Checklist for generating barcodes

Use this handy checklist when generating and printing barcodes. It’s a list of the most common errors and issues we see on our members’ barcodes.

• Ensure the correct symbol is used for the relevant product, application and scanning environment.

• Check the barcode will remain readable in the environment in which the product will be stored, handled and distributed

• Ensure the check digit is correct.

• Check the size of the barcode – both magnification and bar height.

• Ensure there are adequate quiet zones, and that any optional Quiet Zone Indicators are correctly placed.

• Check there is adequate contrast between the bars and the background, and that the colours chosen will scan.

• Make sure the colour of the contents of the packaging will not unduly affect the contrast between the bars and spaces.

• Check the position of the symbol on the final, formed product.

• Ensure that no shrink-wrap, tape or other printing will obscure the barcode on the finished product.

• Ensure no other barcodes will be visible or show through from inside the pack.

• Carry out routine verification at all levels of packaging to ensure that the barcode complies with the required quality standard, and to identify any potential problems.

• Check the print quality regularly throughout the print run by verifying the barcode quality.

• Notify trading partners of the GTINs and the products they identify in good time. 

• Where there are multiple barcodes on a pack they must have the same Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) encoded. Our recommendation is to add a leading 0 (zero) to the GTIN-13 on the product to generate the GTIN-14 to encode in the 2D GS1 Datamatrix symbol.