Get answers to some of our most common questions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is GTIN?
Before beginning to use barcodes, the numbers used on barcodes must be created; these numbers are the GTINs (also known as UPCs or EANs). A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a unique number that identifies any pre-defined trade item (a product or service) that may be priced, ordered or invoiced at any point in any supply chain. Trade items include all services and products, from raw materials through to end user products.
The Brand Owner, the organisation that owns the specifications of the trade item, regardless of where and by whom it is manufactured, is normally responsible for the allocation of the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).
What is GLN?
The Global Location Number (GLN) is used to identify locations. GLNs are very important in transport and logistics processes. For example, a GLN can be shown on a logistic label to indicate where the logistic unit should be delivered. A GLN can also be physically marked with a barcode at a location, for example on a dock door or on a storage location.
GLNs give companies complete flexibility to identify any type or level of location required, whether physical, operational, or legal. They ensure efficient communication and processing since names, addresses and other information about locations do not need to be communicated with every transaction.
What is UPC?
A UPC is a Universal Product Code. UPC is the name given to the standard barcode image of a 12-digit GTIN that is commonly used in North America.
What is GPC?
GPC is Global Product Classification. GPC classifies products by grouping them into categories based on their essential properties as well as their relationships to other products. GPC offers a universal set of standards for everything from a car to a liter of milk.
What is the difference between GTIN and UPC?
A UPC is part of the GTIN family, but it is a 12-digit barcode that is specific to the North American market used to identify most products. The rest of the world uses 13-digit EAN barcodes to identify products. However, both types of numbers and barcodes are part of the GS1 System of international standards, so both are accepted globally. A UPC barcode and 12-digit GTIN does the same job as an EAN barcode and 13-digit GTIN. So, if you license UPCs from a GS1 organization, you will have no problems using them globally. When a 13-digit number is required you can add a zero to the front of your 12-digit GTIN.
What is SSCC?
Serial Shipping Container Code can be used by companies to identify a logistic unit, which can be any combination of trade items packaged together for storage and/or transport purposes; for example a case, pallet, or parcel.
What is GTIN-14 or ITF-14?
ITF-14 barcodes were introduced to allow companies to print barcodes directly onto corrugated packaging materials, and are generally scanned at goods in transit, in warehouses, and in distribution centers. ITF-14 barcodes are chiefly used on outer cases (trade item groupings) and cannot be scanned at the Retail Point-of-Sale.
What are the benefits of GS1 barcodes for retailers and consumers?
Helping you build your brand in the most secure and efficient way is a priority for us here at GS1 UAE. Because of the uniqueness, accuracy, authenticity, efficiency, and above all, the security that comes with GS1 barcodes globally, you can trust that running into any mishaps with sellers anywhere is simply not a possibility. After all, we’re trusted by over 2 million customers; brands, retailers, and manufacturers all over the world rely on the GS1 system to keep their businesses running smoothly. Every single person involved from the start to the end benefits from the tools that GS1 provides you with to help you deliver the best choice, the best service, and the best experience.
Is barcode printing included in GS1 services?
Barcode printing is not included in GS1 services, but there are specialized companies for label printing.
How can I get a barcode?
What are the steps to getting a barcode?
- Visit the website and click on “Get a barcode” and proceed with the steps to receive the official quotation.
- Once you have received the quotation and agreed to it, you will receive a confirmation. Click on the ‘approve’ button in the email.
- Once you have approved the quotation, you will automatically receive the Tax Invoice and Terms and Conditions.
- Submit the Terms and Conditions signed and stamped by the authorized signatory (this should be the same person mentioned on the Trade License).
- Proceed with making the payment.
- Once the payment has been credited, you will receive the receipt and certificate.
- Create your Numberbank to which you will be sent the credentials to log in and start generating your barcodes.
How long will it take to get the barcode?
It typically takes 1-2 working days to receive your barcode. This can, of course, vary depending on customer requirements and compliance to the registration process.
How do I get the barcode number?
You will have access 24/7 to your account on the portal (Numberbank) to be able to generate barcodes. A user manual for the Numberbank will also be provided to you.
Can I reuse the barcode?
To make sure your products can always be identified uniquely, GTINs cannot be reused. This is because e-commerce has changed the way products exist. Even if a product is no longer in production in the physical world, in the digital world it may still be searchable and could cause a clash if the same GTIN has been reallocated to a new product.
What documents do I need to get a barcode?
You just need a valid trade license, Ejari, or any proof of billing.
What is the standard size of a barcode (bar lines/image)?
The standard size of a barcode is either 2.5 cm height x 1.5 cm width, or 2.75 cm height x 1.5 cm width.
What details can you see in the barcode upon scanning it?
The details that are scanned depend on the visuals of the type of barcode images.
Are GS1 barcodes internationally accepted?
Yes, GS1 barcodes are the only barcodes that are accepted globally.
How do I allocate the barcode?
You need to allocate a unique number for every style, color, and size of your product. This is so each of your products can be uniquely identified by search engines, warehouse management tools and point of sale devices, ensuring your customer receives the correct item. For example, if you sell a white t-shirt in three sizes (small, medium, and large), you will need three GTINs for each of the three sizes.
Is it possible to delete the barcode in my Numberbank once it has already been generated?
Once the barcode has been generated in your Numberbank, it cannot be deleted or edited.
What are the details I should enter in the description box?
The standard product description includes: name of the brand + name of the product/sub brand + size or color. It may also sometimes include the model number, depending on what the product is. Some examples of product descriptions are:
- Cadbury Dairy Milk 300g
- L’Oreal Paris True Match Foundation 5W Golden Sand
- Marlboro Gold 20 Sticks
- Lancome Hypnose Homme Eau de Toilette 50ml
Does GS1 provide a certificate for a single barcode?
The GS1 UAE certificate covers the range of the barcodes that you have with us.
Can I still get a barcode from GS1 UAE if my company’s manufacturer is located outside the region?
Yes, you can still get a barcode from GS1 UAE.
What do I do if I find out that someone else is using my barcodes?
Please inform us and we will take the best course of action to help you tackle this issue.
What are the benefits of GS1 barcodes for retailers and consumers?
Helping you build your brand in the most secure and efficient way is a priority for us here at GS1 UAE. Because of the uniqueness, accuracy, authenticity, efficiency, and above all, the security that comes with GS1 barcodes globally, you can trust that running into any mishaps with sellers anywhere is simply not a possibility. After all, we’re trusted by over 2 million customers; brands, retailers, and manufacturers all over the world rely on the GS1 system to keep their businesses running smoothly. Every single person involved from the start to the end benefits from the tools that GS1 provides you with to help you deliver the best choice, the best service, and the best experience.
How can I get a barcode?
Do you offer a lifetime subscription?
Unfortunately, we do not offer a lifetime subscription.
What happens if I do not renew my account or barcode subscription?
The consequences of termination are as below:
On termination of this agreement, the licensee shall:
(a) Cease applying GS1 Numbers to Products: cease applying GS1 numbers to any products manufactured or sold by the licensee after the termination date;
(b) Cease using Licensed Services: immediately cease using the licensed services; and
(c) Cease using Intellectual Property: cease all direct or indirect use of the GS1 numbers, the licensed services, and the related intellectual property other than in connection with products manufactured or sold prior to the termination date.
On termination of this agreement, the licensee shall:
(a) Cease applying GS1 Numbers to Products: cease applying GS1 numbers to any products manufactured or sold by the licensee after the termination date;
(b) Cease using Licensed Services: immediately cease using the licensed services; and
(c) Cease using Intellectual Property: cease all direct or indirect use of the GS1 numbers, the licensed services, and the related intellectual property other than in connection with products manufactured or sold prior to the termination date.
Can I register as an individual seller if we do not have a trade license?
Yes, you can register as an individual seller.
Does the brand name also need to be registered along with the company name?
No, the brand name does not need to be registered along with the company name.
Can I still get a barcode from GS1 UAE if my company’s manufacturer is located outside the region?
Yes, you can still get a barcode from GS1 UAE.
How much do the barcodes cost?
The cost of the barcodes varies based on the packages offered by us. You can click on “Get a barcode” on our website and follow the steps to get the official quotation.
Is there a discount on the barcode prices?
The larger the volume of barcodes in the package, the cheaper the unit price of each barcode. In other words, the larger the package you subscribe to is, the cheaper a single GTIN is.
What is the “annual fee”?
The annual fee refers to the licensing that you pay for annually for using GS1 barcodes.
How can I get more barcodes if the package I have subscribed to finishes?
You can contact us to license more barcodes for you with a new package.
Do you offer a lifetime subscription?
Unfortunately, we do not offer a lifetime subscription.
What are the payment terms?
The payment should be made upon the receipt of the invoice.
How can I pay for the barcodes?
The payment can be done through a bank transfer.
What happens if I do not renew my account or barcode subscription?
The consequences of termination are as below:
On termination of this agreement, the licensee shall:
(a) Cease applying GS1 Numbers to Products: cease applying GS1 numbers to any products manufactured or sold by the licensee after the termination date;
(b) Cease using Licensed Services: immediately cease using the licensed services; and
(c) Cease using Intellectual Property: cease all direct or indirect use of the GS1 numbers, the licensed services, and the related intellectual property other than in connection with products manufactured or sold prior to the termination date.
On termination of this agreement, the licensee shall:
(a) Cease applying GS1 Numbers to Products: cease applying GS1 numbers to any products manufactured or sold by the licensee after the termination date;
(b) Cease using Licensed Services: immediately cease using the licensed services; and
(c) Cease using Intellectual Property: cease all direct or indirect use of the GS1 numbers, the licensed services, and the related intellectual property other than in connection with products manufactured or sold prior to the termination date.