Barcode 497 Belongs to Which Country? How to Check Japanese Goods via Barcode
- Barcode 497 belongs to which country? This is the barcode of Japan, within the number ranges 450–459 and 490–499 allocated by GS1 International. When seeing a barcode starting with 497, consumers can rely on the structure to identify the registered origin.
In addition, learning about types of Japanese barcodes, how to check validity, and signs to distinguish genuine vs. counterfeit goods will also help you feel more assured when choosing products from Japanese brands.
1. Barcode 497 Belongs to Which Country?
Barcode 497 belongs to Japan. This is one of the code ranges issued by GS1 for this country.
According to GS1 International regulations, Japan is allocated two code ranges: 450–459 and 490–499. Any barcode within these number ranges confirms registration origin in Japan.
Example of barcode: 4971234567890
497: Country code of Japan
123456: Enterprise code registered in Japan
7890: Product code and check digit
→ This is a product registered in Japan.
2. Types of Barcodes Commonly Used in Japan
In Japan, consumer products are assigned different barcode types depending on packaging size and usage purpose.
Below is a detailed comparison table:
Thus, JAN/EAN-13 is the standard and most common barcode type in Japan, while EAN-8 and UPC are only used in specific cases.
3. How to Read and Verify Japanese Barcodes
How to Read Japanese Barcodes
The standard EAN-13 barcode (most commonly used in Japan) has a clear structure:
First 3 digits: Country code (e.g., 450–459 or 490–499 → Japan).
Next 9 digits: Enterprise code and product code issued by GS1 Japan.
Last digit: Check digit — used to verify the validity of the entire number sequence.
Example barcode: 4971234567890
497 → Belongs to Japan.
123456789 → Enterprise and product.
0 → Check digit, determined by the check-digit calculation formula.
Simple, Effective Methods to Verify Barcode 497
By eyesight — Check the prefix: If the first 3 digits fall within 450–459 or 490–499, it is highly likely the code is registered in Japan.
Check-digit calculation formula
A = Sum of digits at odd positions (excluding the last digit).
B = Sum of digits at even positions.
D = A + 3×B.
Check digit = (10 − D mod 10) mod 10.
If the result matches the last digit → the barcode is valid.
Using scanner/app/barcode reader
Some popular applications: Barcode Scanner, iCheck Scan, Barcode Việt, …
Note: Internet connection is required. Some QR/EAN codes may be copied, so it is necessary to also check the enterprise origin for certainty.
4. How to Authenticate Genuine Japanese Products
To ensure that a product with a Japanese barcode is genuine, consumers should combine multiple verification methods instead of relying only on the number sequence.
Check packaging and labels: Sharp printing, no spelling errors; anti-counterfeit QR sticker; certificates and manuals usually in Japanese or bilingual, …
Refer to reliable sources: Search on the GS1 Japan website or directly contact the manufacturer/distributor for verification when in doubt.
Detect unusual signs: Blurred barcodes, misprinted codes, scan results not matching information — be cautious, as these could be signs of counterfeit goods.
5. Japanese Products Popular in Vietnam
Vietnamese consumers have long placed high trust in products originating from Japan thanks to stable quality, high safety, and brand reputation.
Currently, the most popular categories of Japanese products in the Vietnamese market include:
Japanese cosmetics: Prominent brands Shiseido, Hada Labo, SK-II, Kosé… with safe ingredients suitable for Asian skin. Typical products include Hada Labo facial cleanser, Anessa sunscreen, Shiseido lipstick, …
Health supplements: Brands DHC, Orihiro, Fancl, Meiji… are popular for supporting health and providing vitamins and minerals. Examples: DHC Collagen tablets, Orihiro Glucosamine, Meiji milk powder.
Home electronics: Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, Sharp… offering a wide range of TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners. Strengths include advanced technology, high durability, and energy efficiency.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Barcode 497
Can Vietnamese enterprises register Japanese barcodes?
→ No. Vietnamese enterprises can only register barcodes with GS1 Vietnam, not Japanese barcodes.
Do all Japanese products have barcodes?
→ No. Some domestic, handmade, or small-scale products may not have barcodes.
Do prefixes 450–459 and 490–499 mean the goods are manufactured in Japan?
→ No. The prefix only indicates registration with GS1 Japan, while the manufacturing location may be in another country.
7. Learn About Barcodes of Other Countries
In addition to prefix 497 and code ranges for Japan, GS1 International also allocates barcodes for many other countries and territories. For example:
Germany: 400–440
China: 690–699
South Korea: 880
Thailand: 885
Vietnam: 893
To better understand product origins worldwide, you can also refer to the article on the list of barcodes by country.
Conclusion
From the above information, it can be confirmed that barcode 497 belongs to Japan, within the number ranges managed by GS1 Japan.
However, it should be noted that a barcode only reflects the registration location, not necessarily the manufacturing location. Therefore, when buying Japanese goods, consumers should also check packaging, labels, anti-counterfeit QR stickers, and distributor sources.
This way, you can confidently choose genuine products and avoid counterfeit or imitation goods on the market.
