GS1 DataBar

GS1 DataBar barcodes are used to identify small and hard-to-mark items like fruit, jewellery and cosmetics. In Australia GS1 DataBar is mainly used on loose unpackaged fruits. If you intend to use this barcode on any other product, please contact us.

We recommend checking with your trading partners if they are ready to scan GS1 DataBar before choosing this barcode.

There are seven barcodes in the GS1 DataBar family, however only one is actively used by Australian retailers, the Omnidirectional Stacked code. In general, they all carry the GTIN; with some in the family able to encode more information, such as serial numbers, weight, batch numbers and more.

Learn more about creating and using GTINs

GS1 DataBar can be used by brand owners/manufacturers to:

Capture more data within the barcode: additional data can be encoded, beyond basic product information (the GTIN)
Free up packaging space: in some cases, it frees up valuable space on product packaging for branding and other messaging; in others, it’s a viable alternative to the GTIN-8
Apply barcodes to more products: GS1 DataBar barcodes can be used on small or hard-to-mark consumer products

GS1 DataBar can be used by retailers to:

Improve shrinkage control for example, differentiating conventional vs organic produce via the GTIN on a smaller barcode
More accurate product identification for loose produce by scanning versus manual key entering
Improved scan rates compared to those of incorrectly-sized EAN-13 and EAN-8 Barcodes
Visibility of batch and serial numbers for traceability and recall of products at Point-Of-Sale
Product weight management
Ability to capture markdown pricing
Improved coupon and voucher control

End consumers benefit from GS1 DataBar

Better category management and stock control: this improves product availability for customers
Better product information: with best-before and expiry data information available upon scanning, customer and product safety is improved
Faster at the checkout: more products can be scanned at self-scanning checkouts, and there is less queuing overall

Types of GS1 DataBar barcodes

Even though GS1 DataBar became an open global standard in 2014, not all retailers have activated the symbology at POS. You must check with your retailer before you choose this barcode.

GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional

This only encodes a GTIN, but it is split and stacked to suit products of a particular shape and size. It can be scanned in any direction.

Examples of use: loose fruits, cosmetics

Resources

GS1 DataBar factsheet
GS1 DataBar Scanning How-To-Guide
GS1 DataBar Implementing How-To-Guide
Learn more about creating and using GTINs

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References

Types of GS1 DataBar barcodes

GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional

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