In today’s competitive retail and e-commerce environment, having the right barcode for your product is essential. But not all barcodes are created equal. If you're using an unauthorised barcode, you could be risking rejected access to market, compliance issues, and lost sales. With many websites claiming to sell GS1 barcodes, how do you know which ones are safe? How do you choose the right provider? This guide explains what unauthorised barcodes are, why they’re risky, and why getting your barcodes from GS1 Hong Kong is the safest and smartest choice.

Get GS1 Barcode

Unauthorised barcodes are barcodes that are not issued or licensed by GS1, the global authority on product identification standards. These barcodes may appear functional at first glance, but they lack the official registration, traceability, and global uniqueness required for retail and supply chain compliance. 

Businesses often unknowingly use these barcodes in an attempt to save costs or speed up product launches—only to face rejection from retailers and marketplaces later. Here are some common types of unauthorised barcodes:

• Recycled or Reused Barcodes:
  Some sellers offer barcodes that were previously assigned to other products or companies. Since the original product information remains in the GS1 Global Registry, using these recycled codes can lead to data conflicts, incorrect product listings, and misidentification in retail and supply chain systems.
• Outdated Barcodes: 
  These are genuine GS1 barcodes that were once valid but are no longer active. Using outdated barcodes can lead to compliance issues, data inconsistencies, and potential rejection by retailers or trading partners.
• Third-Party Reseller Barcodes: 
  These are barcodes purchased from unofficial sources or websites claiming to sell “cheap barcodes.” They may not be registered to your company, which violates GS1 standards and can lead to listing rejections.
   

Get GS1 Barcode

Spotting an unauthorised barcode early can save your business from costly delays and compliance issues. Here are some common characteristics to watch out for:

1. Purchased from Non-GS1 Sources:
   If you bought your barcode from a third-party website or online marketplace instead of GS1 Hong Kong, it’s likely unauthorised.
    
2. Not Assigned to Your Company:
   A valid GS1 barcode in Hong Kong begins with a unique prefix assigned to your company. If your barcode doesn’t include this, it’s likey the barcode is unauthorised.
    
3. Incorrect Product Information When Scanned:
   You can check whether your barcode is registered to your business using GS1’s verification tools. If scanning the barcode shows product details that don’t match your brand or item, it’s a strong sign the barcode is reused or fake.
    
4. Lack of Documentation or Support:
   GS1 provides official documentation and support. If you didn’t receive any verification or support from GS1 when you got your barcode, it’s likely not from GS1.
    
5. Barcode Conflicts or Duplicates:
   If your barcode is already in use by another product or company, it’s likely recycled or reused—both of which are non-compliant.
    

Get GS1 Barcode

Using unauthorised barcodes may seem like a shortcut to save time or money, but it can lead to significant and costly consequences for your business. These risks affect not only your ability to sell products but also your brand reputation and operational efficiency.

1. Retail and Marketplace Rejection
   Most major retailers and e-commerce platforms—including Amazon, eBay, HKTVmall, and Tmall—require GS1 barcodes. If your barcode is not registered with GS1, your product listing may be rejected or removed. This can delay your product launch, reduce sales opportunities, and damage your relationship with key distribution partners.
    
2. Product Misidentification and Data Conflicts
   Unauthorised barcodes are often reused or recycled, meaning they may already be associated with another product in the GS1 Global Registry. This can lead to:
   - Incorrect product information appearing when scanned
   - Confusion in inventory systems
   - Errors in point-of-sale (POS) systems
   - upply chain disruptions
    
3. Hidden Costs and Operational Inefficiencies
   Although unauthorised barcodes may appear more affordable at first, they can lead to significantly higher costs in the long run, including:
   - Expenses for reprinting packaging due to barcode rejection
   - Costs associated with reapplying for product listings
   - Loss of revenue caused by sales delays
   - Time and resources spent resolving barcode conflicts
    
4. Lack of Traceability and Recall Readiness
   Unauthorised barcodes lack the traceability required for effective product monitoring. If an issue arises, businesses may face increased legal risks and reputational damage. Without proper traceability, it becomes difficult to:
   - Track product movement across the supply chain
   - Conduct efficient and targeted product recalls
   - Comply with food safety or pharmaceutical regulatory requirements
    
5. Loss of Consumer Trust and Brand Reputation
   Retailers and consumers can scan your barcode to verify product information. When a barcode scan returns the wrong product or no information at all, it undermines consumer confidence. Retailers and customers may question the authenticity of your product, especially in industries like food, cosmetics, and healthcare where traceability is critical. This can lead to negative reviews, returns, and long-term brand damage.
    

Get GS1 Barcode

GS1 Hong Kong is the only authorised provider of GS1 barcodes in the city, with over 35 years of experience supporting local businesses. Since 1989, we’ve helped more than 8,000 members—from SMEs to global brands—ensure their products are uniquely identified, compliant, and ready for retail and e-commerce.

Our barcodes are trusted and accepted by major retailers and platforms such as HKTVmall, Amazon, and leading supermarket chains. We work closely with industry associations, logistics providers, and regulatory bodies to ensure our standards meet the evolving needs of the market.

Beyond barcodes, we offer local support, training, and digital tools to help you grow confidently and compliantly. With GS1 Hong Kong, you’re not just getting a barcode—you’re gaining a trusted partner in your business journey.

 Get GS1 Barcode

Getting your barcode from GS1 Hong Kong is simple:

1. Register with GS1 Hong Kong – Register to become a GS1 member
2. Receive Your GS1 Company Prefix – This unique number forms the foundation of your barcodes and other GS1 codes such as GLN.
3. Generate Your Barcodes – Login to our BarcodePlus platform or our member portal to create GTIN, UPC, EAN and 1QR barcodes for each of your products.
4. List and Sell with Confidence – Your products are now ready for retail and e-commerce.
    

Get GS1 Barcode

Barcodes are more than just a technical requirement—they are a gateway to global commerce. Don’t let unauthorised barcodes hold your business back. Ensure your products meet global standards with GS1 Hong Kong—the only official source of GS1 barcodes in the city. Ready to grow your business? Fill in our Barcode Enquiry Form and let our team help you get started.

Get GS1 Barcode