Which barcode licence is right for my business?

Do you need to create barcode numbers for your products but aren't sure how many you need, or how to figure that out?

Before you can begin using barcodes, you must create a unique identification number for each of your products or traded units. These numbers are calculated from a GS1 Global Company Prefix 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 those in the 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. The annual cost (January to December) is €85.00 + VAT.
• GCP-9 Standard Barcode Licence: This licence enables up to 1,000 unique barcode numbers to be generated for products and outer cases. The annual fee (January to December) starts at €284.00 + VAT for a company with a turnover under €1 million.
• GCP-7 Barcode Licence: This licence enables up to 100,000 unique barcode numbers to be generated for products and outer cases. The annual fee (January to December) is €1,399 + VAT.