Do you need to create barcode numbers for your products but aren't sure how many you need, or how to figure that out?
The information below is primarily for the retail sector and consumer goods. Please see the article for Healthcare Companies for more information specific to the Healthcare sector.
Before you can begin using barcodes, you must create a unique identification number (called a GTIN) for each of your products or traded units. These numbers are calculated from a GS1 Global Company Prefix (GCP) which is allocated to you when you join GS1.
The number of products, or units, you will have over the lifespan of the business will determine which is the best licence for your needs.
When trying to decide how many barcode numbers you currently require or may need over the lifetime of your business (at least in the medium term), it is important to remember that each variation of product and each variation of outer case (if required) will need its own unique barcode number.
Variations include different sizes, colours, flavours, scents, etc. For example, if you sell shirts and they come in 3 colours and each colour comes in 3 different sizes, you would need 9 barcode numbers.
The types of barcode licence available from GS1 Ireland are:
- GCP-11 Artisan Barcode Licence (11 digit company prefix): This licence is for small or artisan businesses (cottage industry) with a very limited product range and a turnover under €1 million. This licence includes only 10 barcode numbers. It cannot be upgraded if more numbers are required in future, a 2nd licence will be required at an additional annual cost. Please visit our website for the most up-to-date pricing and licence fee information.
- GCP-9 Standard Barcode Licence: This licence enables up to 1,000 unique barcode numbers to be generated for products and outer cases.
- GCP-7 Barcode Licence: This licence enables up to 100,000 unique barcode numbers to be generated for products and outer cases.
- Please visit our website for the most up-to-date pricing and licence fee information.
NOTE: If you will require more than 20 barcode numbers (for products and outer cases) over the lifetime of the business, the standard licence GCP-9 is more economical. Please refer to the GS1 Ireland website for the most up-to-date annual barcode licence costs.