Help centre

You can self-generate individual EAN-13 barcode images through the MyGS1 portal once you have become a member.

Alternatively, you can approach one of our Alliance Partners for help in creating your (EAN-13 and other) barcode images once you've got your numbers.

See also:

• creating and printing barcodes

• checklist for generating barcodes

Once you've joined GS1 Australia, you can start assigning numbers (or GS1 Identification Keys) to your products, cartons, pallets, locations and more. There are different GS1 ID Keys to suit different uses. Depending on your membership type, you may have paid for just one GTIN or thousands of different numbers.

The most commonly used GS1 ID Keys are the GTIN, SSCC and GLN. View the following how-to guides:

• How to assign a GTIN

• How to assign a SSCC

• How to assign a GLN

Also useful is FAQ: How do I create a barcode number for inner and outer cartons?

Instructions for other GS1 ID Keys can be found in our library.

If you're new to GS1 Australia, it's a great idea to attend our Barcode Basics training sessions. You'll learn about the different types of numbers and how they are created.

Inner and outer cartons are simply trade items. The GS1 system allows some choice in which type of barcode number (GTIN) you assign to these trade items, and what barcode to choose.

To work out which number is correct, you need to ask yourself if the carton (inner or outer) will be sold at point-of-sale.  

• If yes, you must assign a GTIN-13 or a GTIN-12 (in some cases, if selling in North America).

• If no,  you can either assign a GTIN-13 or a GTIN-14.  

Then, use the appropriate guide to learn how to assign the number you need: 

• How to assign a GTIN-13

• How to assign a GTIN-12

• How to assign a non-retail GTIN

• How to assign a non-retail GTIN-12 (North America)

When you join GS1 Australia, you are initially assigned a set batch of numbers:

• If turnover is <$50M, you'll be assigned an 8 digit GS1 Company Prefix giving you 10,000 GTINs and other GS1 Identification Keys

• If  turnover is >$50M, you'll be assigned a 7 digit GS1 Company Prefix giving you 100,000 GTINs and other GS1 Identification Keys

If you use up your entire assigned batch of numbers and need more, additional number ranges can be assigned on request, at any time. You'll need to pay a fee to get more numbers than your allocation range.

If you need help at any time, you can contact the GS1 Customer Support team or phone 1300 BARCODE.

Currently, when you assign numbers to your products or other supply chain items, you do not need to register these numbers with GS1 Australia. It's your responsibility to keep  an accurate record of all numbers that your business uses.

MyGS1 is a member portal that gives you a secure place to store your numbers and associated descriptions. MyGS1 will also help you manage assigning of GTINs and GLNs.

To join GS1 Australia, you pay a joining fee and a recurring annual licence fee. The joining fee is waived for single numbers, 10 packs and GLN memberships.

The fee you pay depends on your annual turnover and how many barcodes you need. If you join online, your annual membership fee will be calculated when you complete the form. Otherwise, you can view our fee schedules now.

If you haven't used up your assigned batch of GS1 numbers, then you simply follow the process of assigning new numbers for your new products. 

Refer to:

• FAQ: How do I assign my numbers?

• How to assign a GTIN

If you need more numbers, refer to:

• FAQ: How do I get more numbers?

If you need help at any time, you can contact the GS1 Customer Support team or phone 1300 BARCODE.

A Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) is used to identify an individual logistics unit (typically, a pallet) that is transported or stored in your supply chain.

It is encoded in a GS1-128 barcode and is represented by the Application Identifier AI (00).

If you have taken out a full membership with GS1 Australia, you can assign an SSCC from your existing batch of numbers. 

Read this guide to learn how to assign an SSCC.

If you want unique, accurate, standards-based barcode numbers, then GS1 is the only organisation in the world that can supply you with legitimate numbers. Locally, GS1 Australia is the only authorised source for GS1 barcode numbers 

Barcode number re-sellers do exist. These businesses have bought barcode numbers off other companies and try to on-sell them. Unfortunately, they threaten the integrity of the global GS1 system and create confusion in the global supply chain.

We strongly advise that you get your barcode numbers from GS1 Australia. This will ensure that your numbers will be recognisable by all other parties in your supply chain.

You can join GS1 Australia online at any time. To join, you'll need to tell us:

• Your company's ABN, ACN or other company registration if applicable

• Contact details

• Company details

• Company turnover

• Payment details

Once you place an order you'll receive confirmation via email of your barcode numbers. We'll also send you helpful hints to get you started.

If you don't want to join online you can download manual forms. Please allow two business days for processing of your manual application.