Background: Barcodes are machine readable patterns which became popular in automating supermarket checkout systems.In his previous article Navneet Dhiman shared all about FSSAI registration and filing of returns. Here he explains the benefits of barcodes and the application process

What is a Barcode?

A machine-readable code in the form of numbers and a pattern of parallel lines of varying widths, printed on a commodity and used especially for stock control.

Types of Barcode
There are various types of Barcodes such as:

• Universal Product Codes (UPC): These are 12-digit numbers commonly used by retailers and different vendors. Each product has a unique number assigned GS1. These are used to encode information such as price, product number, serial number and batch number.
• International Article Number (EAN): These barcodes are used for booksellers, libraries and wholesalers for books traceability. EAN bar codes have 13 digits.
• Quick Response (QR) Codes: QR codes are latest trend in barcoding and these are popularly used for marketing of products.  These are generally used on marketing material.

Also read: Top 5 reasons you need an ISO 9001 certification

Benefits of Barcode:

• Fast and eliminates human error: A barcode scan is fast, reliable, infinitely less time consuming than entering data by hand.
• Barcodes are extremely versatile: Barcode is used for collection of data such as product name, price and quantity, serial number, batch number etc.
• Improves inventory management:  Barcode helps in the management of products and inventory levels can be monitored.
• Access to quick data: Data obtained through barcodes is available rapidly. Since the information is scanned directly into the central computer, it is ready almost instantaneously.
• Promotes decision making: Barcode helps in better decision-making and thereby saves both time and money.
  
  

Documents required for GS1 Barcode

GS1 India provides universally unique barcode numbers. Documents required for application include:

• Request letter from Applicant Company on their letter head.
• Attached copy of balance sheet (relevant page in support of your sales turnover) as 31st March 2018 (not required for new company)
• GST Certificate of the company.
  •  PAN card copy of proprietor- in case of Proprietorship firm or PAN card copy of the applicant company in other cases.
  •  Cancelled cheque copy of the company.
  • For pharma company - Drug Manufacturing License & Import Export License.

 
Also read: 10 things entrepreneurs should know about patents

Documents required for Private barcode:

• Product name
• Product weight
• Product price
• GST registration
• Pan card of proprietor / all directors / all partners
• Aadhaar card of proprietor/ all directors / all partners

Note: All documents should be signed and stamped by authorised person.

Timeline:

4-5 working days for all

Also read: Trademark your brand to safeguard your brand

Image courtesy: freepik.com

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