Barcode Country of Origin List & Steps to Register a Barcode Number

Barcodes have become ubiquitous in the modern era, appearing on everything from consumer electronics to groceries. 

The barcode country of origin list is an important resource for consumers and businesses looking to gain insight into where their products are manufactured or produced. 

This list has been created to help users understand which prefixes correspond to which countries or regions.

With that in mind, this post will provide you with information about barcode prefixes and the list of barcodes and products.

The barcode country codes list

What Types of Information Can You Find In Barcodes?

Barcodes can store a wide range of information types and quantities. 

Some fundamental information included in a barcode are the product identity, weight, size, manufacturer identity, and of course—information about the facility where it was created.

Let’s have a closer look at what information two types of barcodes can hold: one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) barcodes.

1D barcode

Also known as linear barcodes, this barcode type is the most common one. It consists of a series of vertical lines and spaces of varying widths, which encode information. 

The information encoded in 1D barcodes includes:

• Product identification: such as their manufacturer, brand, and model number.

• Inventory management: to track inventory levels and monitor stock movement.

• Price information: allow for faster and more accurate checkout at retail stores.

• Tracking information: used to track packages and shipments, allowing for real-time updates on their location and delivery status.

• Serial numbers: used to uniquely identify a specific item or product.

1D barcode

1D barcodes are primarily used for simple identification and tracking purposes, and are limited in the amount of information they can contain compared to more advanced barcode technologies like 2D barcodes.

Shop the best barcode readers to scan 1D barcodes now!

2D barcode

Commonly referred to as matrix codes, 2D barcodes are more intricate than 1D barcodes and have a far larger data storage capacity. 

It allows users to amass up to 2,000 characters' worth of encoded data. 

Data is encrypted both horizontally and vertically in 2D barcodes, allowing for more flexible application.

2D barcode

The uses of 2D barcodes are the same as those of 1D barcodes and more. 

These types of barcodes can also be used for logistics, supply chain management, inventory tracking, sale registries, mobile marketing, and other purposes.

The ability to embed links or images within a 2D barcode that can be scanned using an image scanner is an additional benefit of 2D barcodes, like a smartphone's camera, and uploaded or viewed.

Check out some best 2D barcode scanners to check barcode country of origin:

What Are Barcode Country Code Prefixes?

Barcode prefix country is a series of numbers that are added to a barcode to identify what is the country of origin of a product.

These prefixes are used in conjunction with the product's unique identification number to create a globally recognized barcode that can be read by any barcode scanner. 

Also, the prefix barcode provides important information about the product, including where it was manufactured and where it originated from. 

This information is crucial for businesses and regulatory agencies to track products and ensure compliance with import/export regulations. 

By using standardized country code prefixes, businesses can ensure that their products are accurately identified and tracked throughout the supply chain.

Besides, consumers can make informed decisions about the products they purchase based on their country of origin.

Barcode prefixes

The barcode numbers that start with a certain country code are either those that are directly issued by GS1 in that nation or those that are issued by an established standards body there.

The only legal way to begin using these allocated country codes in nations where GS1 is present is to join GS1.

This entails filling out their membership paperwork and paying a joining fee and annual membership payments to GS1.

Is A Specific Country Code Required for Barcodes?

No, they don't. 

There are seldom any limitations depending on the country of origin anywhere in the world because all barcodes and barcode systems are created for international use.

Barcodes don’t need to always have a specific country code

A common misconception is that the first few digits of the barcode numbers indicate the product's country of origin. 

The barcode number, however, contains nothing precise regarding the product's country of origin. 

These initial digits solely display the nation of origin of the actual barcode number. 

Hence, in actuality, any barcode number can be printed on products that originate from any country.

Barcode Country of Origin List

After understanding the barcode country of origin, here is a barcode country list used by GS1 to help you perform a barcode prefix lookup easily.

You can use it as a barcode country finder as well!

How To Register A Barcode Number?

To register your barcode number and product in your country, you will need to follow the registration process established by the relevant government agency or barcode registration authority. 

The process for registering your barcode number and product will vary depending on the country in which you are seeking registration. 

In general, the process will likely involve the following steps:

• Step 1: Obtain a unique barcode number for your product

Before you can register your product, you will need to obtain a unique barcode number. You can do this by purchasing a barcode from a reputable barcode provider or by applying for a barcode number from a barcode registration authority.

• Step 2: Identify the relevant government agency or barcode registration authority

You will need to identify the government agency or barcode registration authority responsible for barcode registration in your country.

• Step 3: Submit your registration application

Once you have obtained your barcode number and identified the appropriate registration authority, you will need to submit your registration application. 

This may involve providing information about your product, including its name, description, and intended use.

• Step 4: Pay any applicable fees

Depending on the country and registration authority, you may need to pay a fee to register your barcode number and product.

• Step 5: Wait for confirmation

After you have submitted your registration application and paid any applicable fees, you will need to wait for confirmation from the registration authority that your barcode number and product have been registered.

A guide to registering a barcode number?

By following these steps and complying with the relevant registration requirements, you can ensure that your barcode number and product are properly registered in your country.

Related post:

• Country of origin certificate

• What does the ce on products mean?

• How to determine country of origin?