Barcodes

All printed labels that include barcodes are checked by Sticky Business with a GS1 Certified Verifier to ensure compliance to GS1 print quality recommendations.  This is free of charge.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions:
 

1. My company needs to bar code products.  What do I need to do? Sticky Business Ltd recommends contacting GS1 Member Organisation.  GS1 are a non-profit organisation that allocate barcode numbers for each country.  These are official GS1 numbers and are guaranteed to be unique throughout the world.  This is the official barcode number source.  They will provide you with a GS1 Company Prefix and the specifications in your language.  Sticky Business is not authorised to issue GS1 barcode numbers.  These can only be issued by GS1 New Zealand.  A barcode disclaimer (absolving Sticky Business of responsibility) will need to be signed by the client for any non compliant barcode instructions.
2. GS1 New Zealand contact details. www.gs1nz.org  email: info@gs1nz.org  phone 04 494 1050  fax 04 494 1051.
3. Which type of barcode should I use? GS1 advises the type of barcode format required when the numbers are issued, depending on the use of the product.  For example, EAN-13, EAN-8 and UPC-A formats are commonly used for Point of Sale, ITF-14 for Trade Units, and GS1-128 (formerly known as EAN/UCC-128) for variable data. Other formats are available, contact GS1 for information. 
4. Do bar codes have to be printed at the nominal size? No. The printing process and the material used will determine the size of the barcode that is more appropriate for the given packaging and/or label.  The minimum barcode size recommended by GS1 for EAN-13, EAN-8 and UPC-A is 80% (please note 80% size EAN-13 barcodes result in a finished size of 75% when thermal printed), and 50% for ITF-14 and GS1-128.  Bars must be full height and colours and light margins must comply with GS1 specifications.
5. What is a check digit?  The last digit of the barcode, this is automatically calculated by the software.