The basic circulation code for sales in the Chinese mainland market. For products to enter supermarkets, go on e-commerce platforms, and move through formal supply chains, this code starting with 69 is needed as an identity marker.
Sample numbers are generated in real time according to the EAN-13 standard (including the mod10 check digit). Actual numbers are assigned by the coding association.
Product barcodes in mainland China are managed byChina Article Numbering Centerunder unified management (commonly known as the "China Barcode Center"), which is the GS1 member organization in China, responsible for the allocation, modification, and renewal management of manufacturer identification codes.
Scanning for inbound storage, inventory counting, and outer carton labeling (often used with ITF-14)
Cashier checkout, serial number management, and replenishment systems
Code verification when publishing products on platforms such as Tmall, JD.com, and Douyin
The 13 digits of EAN-13 are not random numbers; each segment has a clear meaning.
| Composition | Number of digits | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| prefix code | 3 digits | Identifies the region of allocation. Mainland China is 690–699 |
| GS1 Company Prefix | 4–6 digits | Assigned by the coding center to the applying enterprise, and is the enterprise's unique identifier |
| Product item code | 3–5 digits | Assigned by the enterprise itself to each product item (SKU) |
| Check digit | 1 digit | Calculated using the mod10 algorithm, used for machine-readable verification |
When there are many SKUs, multiple manufacturer identification code prefixes may be required.
Common form for retail units; GTIN-14 (ITF-14) can be used for outer cartons.
Can be verified instantly with the tool on this site.Passing verification ≠ the product is genuine。
Barcodes are not a one-time task — when company information changes, codes expire, or the business is transferred, corresponding procedures must be handled.
Target market (domestic sales only / including export), product category, estimated number of SKUs
Copy of business license, legal representative's ID, contact information, basic company information
Submit the application to the coding center and wait for the manufacturer identification code to be assigned
After obtaining the manufacturer identification code, assign a unique number to each product item
The following situations require a change:
Proof documents such as the business registration change approval notice must be provided
The company prefix remains unchanged; only the enterprise information in the system is updated
Packaging already printed can continue to be used; there is no need to reprint the barcode graphic
The company prefix has a validity period (generally 2 years, subject to notification from the coding center). If not renewed before expiration, the code will become invalid — the normal circulation of goods in supermarkets and on platforms will be affected.
Customers who have already processed through Bangma International can register for expiry reminders free of charge.
During mergers and acquisitions, brand transfers, or business restructuring, the company prefix can be transferred as an asset together with the business. The transfer requires a joint application by both parties and completion of changes to entity information and ownership.
The total fee usually includes: the coding service fee charged by the coding center (based on tier and number of years) + agency service fee. Factors affecting the fee:
After the materials are complete, the review and allocation process begins
No new code allocation is involved, so the process is relatively simple
Involves ownership confirmation; the timeline depends on how prepared both parties' materials are
The above is a description of the process sequence. The specific timing is subject to the current progress of the accepting institution, and we will update you on the milestones during the process.
The following are samples of mainland China barcode certificates successfully processed by Bangma International for clients, allowing you to intuitively understand the certificate format and included elements; sensitive information has been desensitized.
