Barcode testing checklist

Important information about submitting items for barcode testing.

Retail items

Provide a complete filled and formed package, plus spare packaging for each retail item to be tested.

If you are unable to supply a complete formed package, incomplete packaging or loose labels can be submitted. However, location of the barcode will not be assessed and the results obtained may alter when the product is in its formed state.

Non-retail items

Non-retail items such as shrink-wrapped trays, display boxes, inner and outer cartons can be submitted.

Submit trays with the individual items packed inside.

Whole cartons can be sent flattened for a full assessment.

A removed barcoded piece or panel of a carton cannot be assessed as a complete sample.

Heavy or bulky items

Heavy/bulky items should not be submitted for testing – this includes items over 10kg (22lb) in weight or very large items that are awkward to handle.

Empty, flat packaging or loose labels can be submitted.

Dangerous or flammable items

Dangerous or flammable goods are not accepted for testing.

A label should be submitted in place of a dangerous or flammable product.

Artwork samples

Barcode testing can be done on laser prints, bromides, mock-ups and colour proofs. This assessment is beneficial to check the barcode size, quiet zones (light margins) and use of the GS1 number.

All artwork samples are only issued with an interim report. All other assessments, including ISO verification, can only be carried out on final samples.

Interim reports 

Note: ISO grades/print quality standards are not assessed/reported.

Interim reports will be charged at the normal rate to GS1 Australia members.

Interim reports are generally accepted by most major retails to initiate the buying process.

As a general rule, there is a 6 week window from the date you submit the interim report to the retailer, until you need to supply them with a full report.

To obtain a full report, submit the complete formed items once printed.

Required paperwork to accompany your items

A covering letter or a completed Barcode Check request form must accompany any item submitted for testing.

The following information must be included:

• Who the report(s) should be addressed to. 

• All contact information.

• If products are to be collected - this information must be specified otherwise samples are disposed of seven days after testing.

• If you are not the company responsible for the product, for example if a printer submits a product on behalf of a member, a letter from the member with their contact details and acceptance of any charges must be included.

Turn around time

GS1 Australia aims to deliver Barcode Check reports in 3-4 working days.

Please allow up to ten working days as our lead-times can vary depending on external demands outside of our control or visibility.

About our testing equipment

GS1 Australia’s barcode testing service uses ISO accredited verification equipment to assess the compliance to GS1 standards based on ISO/IEC15416.

Should a dispute arise over any failed results from GS1’s equipment, an internationally recognised and independent arbitrator can be utilised to gain an impartial ruling on the accuracy of the verification equipment. The cost of this will be incurred upfront by the barcode testing customer, but will be reimbursed should the arbitrator’s assessment confirm a passing ISO grade.

Testing locations

GS1 Australia

Melbourne Testing Department
8 Nexus Court
Mulgrave, VIC 3170

GS1 Australia

Sydney Testing Department
Building 4B, 2-4 Lord Street
Botany, NSW 2019