Estimate How Many Barcodes You Need
The most important thing to understand is that each variation of each product you sell requires a unique barcode. You’ll need to determine exactly how many barcodes you need before you fill out the application. You can follow the example below or use the barcode estimator to help you decide.
3 sizes x 3 colors = 9 barcodes
If you make a t-shirt, but that shirt comes in three sizes (small, medium, large) and three colors (blue, pink, purple), you need to identify 9 product variations.
3 sizes x 3 colors x 3 styles = 27 barcodes
If they also come in 3 styles, you'll need 27 barcodes.
3 sizes x 3 colors x 3 styles x 3 packages = 81 barcodes
If they also come in 3 packages, you'll need 81 barcodes.
Need more help in figuring out how many barcodes you need?
Scale Up with a GS1 Company Prefix
A GS1 Company Prefix allows businesses to get multiple barcodes at a single time, as well as identify locations, mixed cases, create coupons, and create higher levels of packaging like a case or pallet.
GS1 Company Prefixes are great for companies with growing product lines. It gives you the barcodes you need for today plus barcodes at your fingertips to quickly respond to growth opportunities.
We offer different barcode options to best serve our members. You can license a GS1 Company Prefix, for one company, that comes in different “capacities” representing the maximum number of unique products you can identify with that license.
As a part of your membership you will gain access to GS1 US | Data Hub Product, the tool you use to create your own barcodes and manage your product data. As long as you renew your Membership every year, your product data will remain linked to your company information and you will maintain access to GS1 US Data Hub® where you can control your product data.
If you have regulated pharmaceutical products and are a pharmaceutical manufacturer or repackager, you may license a GS1 Company Prefix that incorporates your U.S. FDA NDC Labeler Code (if available to license).
Prefix Pricing*
GS1 Company Prefix Pricing
| Number of items needing a barcode/GTIN** | Initial fee | Annual renewal fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GS1 US GTIN | $30 | None |
| 10 | $250 | $50 |
| 100 | $750 | $150 |
| 1,000 | $2,500 | $500 |
| 10,000 | $6,500 | $1,300 |
| 100,000 | $10,500 | $2,100 |
| GS1 Company Prefix including U.S. FDA NDC Labeler Code. | $2,100 | $2,100 |
Start Small with a GS1 US GTIN
Barcodes issued by GS1 US uniquely identify a single retail product online and in retail stores around the world. If you have only a few products that need barcodes, this might be the most cost-effective option for your company. GS1 US GTINs are a great option for small companies that are looking to quickly list their products for sale. Barcodes from GS1 identify your company as the brand owner of that product, which is a valuable piece of information that retailers look for!
*License a GS1 US GTIN for $30 and get a free lifetime subscription to GS1 US Data Hub, an online tool you can use to create your own barcode and manage your product data. There is no annual renewal fee for a GS1 US GTIN.
Note: GS1 US GTIN is not available to identify medical devices, pharmaceutical products, variable measure products or mixed cases, or to create coupons
