcodes shown in the example the pallet if the pallet has a pre-
is 0.495 mm, and this is the •E
ach shipping container, defined configuration, and it is
minimum size that should be used. transport unit or pallet is a traded unit. AI 01 must not be
identified with a unique tracking used together with AIs 02 and 37
The GS1 General Specifications number called a serial shipping
stipulate that GS1-128 barcodes container code or SSCC •U
se whichever extra AIs you need
must be used on these labels to to provide extra information for
represent the GS1 defined data. •T
he SSCC is an 18 digit number yourself or your trading partners,
that is unique for each unit for example AI 10 for batch
number
•T
he SSCC is denoted by the
AI 00 •T
he height of the bars of all the
barcodes must be a minimum of
•T
he barcode containing the 32 mm
SSCC must always be the lowest
barcode on the label •B
earer bars should be used to
give an indication of print head
failure
21Barcoding – getting it right
A5 sized label
Layout
The label has three sections
that allow you to provide
information about the logistics
unit as well as data that is
defined by the GS1 System.
1. Top section - company
name, logo or any other
information.
2. Middle section - the SSCC
for the logistics unit and
any extra information that
may be defined using the
AI standards. This is shown
in a human readable form.
3. L
ower section - GS1-128
barcodes with the encoded
data shown beneath each
barcode. The SSCC should
always be shown in the
lowest barcode on the label.
There is no limit to the
number of GS1-128 barcodes
that can be used on a GS1
logistics label.
The colours are for illustrative purposes only
22Barcoding – getting it right
Position of label on pallet For pallets taller than 1,000 mm For pallets lower than 1,000 mm
•P
lace the label so that the •P
lace the label as high as
Many pallets will be handled
barcodes are no higher than possible but make sure that the
on automatic systems so it is
800 mm and no lower than barcodes are no higher than
recommended that the label should
400 mm 800mm and no lower than 32mm
be applied on the right hand side
from the base of the unit
of the permitted area for best use
•U
se two identical labels for each
of scanning.*
pallet, one on a short side and •E
nsure the barcodes with their
one on a long side as shown Quiet Zones are no closer than
below 50 mm to a vertical edge
•E
nsure that the barcodes
including their Quiet Zones
on the label are no closer than
50 mm to a vertical edge
h400 mm
x x>50 mm x
“How to... create Logistics Labels and serial Shipping Container codes (SSCCs) guidelines on the
GS1 UK website. https://www.gs1uk.org/support/how-to-guides/gs1-logistics-label-and-ssccs
23Barcoding – getting it right
8. The verification process
The accurate printing of barcodes Staff need to be trained in the
is fundamental for effective value use of verification equipment,
chain management as the rapid and must always check symbols
and accurate scanning in of GS1 visually before using a verifier that
data provides the basis for all the meets the requirements of ISO/
electronic business transactions IEC 15426-1 to provide detailed
that follow. information. Each symbol must
be checked to see that the bars
Barcode scanning provides no are the correct height, and that
indication of barcode quality as no horizontal lines or spaces cut
it gives no information about through the symbol. Any marks
the symbol other than whether crossing the bars and spaces of
it can be scanned or not by that a symbol will reduce its effective
particular scanner. Scanners look height and make it very difficult
for sufficient contrast between to scan. Having checked that the
the bars and spaces, and decode barcodes are in the correct
the different widths of bars and The position of the barcode on position and are not shortened in
spaces into data that is sent to the the packaging will need to be height (truncated), you can use
software for processing. checked to see that it meets the verification equipment to obtain an
GS1 General Specifications. Any overall grade for each symbol.
The GS1 General Specifications final labelling or wrapping should
describe a process for the also be examined to ensure that To avoid any confusion and
production of barcodes that should the barcodes remain visible and to understand the difference
result in scannable symbols, but scannable. between barcode scanning
a verification procedure needs and barcode verification please
to be followed to provide more When checking symbol quality, watch the following video:
information about symbol quality. you should attempt to simulate the https://www.youtube.com/
final, filled product or package. If watch?v=Gt0qXuAadfQ
for example a white background
is printed on to a clear substrate,
check the colour of the contents
of the item. If it is not possible to
simulate the contents, verify the
barcode twice, once over a
black background and next over
a white background. The worse
of the two grades will provide
information about the worst
possibility.
24Barcoding – getting it right
Verifiers that meet the international •M
odulation (a ratio of the All of these parameters are
requirements will measure and minimum edge contrast to the measured and graded separately
grade the following seven symbol contrast). This grade and the grade given for one scan
parameters of the code: will be low if positive bar gain has of the barcode is the lowest score
increased the width of the bars for any one of these parameters.
•T
he symbol contrast (a measure causing a narrowing of the spaces
of the contrast difference between them The results of ten or more scans
between the dark bars and the through the height of the barcode
paler background) •D
efects (which may be light voids are then averaged to obtain a final
within dark bars or dark spots in grade for the barcode.
•T
he minimum reflectance (a the spaces between the bars)
check that the bars appear dark All of these characteristics can
enough in relation to the spaces) •D
ecode (an indication that the be measured by verification
symbol will decode successfully if equipment which meets the
•T
he minimum edge contrast (a it conforms to the specifications, requirements of ISO/IEC
measure of the least difference notably in respect of character 15426-1, which incorporates
in contrast between an adjacent encodation, check digits and the CEN (Comité Européen de
bar and space). This will be a low Quiet Zones) Normalisation, the European
grade if the barcode is unlikely to Standards Committee) standards.
be read when it is scanned •D
ecodability (an indication of the These standards are compatible
accuracy of widths and positions with those from ANSI (the
of the bars and spaces) American National Standards
Institute) and the table below
shows how they compare.
NSI to ISO Grade
A
Conversion Table
A 3.5 to 4.0
B 2.5 to 3.4
C 1.5 to 2.4
D 0.5 to 1.4
F Less than 0.5
25Barcoding – getting it right
This standard applies to all linear The aim is to produce barcodes
barcodes used by the GS1 system, with grades 4 or A, although this
and provides the basis for agreeing will be difficult with some printing
with trading partners the quality processes and materials.
of symbols that will be accepted.
The verifier should ideally be used All barcodes must be grade 1.5
to check each symbol being tested or C or above, except for ITF-14
ten times, using different paths symbols printed on to fibreboard,
through the symbol. Higher grades when grade 0.5 or D is acceptable.
mean that the barcode in question
is closer to the ideal than lower In general, higher quality barcodes Traditional verification
scoring symbols, but there may still can be expected to scan more
be some faults that will prevent it easily and quickly than lower
The traditional approach to
from being decoded successfully quality barcodes of the same size.
testing print quality, PCS or
by all scanners. Barcodes of similar sizes, with no
print contrast signal, is no longer
reduction in height (truncation),
formally specified by GS1 but it is
and high print quality contribute to
still a useful means of obtaining
fast, effortless scanning.
information about the barcode.
Most verification equipment will be
able to report these parameters:
•T
he width, magnification or
X-dimension of the barcode
•D
imensional bar width deviations,
in particular a figure for average
bar growth
•D
imensions of the Quiet Zones
at each side of the code
•P
rint contrast signal. This
compares the amount of light
reflected from the bars to the
amount of light reflected by
the spaces and measures it as a
percentage of the light from the
spaces. It is a different measure
from symbol contrast
26Barcoding – getting it right
9. Common problems to avoid
These are many of the most common problems, and some that will be discovered with the correct use of verification equipment.
Pictures of problems Problems
The Quiet Zones required for
each barcode are not large
enough.
he barcode is shortened below
T
the standard height (known as
truncation).
issing bars or horizontal white
M
lines crossing the barcode
because of faulty print heads
used for on demand printing.
hoosing incorrect colour
C
combinations, often orange or
red bars on a pale background,
which will not scan. Reversed
out images, where the bars
are white against a coloured
background, are again not
scannable.
sing transparent or semi-
U
transparent substrates, such
as glass or plastic, and hoping
that the contents will provide
a suitable background colour
either for the bars or the
spaces.
27Barcoding – getting it right
Pictures of problems Problems
Printing barcodes that are
either too large or too small.
Incorrect adjustment for
ink spread (the bar width
reduction). The printed bars
are out of specification, either
being too narrow or too wide.
Placing labels too close to
vertical corners or wrapping
them around corners so that
the barcodes are too close
to the edge.
Peeling or creased labels.
Show through of the barcodes
on consumer units through the
outer packaging.
28Barcoding – getting it right
Pictures of problems Problems
Printing barcodes onto film
which is distorted as it is used
as shrink wrap.
Obscuring the barcode.
Obscuring the barcode.
Barcode printed vertically on
a traded unit.
Barcode printed too close to
edge of label.
29Barcoding – getting it right
Pictures of problems Problems
Same GTIN on different
product lines.
Printing barcode on to
packaging or a label which
is then distorted.
Poor quality substrates are
substituted for the original
specification, resulting in loss
of quality, often greater ink
spread, or the appearance
of voids in the bars. A
darker coloured substrate,
for example, could result in
insufficient contrast.
Using uncovered metal
surfaces as a background or
for the bars of a symbol. The
specular reflectance of the
substrate can cause problems,
and a solid background must
be printed to provide good
contrast and eliminate this
problem.
Problems with GS1-128 barcodes
Printing Code 128 symbols instead of GS1-128 symbols because the mandatory Function 1 character
is not included.
Encoding the brackets around the application identifiers as data within a GS1-128 barcode. These
brackets are only used around the application identifiers in the human readable characters printed
below the barcode.
Printing a GS1-128 symbol wider than 165.1 mm. This dimension includes Quiet Zones which are not
explicitly indicated, so special attention must be given.
Not showing the application identifiers in brackets below a GS1-128 barcode.
Not including the application identifiers required to define the data in a GS1-128 barcode.
30Barcoding – getting it right
10. Checklist
Re-check the GTIN and check this and other encoded data in any artwork
£ Ensure that the check digit is correct.
Ensure that the correct symbol is used for the relevant product, application and scanning
£ environment.
£ Check the size of the symbol, both the magnification and the bar height.
£ Check the position of the symbol on the final, made-up product.
nsure that there are adequate Quiet Zones and that any optional quiet zone indicators
E
£ are correctly placed.
heck that the contrast between the bars and the background is adequate and that the
C
£ colours chosen will scan. Make sure that the colour of the contents of the packaging will
not unduly affect the contrast between the bars and spaces.
£ Check the print quality regularly throughout the print run by verifying symbol quality.
£ heck that the barcode will remain readable in the environment in which the product
C
will be stored, handled and distributed.
£ nsure that no shrink-wrap, tape or other printing will obscure the barcode on the finished
E
product.
£ Ensure that no other barcode will show through from the inside of the pack.
£ arry out routine verification at all levels of packaging to ensure that the barcode complies
C
with the required quality standard, and to identify any potential problems.
£ Keep records of verification for the shelf life of the product.
£ Notify trading partners of the GTINs and the products they identify in good time.
31Barcoding – getting it right
11. Summary of best practice
recommendations
ITF-14 pre-
EAN-8, EAN-13, ITF-14 printed
printed on GS1-128
UPC-E and UPC-A on label
board
Consumer unit R T T T
R
Traded unit (except UPC-E R R R
and EAN-8)
Traded unit with short
shelf life R
Number of barcodes
1
on consumer unit
Number of barcodes
21 1 2 1
on traded unit
Range of 0.264 mm 0.495 mm 0.635 mm 0.495 mm
X-dimension sizes to 0.66 mm2 to 1.016 mm to 1.016 mm to 1.016 mm
Magnification range 80% to 200%3 48.7% to 100% 62.5% to 100% 48.7% to 100%
Target size for consumer
100% (0.33 mm)
units (X-dimension in mm)
Target size for traded units 150% 48.7 % 100% 48.7 %
(X-dimension in mm) (0.495 mm) (0.495 mm) (1.016 mm) (0.495 mm)
For EAN-13,
Target bar height for 100% UPC-A and UPC-
sized EAN/UPC symbols E, 23 mm. For
EAN-8, 18.5 mm
Absolute minimum bar
16 mm6
height for consumer units4
Minimum bar height for
32 mm 32 mm 32 mm 32 mm
traded units
Bearer bar NO YES YES YES
Optional Quiet Zone
YES YES YES YES
indicators5
Minimum
1.5 (C) 1.5 (C) 0.5 (D) 1.5 (C)
verification grade
1
A minimum of one EAN/UPC symbol is required when the traded unit is also a consumer unit.
2
A minimum X-dimension of 0.25 mm is allowed for on-demand barcode production.
3
A minimum magnification of 75.8% is allowed for on-demand barcode production.
4
Any shortening in the height of barcodes may cause problems and might be unacceptable outside the UK. The measurement refers
to the bar height and not the height including the human readable interpretation (HRI) below.
5
Quiet Zone indicators are not formally required but they may be used to provide a visual indication of the space required
to the left and right of each symbol.
6
Minimum height for EAN-8 barcode is 12.5 mm.
32Barcoding – getting it right
1. Ensure EAN-13, UPC-A, EAN-8 3. Traded units can be barcoded 5. When printing any of the
or UPC-E barcodes are used on with any of these symbols – GS1 barcodes on demand,
any product that might be sold EAN-13, UPC-A, ITF-14 and incorporate horizontal bearer
at a retail point of sale. GS1-128. Short shelf life traded bars that will allow you to see
units (those with a shelf life of easily whether any print head
2. If a traded unit might also be less than 42 days) will need to elements are failing.
sold at a retail point of sale, it be barcoded with a GS1-128
must be barcoded with an barcode including the expiry 6. Make sure it is not possible to
EAN-13 or UPC-A barcode of date. scan any of the barcodes on
at least 150% magnification individual items when they are
(equal to an X-dimension of 4. Remember that the Quiet inside any outer packaging.
at least 0.495 mm). The actual Zones of any of the barcodes
size chosen will depend on the vary in proportion when you 7. The areas needed for the
choice of printing materials increase or decrease their size. barcodes at their target sizes
being used. Ensure that the Quiet Zones are as follows:
you provide at each side of the
barcode will be adequate, and
it is good practice to allow at
least 1 or 2 mm extra on each
side to allow for any variation in
the printing.
Magnification Quiet Zone width needed Space needed
Barcode
(X–dimension) on each side* (width x height)*
EAN-13 100% (0.33 mm) 6 mm (left), 4.5 mm (right) 42 mm x 26 mm
UPC-A 100% (0.33 mm) 5 mm 42 mm x 26 mm
EAN-8 100% (0.33 mm) 4.5 mm 31 mm x 22 mm
UPC-E 100% (0.33 mm) 5 mm (left), 4.5 mm (right) 27 mm x 26 mm
48.7%
ITF-14 on label 7 mm 75 mm x 49 mm
(0.495 mm)
100%
ITF-14 on board 12.5 mm 160 mm x 49 mm
(1.016 mm)
GS1-128 showing GTIN 48.7%
7 mm 103 mm x 40 mm
and a date on a label (0.495 mm)
GS1-128 showing GTIN and
48.7%
a net weight and a date on 7 mm 131 mm x 40 mm
(0.495 mm)
a label
*These dimensions include an extra 2 mm to the minimum required on each side of the barcode to ensure that adequate
Quiet Zones are provided.
33Barcoding – getting it right 12. Barcode management It is good practice to assign the For a retailer the manager will role of symbol quality manager ensure that the symbols scan to a specific individual in the properly at the retail or wholesale organisation. Depending on the checkout and at the distribution type of organisation, retailer or centre. manufacturer, the use of barcodes will differ, which will affect the A symbol quality manager for a specific role of the assigned manufacturer will ensure that good manager. However, their primary quality barcodes are accurately and objective will be the same, to consistently applied to products. ensure good quality barcodes. 34
Barcoding – getting it right
13. Glossary of terms
Terms Meaning
Application identifier The two, three or four digit number that specifies the data that immediately
follows it in a GS1-128 barcode.
Article number The former name for the global trade item number.
Bearer bars Horizontal bars printed above any of the barcodes when they are printed
on demand that will indicate any missing printhead elements. Also used
above and below ITF-14 barcodes to prevent short scans.
Bearer box The bars that surround an ITF-14 symbol to equalise the pressure exerted
by the flexographic printing process over the entire surface of the symbol.
Check digit The last digit of an identifier that is calculated from all the preceding digits
to check that the data has been correctly composed.
Consumer unit An item that may be sold at a retail point of sale. Also referred to as a retail
trade item.
EAN-8 The eight digit barcode that represents a GTIN-8.
EAN-13 The thirteen digit barcode that represents a GTIN-13.
EAN/UPC The name of the symbology used by EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A and UPC-E
barcodes.
GTIN Global trade item number. The unique number for a product line. This
number identifies items or services that are priced, ordered or invoiced at
any point in the supply chain.
GTIN-8 The name given to the eight digit GTIN that may be shown in an EAN-8
barcode.
GTIN-12 The name given to the twelve digit global trade item number formed from
a UPC company prefix number. This may be shown in UPC-E, UPC-A,
ITF-14 and GS1-128 barcodes.
GTIN-13 The name given to the thirteen digit GTIN that may be shown in EAN-13,
ITF-14 or GS1-128 barcodes.
GTIN-14 The name given to the fourteen digit GTIN that may be shown in either
ITF-14 or GS1-128 barcodes on traded units.
GS1 The global body for GS1 member organisations which administers the
GS1 system.
Item number Global trade item number.
ITF-14 A 14-digit interleaved two of five barcode. The barcode may be used to
show GTIN-12, GTIN-13 and GTIN-14 numbers on trade items not crossing
a retail point of sale.
Kraft A type of fibreboard often used for outer cases.
Ladder orientation Printing the barcode so that the bars are parallel to the base of the product.
35Barcoding – getting it right
Terms Meaning
Light Margins No longer used as a reference term now known as “Quiet Zones”
Logistics unit A unit, for example a pallet load, which is constructed for moving goods
from one place to another.
Magnification The factor used to vary the nominal size of each barcode to ensure it is
scannable.
Module The smallest element (i.e. thinnest bar or space) of a barcode.
Outer case A kind of traded unit.
Pallet label The GS1 logistics label that is used to track and identify pallets loads or
any other transport units.
Picket fence orientation Printing a barcode so that the bars are perpendicular to the base of the
product.
Quiet Zone A clear space required to the left and right of any barcode formerly known
as “Light Margins”. These differ for each barcode as shown in Appendix 1.
Quiet Zone indicators Marks to indicate the Quiet Zones required.
SSCC Serial shipping container code. The unique eighteen digit identifier for a
transport unit.
Specular reflectance The reflectance of light from highly polished surfaces.
Substrate The material on to which a barcode is printed.
Symbology A type of barcode symbol.
Trade item Any item that is identified for pricing, ordering and invoicing purposes.
This includes both consumer units and traded units.
Traded unit An item that is priced, ordered and invoiced between manufacturers,
retailers and wholesalers. Also known as an outer case or a trade item
grouping.
Logistics unit A unit, for example a pallet load, which is constructed for moving goods
from one place to another.
Truncation The reduction in height of a barcode when its width is unaltered.
UPC-A Universal Product Code, version A. The name for the 12 digit barcode that
represents a GTIN-12.
UPC-E Universal Product Code, version E. The name for the eight digit barcode
that represents a GTIN-12 with zero suppression.
X-dimension The nominal width of the narrowest bars or spaces in a printed barcode.
Zero suppression Used by eight digit UPC-E symbols to represent a twelve digit global trade
item number.
36You can also read
