What is GS1 Barcode

Barcodes, including EAN and UPC, are symbols that can be scanned electronically using laser or camera-based systems.

They are used to encode information such as product numbers, serial numbers and batch numbers. Barcodes play a key role in supply chains, enabling users including retailers, manufacturers, transport providers and hospitals to automatically identify and track products as they move through the supply chain. GS1 manages several types of barcodes, many of which comply with ISO standards. Each is designed for use in a different situation.

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GS1 HK barcode 489

GS1 HK is the only authorised body in Hong Kong to assign barcode with “489” prefix (GTIN). We have never authorised any organization to issue barcode on our behalf.

1. GS1 EAN/UPC barcodes

Instantly-recognisable 1D barcodes used in retail all over the world and are printed on virtually every consumer product. They can be scanned at POS and are the longest-established and most widely-used of all GS1 barcodes.

BARCODE	DISPLAY	NUMERIC DIGITS	DATA STRUCTURE
EAN-8		8	GTIN-8
UPC-A		12	GTIN-12
UPC-E		12	GTIN-12
EAN-13		13	GTIN-13

Download full version of GS1 barcode chart

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2. GS1-128 and ITF-14 exclusively used in general distribution and logistics

GS1-128 and ITF-14 are highly versatile ID barcodes that enable items to be tracked through global supply chains. Both are exclusively used in distribution and logistics. The GS1-128 barcode can carry any of the GS1 identification keys, plus information like serial numbers, expiration dates and more. The ITF-14 barcode can only hold the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) and is suitable for printing on corrugated materials.

BARCODE

DISPLAY

ALPHA/NUMERIC

DATA STRUCTURE

ITF-14

489 GS1 HK Barcode GS1 ITF 14

GTIN-12
GTIN-13
GTIN-14

GS1-128

489 GS1 HK Barcode GS1 128

UP to 48 characters

Concatenated strings using GS1 Application Identifiers

Download full version of GS1 barcode chart

3. GS1 DataBar barcodes

DataBar barcodes are often used to label fresh foods. These barcodes can hold information such as an item's batch number or expiry date, in addition to other attributes used at the point-of-sale such as the item weight.

DataBar barcodes are often used in retail, and can be read by some point-of-sale laser scanners. See how it works >>

The GS1 DataBar family consists of seven symbols in total: four for use at point-of-sale and three not for use at point-of-sale.

The symbols for use at point-of-sale are shown below:

BARCODE	DISPLAY	ALPHA/NUMERIC	DATA STRUCTURE
GS1 Databar Expanded		UP to 48 characters	Concatenated strings using GS1 Application Identifiers
GS1 Databar Expanded Stacked		Up to 74 numeric or 41 alphabetic characters	Concatenated strings using GS1 Application Identifiers
GS1 Databar Stackeded imnidirectional		14	GTIN-12 GTIN-13
EAN-13		13	GTIN-13

Download full version of GS1 barcode chart

4. Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes

Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes look like squares or rectangles that contain many small, individual dots. A single 2D barcode can hold a significant amount of information and may remain legible even when printed in a small size or etched on to a product. 2D barcodes are used in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and warehousing to marketing logistics and healthcare.

BARCODE

DISPLAY

ALPHA/NUMERIC

DATA STRUCTURE

GS1 Datamatrix

GS1 datamatrix