What is a GS1 Barcode? A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses
In Vietnam, more and more businesses are adopting GS1 barcodes to meet the requirements of supermarkets, e-commerce platforms, export partners, and to optimize supply chain management.
In this article, iCheckQR provides a comprehensive guide to GS1 barcodes — from definitions, structure, and common types to the registration process and real-world applications — helping businesses easily implement and effectively leverage this standard.
1. What is GS1?
GS1 is a global non-profit organization specializing in developing and maintaining barcode standards, standardizing the identification of products, services, and locations in the supply chain.
Development History: Founded in 1974 with the first barcode scanned in the U.S., GS1 has evolved into a global standard system present in over 100 countries. GS1-managed barcodes are now scanned over 6 billion times per day.
Role: GS1 provides a unique identification system for products, locations, organizations, and services — through codes such as GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), GLN (Global Location Number), SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)... These help enhance supply chain efficiency, traceability, and counterfeiting prevention.
2. What is a GS1 Barcode?
A GS1 barcode is a barcode created and managed according to GS1 standards, allowing unique identification and tracking of products, services, or logistics units worldwide. Each barcode contains identifying information such as product code (GTIN), batch number, expiration date, serial number… which enhances transparency in the supply chain.
Benefits of Using GS1 Barcodes
Improved Management Efficiency: Helps businesses reduce manual processing time and cut operational costs in warehousing, sales, and logistics.
Enhanced Accuracy: Each product has a unique identifier, minimizing errors in inventory management, import–export operations, and traceability.
Better Customer Experience: Consumers can easily verify product information clearly and transparently, building trust and increasing satisfaction.
Market Expansion Support: GS1 barcode is an internationally accepted standard, enabling businesses to easily join global supply chains and access export markets.
3. General Structure of a GS1 Barcode
A typical GS1 barcode — such as an EAN-13 — consists of multiple parts, each playing a specific role in the supply chain.
Key Components of a GS1 Barcode
Total length: Usually 13 digits (EAN-13) or 8 digits (EAN-8) for smaller products.
Meaning of Each Component
Country Code: Enables traceability of origin or the registering entity.
Company Prefix: A unique identifier to distinguish one company from another.
Item Reference: Assigned internally by the company.
Check Digit: Ensures the code is not misentered or corrupted during scanning.
Example of an EAN-13 Barcode
Explanation:
893: Country Code (GS1 Vietnam)
4567: Company Prefix
89012: Item Reference (assigned by the business)
3: Check Digit
Additional Notes:
Common GS1 barcode types: EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, GS1-128, GS1 DataBar, GS1 QR Code
Depending on the barcode type, the number of characters and format may vary, but the logic of Organization – Product – Validation remains consistent.
4. Common Types of GS1 Barcodes
GS1 offers a variety of barcodes suited for different uses like retail, logistics, and healthcare. Each type has unique structural and data characteristics.
Comparison Table of Common GS1 Barcode Types:
5. How to Register a GS1 Barcode in Vietnam
To use valid GS1 barcodes on your products, you need to register with the National Barcode Center — GS1 Vietnam via this link: https://gs1vn.org.vn/. Here is the standard registration process:
Step 1: Visit GS1 Vietnam’s website or contact them directly to begin your Company Prefix registration.
Step 2: Once you receive your Company Prefix (Global Company Prefix), generate GTINs for each product.
Step 3: Use barcode generation software to design and print labels on packaging or stickers.
Step 4: Update product and GTIN information in GS1’s database to ensure global validity and traceability.
Notes:
Registering GS1 barcodes is not simple, especially for new businesses, due to:
Legal documentation must be carefully prepared
Product code generation must follow international standards
Data entry, declaration, and barcode management require technical and legal knowledge
Fast and Secure Solution: To save time, avoid mistakes, and get end-to-end support, use iCheck GS1 barcode registration service.
6. Real-World Applications of GS1 Barcodes
Retail: GS1 barcodes help stores and supermarkets control inventory, reduce counting errors, and speed up checkout. Thanks to global standards, products can be scanned at any point of sale, from supermarkets to convenience stores.
Healthcare: GS1 codes are used to manage medications and devices, ensuring the right drug – right dose – right patient, enhancing safety and transparency.
Supply Chain: GS1 enables tracking of goods from manufacturer to end user. With standardized data, businesses reduce errors, shorten timelines, and optimize logistics.
E-Commerce: GS1 barcodes help synchronize products across platforms like Shopee, Tiki, Amazon..., improving shopping experience and meeting platform quality control requirements.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about GS1 Barcodes
Is a GS1 barcode mandatory?
Not legally required, but many supermarkets, e-commerce platforms, and distribution partners require GS1 barcodes for acceptance and easier management.
How much does it cost to register a GS1 barcode?
Costs include the Company Prefix issuance fee and annual maintenance fee, ranging from several million to tens of millions of VND depending on the number of codes and business scale.
How long does it take to register a GS1 barcode?
Usually takes 5–7 business days from the time the documents are valid. If you use support services like iCheck, codes can be issued in just 1–2 business days.
Can GS1 barcodes be used for handmade products?
Yes. Handmade or artisanal products can absolutely register for GS1 barcodes to enhance credibility and make distribution easier in supermarkets, e-commerce platforms, or export markets.
Conclusion
From understanding the structure, choosing the right barcode type, to completing registration with GS1 Vietnam — each step plays a vital role in enhancing brand credibility and competitiveness. If you're looking for a transparent, standardized, and internationally recognized solution, GS1 barcodes are an essential choice.
