A GS1 barcode follows international product identification standards set by GS1, a global non-profit organization.
In India, GS1 India manages barcode issuance and assigns each business a unique company prefix (called a Global Trade Item Number – GTIN).
These codes are recognized globally and are essential for selling products in retail stores, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms.
Barcodes allow seamless product tracking, inventory management, and retail scanning — helping small businesses appear more professional and reliable.
You may also like to read: Unlock business growth:The ultimate UPC Barcode Guide for Indian MSMEs
Renew your subscription annually to keep your barcodes active and valid.
you may also like to read: Why Barcode is Essential for MSME Product Packaging: Benefits, Types & Government Subsidy
GS1 India offers several plans depending on the number of products and business size:
Choose your plan based on the number of products you plan to scale in the next 2–3 years to save cost and avoid frequent upgrades.
When I launched my tea packaging brand, getting a GS1 barcode turned out to be one of my best business decisions.
Initially, I struggled to list my tea packs on e-commerce platforms because they required GS1-approved barcodes. After registering with GS1 India, I got a unique company prefix and created barcodes for different tea variants.
Once the barcodes were printed on my packaging, retailers started accepting my products more readily. Online listings became smoother, and my products appeared more credible to distributors and customers.
For a small business like mine, the GS1 barcode not only improved packaging professionalism but also helped track stock efficiently and opened the door to larger retail stores.
1. What is the main purpose of a GS1 barcode?
It uniquely identifies each product globally, helping with tracking, inventory, and sales across retail and e-commerce systems.
2. Who issues GS1 barcodes in India?
GS1 India, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is the official issuing authority.
3. Is there a government subsidy for barcode registration?
Yes. MSMEs can claim up to 75% reimbursement of registration costs under the Barcode Registration Scheme.
4. Can I use free online barcode generators?
No. Only GS1 India-issued barcodes are valid for retail and export. Free generators are not recognized by major marketplaces.
5. Do I need separate barcodes for different products?
Yes. Each product variant (size, flavor, or color) needs its own unique GS1 barcode.
Tabrez Khan is the founder editor of BusinessZindagi.com, a platform that helps Indian MSMEs and entrepreneurs grow with digital insights, finance guides, and government scheme updates.
He shares personal experiences from running small businesses and exports, including his own tea packaging venture, to help others succeed.
📧 Email: tabrez25061977@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.businesszindagi.com
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