Overview of Barcode Registration 

Barcode is a machine-readable (electronic) image that is characterised by the parallel line's representation varying in width and spacing between them and digits to fetch the details of the product faster (electronically). It is used to encode the details of the product instantly, such as numbers, serial numbers and batch numbers of the product. A barcode plays a vital role in the supply chain, enabling all participants like manufacturers, wholesalers, and transporter to identify the products quickly.. 

With industrialisation around the world, the increase in the number of products made their identification a tedious task; hence, there was a need for a proper system that helps in easy identification. So, in the year 1970, the Universal Bar Code system was invented in the USA. Barcode is now used for the identification of products and used widely in supermarkets, clothing stores, malls, etc. and has a number of inherent benefits like the elimination of errors, time-saving, cost-effectiveness and ease of managing inventory. The global identification systems assist the parties in their supply chain, like manufacturers and wholesalers, in easily identifying the products. 

In India, GS1 is a non-profit organisation under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that manages and standardises barcodes used by retailers, manufacturers, etc., and it was established in the year 1996. 

Types of Barcodes

• EAN 13: GLN is formally referred to as European Article Number (EAN). This EAN13 represents a 13-digit barcode that is broadly used all over the world. 
• UPC A: Universal Product Code (UPC A) is a 12-digit barcode which is used in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. 

Above mentioned types have commonly identified the type of barcodes at the global level. However, there are other types of barcodes also that are recognised widely. Such types are as follows:

• Databar Family barcodes (for fresh foods products.)
• GS1 1D Barcodes (one-dimensional barcodes)
• GS1 2D Barcodes (two-dimensional barcodes)

Here is a table with the list of types of barcodes depending on the products and their industries:

Benefits of Barcode Registration 

Barcodes are used to provide a unique symbol, parallel lines and a number that are read by a scanner to get all the information about products from their database. Businesses use barcodes for the following benefits:

• Inventory database 

Large departmental stores with a number of products managed their inventory through this barcode system. The phases of the product cycle, from its manufacture to sale, are tracked through barcodes.

• Asset tracking 

All businesses hold a large chunk of IT assets, so the barcode systems are used to tag and track these assets in software assets.

• Tracking returns 

The barcode system is used for tracking returns and so in the online shopping world. Barcodes are attached to invoices so as to ease the payment tracking from customers. 

• Reduces error 

Barcode has all information that is automated, so there are chances of fewer errors since there is no mutual intervention in the form of data entry. 

• Cost-effective and convenient 

Barcodes are easy to obtain, cost-effective and convenient to print, and it is also customised.

• Detailed information 

Barcodes have information related to product numbers, serial numbers, and batch numbers and thus ensure the products' genuineness.

• Optimised inventory 

The information of products captured in barcodes makes their movement smooth and hassle-free.

• Time-saving

Registration of barcode save a lot of time and using the barcode reader, the code is scanned, and details are obtained.

• Accurate and faster billing 

The information linked to barcodes is automated and accurate and also helps in good and efficient decision-making.

• Unique and global identification 

The Barcode system facilitates unique identification that is globally recognised; hence, no two products have the same code. 

Documents Required for Barcode Registration 

Following are the documents required for obtaining Barcode Registration:

• Letter requesting allotment of barcode
• PAN Card details of the applicant 
• Audited balance sheet/ Audited Financial Statement
• Shop establishment Certificate
• GST or VAT Registration Certificate 
• GST Registration Certificate for proprietorship firms
• GST Registration Certificate or Partnership Deed for partnership firms
• GST Registration Certificate and ROC Certificate / Certificate of Incorporation along with Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) for Private and Public Limited Company
• GST Registration Certificate or Registrar of Society (ROS) Certificate for other entities like Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), Registered Society, etc. 
• Copy of cancelled cheque
• Product details 

Procedure to obtain Barcode Registration

Following is the complete procedure for obtaining Barcode Registration from the competent authority, i.e., GS1:

• Fill out the form at our website to get our assistance and provide relevant details about your business.
• Provide all required documents to us that are needed to obtain the Barcode Registration 
• We at Corpbiz verify the documents and then proceed with the application in the set format with the competent authority.
• We file the appropriate application to GS1 for the issue of Barcode Registration.
• After going through the application and conducting all the formalities, GS1 issues the Barcode Registration Certificate.