How to get an EAN-13 barcode for your product in Europe

There are two main steps involved in getting an EAN-13 barcode for your own product. First, you need to get a unique number allocated for your product. Then, you convert that number into a barcode image suitable for use on your product. This section tells you how to get your own barcode.

Get a unique barcode number

If your product is for sale in Europe, and assuming it's not a book or DVD, you need an EAN-13 barcode. The first step is to contact GS1UK, who are the authority who issue barcode numbers. You need to join the organisation as a member, which currently costs £99 per year.

They will issue you with what is known as a 'company prefix', which means that you have up to 1000 unique barcode numbers allocated to you. This may sound like a lot more than you need - however, it is the smallest batch that can be bought. Also, you may use more than you realise: You will need one for each different product you sell, but also might need one for each different type of packaging, one for special offers, one for discount vouchers, etc.

GS1UK also provide tools to help you manage your batch of numbers, to keep record of which ones you have used for what, etc.

Create a barcode image in a graphics file

When you have allocated a number for your product, you will need to turn that number into a barcode image suitable for use on your product or packaging. There are strict rules about how the image must be created, and you need to ensure your image is as high-quality as possible so that it will scan successfully at the checkout.

Alver Valley Software Limited's package 'AVS Barcode Source' runs on Windows and is simple to install and use. You simply enter the barcode number that you have allocated, select your barcode type (usually EAN13), and your barcode will be created for you. You can save it in a variety of graphics formats, such as TIFF, PNG, BMP or EPS (vector), ready for use in your desktop publishing software. Of course, before going to press with your packaging, you need to test the barcode carefully, to make sure it scans successfully on a variety of scanning equipment - Alver Valley Software can advise on testing.

The software has a range of options for altering the image, including size, colours, etc, and a useful 'force to standard' option which simplifies the process of creating a standardised EAN13 barcode.

As well as EAN-13 barcodes, 'AVS Barcode Source' can also create a number of other barcode formats, such as Code 128, Code 39, the 2-of-5 family, as well as 'DataMatrix', which is one of the 2-dimensional barcode formats that are becoming more popular.

You can download 'AVS Barcode Source' now and use it in demonstration mode straight away.

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