Fit the same or even more information into a smaller area. GS1 DataBar is designed for fresh produce, bulk, and small-package goods, trading different symbol forms for space efficiency.
GS1 DataBar is a 1D barcode family in the GS1 system intended forarea-constrained products, capable of carrying a GTIN in a smaller area than EAN-13, and can include additional information such as weight and price. It belongs toan independent symbol system, with a symbol structure different from EAN/UPC, ITF, and Code 128.
Identification of fresh and bulk goods priced by weight
Goods with an extremely small packaging surface where a 13-digit symbol cannot fit
Some forms can carry a GTIN while also attaching additional data
GS1 DataBar is an independent symbol system. Its structure is not a segmented number of "digits + check digit", but a combination of data characters, check characters and finder patterns.
| Composition | Number of digits | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| data characters | Carries GTIN | Compresses the product code into data characters; some forms can attach additional data such as weight and price |
| check character | Depends on the form | Used for reading verification, calculated according to DataBar's own rules |
| Finder pattern | Depends on the form | Omnidirectional forms are divided into two segments, each containing data characters and 1 finder pattern, for scanner positioning |
| Symbol system | Independent of EAN/UPC | The bar-space rules differ from EAN/UPC, ITF and Code 128, and cannot be applied interchangeably |
DataBar uses a structure of "data characters + check character + finder pattern", which is unrelated to the bar-space rules of EAN/UPC.
It includes different forms such as omnidirectional, limited, and stacked, selected according to scanning direction and space conditions.
Some forms can carry data such as weight and price in addition to the GTIN.
A barcode is not something that is done once and then finished — when company information changes, when the right to use the codes needs to be maintained, or when the business is transferred, the corresponding procedures must be handled.
Available printing area on the product, scanning device support in the target channel, and whether additional data is needed
Prepare according to the registration documents of the location of the applying entity; see the checklist on the right
Submit the application to the GS1 member organization and wait for the company prefix to be assigned
After confirming the form selection, generate and arrange printing according to the corresponding DataBar form
The following situations require a change:
A change certificate issued by the local registration authority must be provided
The company prefix remains unchanged; only the enterprise information in the system is updated
Already printed packaging can usually continue to be used, with no need to reprint the barcode graphic
Member organizations differ in how they maintain code usage rights (annual membership fee system or validity period renewal system), subject to the current policy of that member organization. If not maintained on time, the code may be suspended or reclaimed, and the normal circulation of goods in channels 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 barcode service fee charged by the member organization (based on tier and number of years) + agency service fee. Factors affecting the fee:
Once all documents are complete, the review and allocation process begins; timelines vary by country
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 and does not fabricate specific numbers of days. The actual timeline is subject to the accepting organization's current announcements and processing progress, and we will keep you updated at every stage during the process.
