Barcodes and RFID

In 1973, industry leaders came together to create a single standard for product identification – the barcode. Today, GS1 barcodes and RFID tags capture an incredible amount of information about products and services, and deliver benefits barely imagined 40 years ago.

About GS1 barcodes and RFID tags

Barcodes and RFID tags are like the fonts of the supply chain, carrying all the data you want about a particular product, trade item or object. From everyday barcodes to sophisticated RFID tags, these ‘fonts’ or data carriers are used across the globe to transform supply chain efficiency.

Most of these data carriers can be scanned at any point in the supply chain to help identify, capture and share information about tradeable items, assets, logistic units, shipments, physical locations and more.

There are a range of data carriers to suit different uses and applications. Each is designed to help improve supply chain efficiency and accuracy.

Our data carriers

EAN/UPC barcodes

Use EAN/UPC barcodes on trade items so they can be scanned at Point-of-Sale and distribution centres, anywhere in the world. 

Learn more: EAN/UPC barcodes

GS1 DataBar

Use the range of GS1 DataBar barcodes to identify, capture and share data in your supply chain. Often used on small or hard-to-mark consumer products, these barcodes can also be used at Point-of-Sale if retailers are ready. 

Learn more: GS1 DataBar

ITF-14 barcodes

Use ITF-14 barcodes on corrugated cardboard or fibreboard – for example cases and cartons – that are not intended for Point-of-Sale scanning.

Learn more: ITF-14 barcodes

GS1-128 barcodes

Use GS1-128 barcodes on cases and cartons, pallets and other logistics units in the supply chain; and capture additional information about your trade items.  

Learn more: GS1-128 barcodes

GS1 DataMatrix

Use GS1 DataMatrix barcodes to hold a large amount of data in a relatively small space. These compact, two-dimensional barcodes can be used in a number of applications across a range of industries. 

Learn more: GS1 DataMatrix

GS1 QR Codes

Use these two-dimensional barcodes, which were recently introduced to the GS1 System, as another option for applications that support the use of GS1 DataMatrix. 

Learn more: GS1 QR Codes

EPC/RFID standards

Use EPC/RFID standards to leverage the many benefits of UHF and HF radio frequency identification, from speed of identification to improved accuracy of your inventory.

Learn more: EPC/RFID standards