GTINs are used for unique identification of trade items worldwide. The GS1 Company Prefix is an integral part of the GS1 system, which is assigned to the brand owner (or the party responsible for delivering goods to market).
Step 1
Join GS1 Australia and obtain a GS1 Company Prefix. Join now
Step 2
Assign a unique GTIN for each produce variety, brand and growing method. For Australian retailers this GTIN also relates to the site where the produce was packed. If this is a commodity, then the GTIN is allocated by the packhouse; if this is a propriety product, then the GTIN is allocated by the brand owner.
Note: You should also retain the PLU code on the label, as some retailers may not yet have the capability to scan GS1 DataBar.
Step 3
Provide GTINs and corresponding PLU codes to your trading partner so that they can enter these in their POS system.
Step 4
Ideally, the GTIN should be printed below the barcode and must maintain legibility and minimum barcode height requirements. If packaging and printing constraints do not allow, GTIN can be omitted.
Step 5
Other labelling requirements such as country of origin labelling and company logos will not be affected by the addition of GS1 DataBar on the label.
Step 6
If you need help printing or implementing DataBar, visit our Solution Provider Directory.
Step 7
Use the following GS1 DataBar specifications and measurements.
GS1 DataBar can encode a GTIN-13, GTIN-12 or GTIN-8 but as the GTIN data field is 14 digits long, one, two or five filler zeros respectively must be added before the GTIN to make up the 14 digits.
Step 8
Submit a sample of your product to GS1 Australia for barcode testing. This will ensure your product conforms to the correct specifications and that it scans correctly the first time.
Are you ready for GS1 DataBar? Find out more.