Frequently Asked Questions

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Question 1

 

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Why is it important to only register with GS1 for globally recognised and unique GS1 barcodes?

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  1. Ensure the barcoded numbers that you have is valid as GS1 Malaysia is the only official source for GS1 barcode numbers and standards.

  2. Build confidence to your trading or business partner as your bar coded numbers are valid.

  3. Registration with GS1 ensures that you are a part of a global network of GS1 standards users. This network consists of various players in the global supply chain from retailers to manufacturers, importers and exporters to distributors.

  4. Are able to track and trace your product, especially during the shipping of the product across borders. It is easier to keep track all the product information even though from different countries because you are using a global standard platform which is used by traders around the world.

  5. In order to protect your brand and for the trading partners and customers to verify product authenticity, having a unique GS1 product identification is important across the supply chain.

  6. Easier to access your product information on e-commerce platform.

  7. To prevent misuse, identity integrity disputes, counterfeiting and fraud of your company's brands and products.

  8. Avoid victimisation and exploitation by Unauthorised Barcode Resellers such as Barcodes Malaysia, Barcode Savers Malaysia and OEM Group.

 

Do you know the difference between GS1 Malaysia and 3rd Party Unauthorised Barcode Resellers?

Unauthorised resellers do not provide any after-sales service or support, do not provide validation or verification and do not assist in any disputes related to the identity integrity of your product.

GS1 Malaysia Provides All The Above, and MORE.

Click Here to find out more!
      

 

Question 2

 

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What are the benefits of registering for a GS1 barcode?

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  1. Will be able to assist the brand owners in verifying product authenticity (in case of dispute of product identification).

  2. Fast and accurate data capture at every point in the supply chain.

  3. Better inventory control in distribution and storage.

  4. No errors in the recognition of goods as one standard for use with all trading partners, therefore no conflicting bar coded numbers.

  5. Your products can be sold everywhere, locally and overseas in any retail store.
      

 

Question 3

 

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Is it compulsory to register?

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It is only compulsory to the extent of the requirements set by any of your trading partners. Considering that almost every player in the global retail supply chain require some form of GS1 identification, if it’s not compulsory in your current situation, it may soon become compulsory when you try and expand your business country-wide or worldwide.
      

 

Question 4

 

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How do I assign item numbers to my products?

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The simple rule is that every product and variant of the same product should be allocated a different number. These variants can be brand, pack size, colour, packaging type, flavour and quality. For example, Brand A orange juice of 1.0 litre will have a different number from Brand A of 2.0 litre.
      

 

Question 5

 

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I noticed that at the supermarket when the barcode is scanned, the cash register displays the products information and price. How is this information coded in the barcode?

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The barcode symbol does not carry any other information but the identification number given to the product. The retail store keeps all the information of the product including the price in its computer database. The barcoded number is used as reference. When a product is sold at the checkout counter, an electronic scanner “reads” the barcode. The scanner is linked to the retail store’s computer database. The number “picked” up by the scanner is matched against the same number in the database and information of the product and the price is retrieved and flashed back to the cash register. The information of the product is then also printed onto the detailed receipt.
        

Question 6

 
Q      Do I change the barcode number every time I change the label or contents of the product?

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Yes, it is recommended to consider the changed product as a variant and market it with its own barcode number.

Here are 10 simple rules for barcode allocation:

1.New Product Introduction
2.New Formulation / Functionality
3.New Net Content
4.Dimension / Weight Change
5.Add or Remove Certification Mark
6.Different Brand
7.Different Pack / Case Quantity
8.Time Critical / Promotional
9.Change in Pre-Defined Assortment
10.Price on Pack / R.R.P.

 
        

Question 7

 
Q      Can I reuse an item number that has previously been allocated to a discontinued product?
A      An item number allocated to a product which has become obsolete or has been withdrawn from the market must not be reassigned to a new product. This is so as to ensure that the obsolete or withdrawn barcode number can still be accurately identified for 2nd hand sales. Medical products cannot reuse barcode numbers by law for safety reasons.
        

Question 8

 
Q      We distribute imported products that already have barcodes. Is it necessary for us to re-label the product with our company’s own barcode number?

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A product bearing an authentic GS1 barcode should not have its barcode label removed. The GS1 barcodes on imported products are globally accepted and is also used both locally and overseas for traceability purposes. However, if your company is repackaging the product, you can use your own barcode label on the new packaging. In this case, the original barcode should be retained but obscured to prevent accidental scans or confusion at the checking counter.
        

Question 9

 
Q      I noticed that the height of the barcodes has been shortened (truncated) for some products. Can I do the same for the barcode of my product?

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Truncation of the barcode symbol is not recommended because it reduces the scanning capability of scanners. Your product may not be able to scan if the height of the barcodes has been cut.

 

     

 

Question 10

 

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Must barcodes always have to be printed as black bars against a white background?
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No, various colour combinations can be used. The important principle to remember is there must be sufficient colour contrast between the bars and background. Bar codes must be dark. Black, green, blue and dark brown are suitable colours for printing the bars. The background colour space between the bars must be light. Suitable colours for background are white, orange, red and yellow. A colour guide chart with examples of scannable and unscannable bar codes is available from the GS1 Malaysia.

Question 11

 

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Why Won't My Barcodes Show Up in Wechat/Google/3rd Party App?
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Please be informed that GS1-assigned barcode numbers and barcode owner-provided product information are not shared by GS1 Malaysia to any non-GS1 organization or application. You can instead find your product information on GS1 Malaysia’s Product Search Portal or our Databank Mobile App, both of which reference the GS1 Malaysia Member Product Databank, a trusted, online product information repository hosted by GS1 Malaysia. Please take note that most 3rd party apps have their own barcode/product database; if you would like your product information to appear there, kindly contact that organization to do so.