Barcoding – getting it right

Recommendations for best practice by GS1 UK

Version 8
Barcoding – getting it right

About GS1 UK

GS1 UK is a not-for-profit organisation owned by its

members. We develop and implement global supply
chain standards to make it faster, cheaper and safer for
our members to serve their customers, regardless of
where they are in the world.

The basis of our standards is the accurate identification

of items such as products, assets, and even patients.
We license globally unique numbers so that
organisations can identify their items and develop
global standards to help them share accurate data with
their trading partners. We use our standards to develop
solutions such as master data management, traceability
and asset tracking, which can tackle real issues in the
supply chain. GS1 standards are used over a billion
times a day by millions of businesses globally.

GS1 UK was founded over 40 years ago and is one of

111 GS1 member organisations in over 150 countries
worldwide.
 Barcoding – getting it right

Foreword

Barcoding has transformed value Printing a good quality barcode

chain management over the last that conforms to GS1 standards
twenty years, and the ability to may cost more than printing
capture data automatically at unscannable symbols,
every significant point in the chain but the benefits outweigh the
enables faster and more efficient costs. This booklet sets out
management. We are moving recommendations for best practice
closer to the point when all the that will require investment in
trading organisations in any value appropriate staff and equipment.
chain can begin to work together
as one linked enterprise, with the This advice is provided by GS1 UK
scanning of products providing a which is responsible for ensuring
flow of information that informs all that UK users have the support
other actions. they need in their use of the
GS1 System. If the application
of any of these guidelines is
unclear, please contact the staff
of GS1 UK for clarification. More
The accuracy of barcodes remains detailed information about the
fundamentally important because technical aspects of the system
when a barcode fails to scan it can be obtained from GS1 UK and
adds cost to the trading process. by consulting the GS1 General
At best data has to be keyed in Specifications which are available
manually, and at worst customers to members at the website
may reject a complete consignment www.gs1uk.org.
of goods, resulting in lost sales and
possible financial penalties. It has
been estimated that the cost of
poor barcode quality in the UK is
somewhere between £500 million James D Spittle
Chairman, GS1 UK
and £1 billion pounds per year, and
this booklet explains clearly how to
achieve accurate barcodes that will
scan the first time, every time.

Barcodes used in open trade

must meet the requirements of
the GS1 System which is managed
globally by GS1. In the UK these
GS1 standards are promoted and
supported by GS1 UK.

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 Barcoding – getting it right

Contents
Foreword 1

1. What barcodes do 4

2. Number allocation 5
What happens when a consumer unit is also a traded unit?
Number notification
Re-using item numbers

3. The ideal barcode 7

For consumer units
For traded units
For logistics units, for example pallets
Barcode origination
Barcode colours

4. Choosing the correct barcode 12

5. Barcodes on consumer units 13

Main requirements
X-dimension
Quiet Zones

6. Barcodes on traded units 15

Using EAN-13 or UPC-A barcodes
Using ITF-14 barcodes
Main requirements
Bearer bars
Quiet Zone indicators
Using GS1-128 barcodes
Main requirements
Bearer bars
Light margin indicators
When are brackets required around the application identifiers?
Products with a shelf life of up to 42 days
Variable measure products

7. Pallet labels 21
Position of label on pallet

8. The verification process 24

9. Common problems to avoid 27

10. Checklist 31

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 Barcoding – getting it right

11. Summary of best practice recommendations 32

12. Barcode management 34

13. Glossary of terms 35

Appendix 1 37
Barcode dimensions

Appendix 2 38
GS1 Barcode specifications

Appendix 3 39
Creating GTINs and SSCCs
Global trade item numbers
Creating GTIN-13s
Creating GTIN-12s
Creating branded variable measure restricted circulation numbers (RCNs)
Creating own-label variable measure restricted circulation numbers (RCNs)
Creating GTIN-14s
Component parts of GTIN-14
Creating SSCCs
Check digit calculation

Appendix 4 44
Printing techniques
Printing on demand

Appendix 5 46
Printing GS1-128 barcodes
Function 1
Choosing the correct character set
Concatenation
Choosing the correct size
Height of bars
Keeping adequate Quiet Zones
When are brackets required around the application identifiers?
Determining the length of a GS1-128 barcode
Choosing the correct application identifiers

Appendix 6 49
Symbol show through

Appendix 7 50
How X-dimensions and magnification factors compare

Further information 51

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Barcoding – getting it right

1. What barcodes do

All barcodes represent data in

a machine readable form. The
different widths of bars and spaces
in a barcode symbol represent
different numbers or letters which
can be decoded by a scanner.
The data is then sent back to the
appropriate computer system
where it is recorded and used to
prompt further action.

Barcodes used at the retail point of

sale represent a global trade item
number (GTIN) which acts as a key
to information held on a database.
It is important that each GTIN
correctly identifies the product and
The barcodes used on outer cases This booklet will explain more
that the barcode representing this
(trade items that do not cross a about the printing and positioning
number can easily be seen and
retail point of sale) will sometimes of barcodes, but it is not intended
scanned successfully.
represent a GTIN by itself. When it as a replacement for the GS1
is also necessary to have additional General Specifications. These
information such as expiry dates, specifications are available free of
batch information or serial numbers charge to GS1 UK members via the
in a machine readable form, GS1 UK website at www.gs1uk.org.
this will also be included in the
barcode.

Logistics labels are used to identify

the units transported in the supply
chain and examples include pallets
of goods.

All of the barcodes in the

GS1 System carry GS1 standard
data. These standards are agreed
internationally by GS1 members
and are the basis for effective
unambiguous communications
between companies in value
chains and their final customers.

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 Barcoding – getting it right

2. Number allocation

It is vitally important that each The number allocated to a

company bar coding its products consumer unit (an item that could
has a unique company prefix be sold at a retail point of sale)
number from GS1 UK or another must be changed when:
GS1 authority. This number is then
used as the basis for the creation • the declared weight is different
of unique global trade item
numbers (GTINs) as explained in • extra product is provided free, for
appendix 3. example 10% extra

Each company must ensure that • the name of the product changes,
every different product line has for example from Marathon™ to
a different number. If particular Snickers™ Different numbers are required on
levels of packaging also need to outer cases (traded units or trade
be identified for trading purposes, • a price that is pre-printed on the items that do not cross a retail
then each level being identified packaging is changed point of sale) when:
requires a different number.
Numbers allocated to consumer • they contain different quantities
units must remain unaltered when of the same consumer unit

• a promotional offer is being • the products inside the outer

advertised case have a new item number

• the undeclared weight changes • a promotion needs to be

by an amount that does not distinguished for ordering and
affect its handling within any invoicing purposes
supply chain
• the packaging of the consumer
• a minor packaging change, units changes significantly, for
for example a different type of example when a glass container
similar packaging material is replaces a plastic container
now being used
Changes of number are required
when the outer case needs to
be distinguished from any other
outer case. Changes in packaging
material may affect the gross
weight of the item even though
all other aspects are unaltered.
This weight change may affect the
logistics processes involved in the
product’s handling, so a different
number is required.

If the product is only ever sold

at a traded unit level, either an
EAN-13 barcode of at least 150%
magnification, or an ITF-14 or
GS1-128 barcode must be used.

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Barcoding – getting it right

What happens when a

consumer unit is also a
traded unit?

When a product is traded between

companies and also sold at the
retail point of sale, the product is
both a traded unit and a consumer
unit. Examples are a sack of
potatoes, a toaster or a 12-pack
of canned drinks. It does not need
a new number for the second
purpose as its identity is still
the same.

Number notification

Re-using item numbers

Poor communication of item
It is always worth checking
numbers between trading partners
prevents effective handling of The global trade item number whether re-using numbers
trade information. Following good (GTIN) for a product can be
will cause any problems
practice will achieve immediate re-used if it is at least four years
improvements, at no extra cost. since the number was last used with your major custom-
to identify something else. Even if
ers before doing this. In the
• For proprietary branded products the first product had a very short
the manufacturer or supplier will shelf life the number must not music industry, for example,
notify the wholesalers or retailers be re-used before this time has
re-using numbers may cause
of the GTINs being used elapsed or it may cause confusion
with your trading partners. problems because a re-is-
• For own brand products, the
sued recording may require
retailer or wholesaler will let An exception is for clothing, when
the manufacturer know which numbers can be re-used after 30 the same number it had 10,
numbers are to be used to months. This is because many of
20 or 30 years ago.
identify new products these are used to identify fashion
items that are only sold for one
When a new product is being season.
introduced, all the GTINs that
relate to it must be notified to all Numbers used to identify items in
the trading partners before the healthcare must never be re-used.
products are first supplied.
A document fully explaining the
GTIN allocation rules is available on
the members’ area on the GS1 UK
website at www.gs1uk.org.

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 Barcoding – getting it right

3. The ideal barcode

The ideal barcode is one that For consumer units

represents the correct data, and is
EAN-13
scannable on all correctly adjusted
Scanners at the retail point of
scanners. The GS1 General
sale are designed to read EAN-
Specifications provide a basis for
13, UPC-A, EAN-8 and UPC-E
determining the correct size of a
barcodes so one of these symbols
barcode and also recommend the
must be used. Most UK users will
use of verification equipment which
use EAN-13 barcodes on their
can measure how well a barcode
products (or EAN-8 barcodes for
has been printed and give an
very small products).
indication of how easily it will be
scanned in practice.
• Barcodes must be in the same UPC-A
location on all similar shaped
The correct type of barcode must
products
be chosen before including it on
the packaging of the product. The
• The barcode must be no
different types of product and the
closer than 8 mm to a seam or
barcodes will now be explained.
packaging fold
0 12345 67890 5
• The barcode must be on a flat or
consistently curved surface

• The barcodes on consumer units EAN-8

must not be visible through the
outer packaging

• For small cylindrical products,

the barcode must be positioned
vertically (ladder orientation),
subject to the printing process
and/or the direction of print
UPC-E

0 123456 5

All of these barcodes are

The ideal barcode is one that represents the correct data, at 100% magnification.
is printed within the allowable range of sizes and scans
irst time.

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Barcoding – getting it right

For traded units A minimum of one barcode is

required, but two are
recommended when the barcodes
Scanners in warehousing and
are pre-printed direct onto the
distribution and at the wholesale
outer packaging. This is because
point of sale are designed to read
the cost of pre-printing an extra
EAN-13, UPC-A, ITF-14 and GS1-
symbol is minimal, and should one
128 barcodes, so one of these must
barcode become damaged and
be used. The symbols used on very
unreadable, the second one should
small products, the EAN-8 and
still be scannable. When two
UPC-E barcodes, will not generally
symbols are provided, ideally one
be used on traded units.
should be on a short side and the
other on the adjacent long right
Traded units may be handled
hand side, but they can be placed
automatically by goods inward
on opposite sides if this means
and warehouse systems and so
they will both remain scannable.
the barcodes must always be
printed so that the bars of the
symbol are upright when the unit
is in its normal storage position.
Traded units will often be sold at
a wholesale point of sale, and it is
very important that the barcodes
on the consumer units inside them
cannot be scanned at these points
of sale.

ITF-14 barcode with X-dimension of 0.635 mm

The data in this barcode

provides the information that
the GTIN is 25012345678904
and that the product’s expiry
date is 25 December 2013.

GS1-128 barcode with X-dimension of 0.50 mm

(01)25012345678904(17)131225

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 Barcoding – getting it right

For logistics units, for Barcode origination

example pallets
Barcodes can be sourced as
Scanners used to read labels on film masters, as digital EPS
logistics units are designed to read (encapsulated PostScript) files, or
GS1-128 barcodes. through the use of design software
used in-house. Whichever method
All the barcodes on the pallet label is used it is important to determine
must be GS1-128 barcodes. the correct size for the particular
use of the barcode, and then the
• There must be two identical choice of substrate and printing
labels on each unit technique.

• One label must be placed on a More details are provided in

short side and the second label appendix 4.
must be placed on an adjacent
long side The use of verification equipment
is recommended to check these
• The barcodes including their master images, especially when
Quiet Zones must be no closer artwork has been created digitally.
than 50 mm to a vertical edge

• The minimum height of the

bars of all the barcodes must
If barcoded labels are being used,
be 32 mm. There is no maximum
then one label is sufficient. This
height for the barcode
is because these barcodes are
generally of a higher quality and
• The barcodes must be upright,
will be scanned more reliably. This
in picket fence orientation
label should ideally be placed on
one long side of the item.

• The barcodes on consumer units

inside the outer case must not
be scannable through the outer
packaging

• The barcodes must be upright, in

picket fence orientation, so that
the bars are vertical

• The minimum height of the bars

of the barcode must be 32 mm

• The barcodes including their

Quiet Zones must be no closer
than 19 mm to a vertical edge

• The barcodes must not be

obscured by any final packaging

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Barcoding – getting it right

It is recommended that the Barcode colours Any colours used for the printing of
barcodes on the finished products the bars must be pure colours, and
are then verified to ensure that not printed out of the conventional
Barcodes must be printed so that
all the production processes have four colour process. It is not always
the darker bars appear against a
resulted in a scannable barcode. necessary to introduce black as an
paler background. It is not possible
Verification equipment meeting the extra colour to print the bars if one
to read a barcode if it is reversed
requirements of ISO/IEC 15426-1 of the colours already used in the
out, that is, printed with white bars
must be used as it will provide a design will appear black under
against a coloured background.
check on all the important criteria. red light. Use a verifier compliant
Scanners detect the contrast
with ISO/IEC 15426-1 to check that
between the bars and spaces using
More information about the chosen combination will work
red light, and it is important to
verification is provided in effectively.
use colours that will maximise this
section 8.
contrast.

This verification is strongly

If using a semi-transparent
recommended because poor
substrate, do not rely on the colour
quality, unscannable barcodes
of the contents of the packaging
create additional cost and delay
to provide a background colour:
for supply chain and point of sale
print a background in white,
operations.
yellow, orange or red to provide
adequate contrast with the bars
of the symbol. Black bars on a
white background are a good
combination, but other colours may
be used provided the bars have a
high blue, black or green content
and are printed on a background
that is white, yellow, orange or
red. The illustrations overleaf show
examples of scannable and non-
scannable combinations of colour.

Verifiers that meet the

requirements of the international
specification ISO/IEC 15426-1 are
able to measure the contrast of a
printed barcode, and they must be
used to check that particular colour
combinations are scannable.

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 Barcoding – getting it right

Barcode colours

Scanners use red light and only certain colour combinations can be used.

Scannable Non-scannable

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Barcoding – getting it right

4. Choosing the correct barcode

5. If the traded unit has a short

shelf life, say less than 42 days,
use a GS1-128 barcode to
encode the GTIN for the item
and its expiry date. Most users
will not be able to achieve a
symbol of adequate quality
unless they use print and apply
labels or use white kraft board
as the substrate.

6. If the traded unit has to

be barcoded with extra
information, such as a batch
number or variant number, use
a GS1-128 barcode to encode
this information together with
the GTIN.

7. If the traded unit is of variable

measure, use a GS1-128
barcode, which will encode the
The rules set out below will help 3. If the traded unit could also be
measure (often the weight in
you choose the correct barcode for sold at a retail point of sale (for
kilograms) alongside the GTIN.
each level of packaging. example, a box of 24 cans of
beer), it must be barcoded with
8. If pallets are being labelled,
1. If the product is a consumer at least one EAN-13 or UPC-A
only GS1-128 barcodes must
unit (it could be sold at a retail at a magnification of at least
be used on the label.
point of sale), use an EAN- 150%.1
13, UPC-A, EAN-8 or UPC-E
barcode to identify it. 4. If EAN-13 or UPC-A symbols
are printed on a traded unit,
2. If the product is a traded unit make sure that the packaging
(a product that will not be sold materials are of an adequate
at a retail point of sale), any quality to allow for scannable
of the GS1 barcodes may be symbols to be printed. The
used. However if barcodes are outer packaging of the traded
printed direct onto fibreboard unit must also obscure all the
packaging, ITF-14 symbols may barcodes that appear on the
need to be used. products inside it.

1
In the past the term “magnification factor” was extensively used to specify the size of
a barcode. This technique relied upon setting a nominal size (100 per cent) that was
directly related to a given X-dimension. Since January 2000, the more precise term
“X-dimension” has been used to specify permissible symbol sizes (see Appendix 2 on
page 38)

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 Barcoding – getting it right

5. Barcodes on consumer units

Consumer units (items that may be The EAN-8 barcode represents

sold at a retail point of sale) must a GTIN-8 number which is directly
EAN-13
be barcoded with EAN-13, UPC-A, assigned by GS1 UK for the
EAN-8 or UPC-E symbols, and they identification of very small items.
are shown here. In these examples
the barcodes are shown at a size of The UPC-E barcode is a special
100%. Whenever symbols are made representation of a GTIN-12
smaller or larger they must be kept number that would otherwise
in proportion. The height of the be shown in a UPC-A barcode
bars should not be reduced unless symbol. These barcodes can be
absolutely necessary as this makes scanned in the UK but they are not
the barcode more difficult to scan. generally available for UK users to
create. Further information about UPC-A
The UPC-A barcodes are the these symbols is available in the
American equivalent of EAN-13 GS1 General Specifications and
barcodes and occupy the same from GS1 UK.
area as an EAN-13 barcode.
They can be used in the UK and These four symbols – EAN-13,
elsewhere with no problem. EAN-8, UPC-A and UPC-E – are
0 12345 67890 5
sometimes referred to as EAN/
UPC symbols. The barcodes have
a nominal or 100% size which can
be varied, and the size chosen will EAN-8
depend on the printing process
and the quality of the inks and
substrates being used. Appendix 2
lists the width and height of EAN-
13 and EAN-8 barcode symbols at
different sizes.

UPC-E

0 123456 5

All of these barcodes are

at 100% magnification.

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Barcoding – getting it right

Main requirements X-dimension Quiet Zones

• The bars of the codes must When any of these barcodes is at The clear spaces to the left and
not be shortened in height its nominal or 100% size the width right of each barcode are very
(truncated) unless the product’s of the narrowest bar or space is important as they are used by the
size makes this absolutely 0.33 mm. This measurement is also scanner to determine where the
necessary known as the X-dimension or the barcode starts and finishes. These
module width, and this expression Quiet Zones must be the same
• Adequate light margins or Quiet may sometimes be used to specify background colour as the rest of
Zones must be provided to the the size of a barcode. The width the barcode and nothing must be
left and right of each barcode. of the other bars and spaces printed in these areas except for
is two, three or four times the the symbol’s Quiet Zone indicators.
• The target size is 100% but X-dimension. These Quiet Zone indicators are
the standards allow a range optional, but they are strongly
between 80% and 200%. However, recommended to help safeguard
keep them in the 80% to 120% the Quiet Zones.
magnification range if print
quality allows. The nominal dimensions for these
Quiet Zones are provided in
When printing barcodes smaller appendix 1, but it is important to
than 100% remember that the allow slightly more than this space
printing tolerances are much at each side to allow for variation in
tighter, and you must use high printing tolerances.
quality printing processes. It is not
always possible to improve the
quality of the printing process so
tests must be carried out before
committing to a particular size of
symbol. If the consumer unit is also
a traded unit, please see the next
section for advice on the barcode’s
size.

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 Barcoding – getting it right

6. Barcodes on traded units

Traded units are sometimes Using EAN-13 or UPC-A • The barcode must have Quiet
called outer cases or trade item barcodes Zones to the left and right, and
groupings. These traded units the use of quiet zone indicators
may cross a wholesale point of is strongly recommended as a
If an EAN-13 or UPC-A barcode
sale, and may also be scanned in means of safeguarding these
is printed on the packaging of a
automated goods handling systems
traded unit:
and at goods receiving and • The barcode must be upright, in
despatch points. They are handled picket fence orientation, so that
• The barcode must have a
by manufacturers, distributors, the bars are vertical
magnification of at least 150%, so
transporters, wholesalers, and
that the width of the narrowest
retailers. They usually contain a • The barcode including its Quiet
bars is at least 0.495 mm
predefined number of consumer Zones must be no closer than
units, the items sold at a retail 19 mm to a vertical edge
• A minimum of one barcode
point of sale.
is required, but two are
recommended when the
These items can be barcoded
barcodes are pre-printed direct
with EAN-13, UPC-A, ITF-14 or
onto the outer packaging. If
GS1-128 symbols depending
possible, one barcode should be
on the type of outer case
on a short side and the other on
packaging material being used and
the adjacent long right hand side.
the type of information required by
trading partners.
• It must not be possible to scan
any of the EAN or UPC barcodes
Some products, such as washing
on any of the items inside
machines, furniture and large
through the outer packaging.
multipacks, are both traded units
For further information see
and consumer units. If this is
appendix 7
the case, the item number is the
same for both uses. An EAN-13 or
UPC-A symbol is required for the
retail point of sale.

Examples of EAN-13 and UPC-A barcodes printed at a magnification of 150% are shown below:

EAN-13 UPC-A

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Barcoding – getting it right

ITF-14 barcode at nominal size

Using ITF-14 barcodes ITF-14 barcode with X-dimension of 0.635 mm

It may be necessary to use ITF-14

symbols when barcodes are being
printed directly on to fibreboard
outer cases. If you have to provide
extra variable information such as
expiry dates or batch numbers, you
will have to use GS1-128 barcodes
which are explained below.

Examples of an ITF-14 symbol

printed at its nominal size
(equivalent to an X-dimension
of 1.016 mm) and at reduced
sizes with X-dimensions of 0.635
mm and 0.495 mm are shown ITF-14 barcode with X-dimension of 0.495 mm
alongside. Although the
X-dimensions are smaller, the
height of the bars remains at
32 mm, as shown here. As
with the EAN/UPC symbols the
aim is to print a scannable barcode
within the specified size range.

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 Barcoding – getting it right

Using ITF-14 barcodes • The wide to narrow ratio for the Bearer bars
bars and spaces should be 2.5:1.
The acceptable range is from
Main requirements The heavy box around the ITF-14
2.25:1 to 3.0:1.
symbol is called the bearer box
and it must always be included
• When printing directly onto • The barcodes on the consumer
when pre-printing directly on to
fibreboard cases use symbols units inside the outer case must
fibreboard materials.
which have a maximum not be scannable through the
X-dimension of 1.016 mm outer packaging. For further
If the ITF-14 symbol is printed
information see appendix 6
using on-demand printing
• A minimum of one barcode
equipment it is only necessary to
is required, but two are • The barcodes must be upright, in
print the top and bottom bearer
recommended when the picket fence orientation, so that
bars and these should have a width
barcodes are pre-printed direct the bars are vertical
of at least 1 mm.
onto the outer packaging. If
possible, one barcode should be • The barcodes including their
These bearer bars prevent any mis-
on a short side and the other on Quiet Zones must be no closer
scanning of the ITF-14 symbols,
an adjacent long side. Only one than 19 mm to a vertical edge
and help prevent the top and
barcode is required if a label is
bottom of the bars from splaying
used or the barcode is printed on • The minimum acceptable size for
apart when using flexographic
demand ITF-14 symbols is an X-dimension
printing plates. When these
of 0.495 mm
barcodes are printed on demand
• The bars must be 32 mm tall. This
the bearer bar still prevents mis-
height is needed to help improve • Only use ITF-14 symbols with
scans and may also provide a
the performance of automated an X-dimension of less than
visible check that all the print head
scanning systems 0.635 mm when printing on to
elements are working.
labels, or directly on to high
• Clear Quiet Zones must be quality substrates; samples will
provided on both sides of the need to be checked to ensure
symbol that these symbols are scannable Quiet Zone indicators

Quiet Zone indicators are not

mandatory but are strongly
recommended. Users of ITF-14
symbols must be confident that
adequate Quiet Zones are being
provided.

It is also important to check that

the barcodes are not obscured by
any final wrapping or treatment of
the item.

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Barcoding – getting it right

Using GS1-128 The size of the GS1-128 barcode

barcodes will depend on the amount of The barcodes on the
information it includes:
consumer units inside the
These barcodes, together with the
• Make sure no barcode, including outer case must not be
application identifier standards,
its Quiet Zones, is longer than
enable companies to provide scannable through the outer
165 mm
additional information about a
packaging. For further
product alongside the GTIN for
• If the barcode would be too long,
the product itself. These barcodes information see appendix 6.
use two or more barcodes to
cannot be scanned at the retail
show the information
point of sale so they are restricted
to use on traded units.
• When printing on fibreboard,
use symbols which have an
These barcodes are recommended Main requirements
X-dimension of 1.016 mm
when it is necessary to be able to
scan
• A minimum of one barcode • The minimum bar height is
is required, but two are 32 mm. This improves the
• Use by and best before dates
recommended if these are performance of automated
pre-printed direct onto the outer scanning systems
• Measurements for variable
packaging. One barcoded label
measure products
or one on-demand printed • The barcodes must be upright,
symbol is sufficient. in picket fence orientation, so
• Batch and serial numbers
that the bars are vertical
• When printing on labels, the
The different types of data must
minimum size is an • The barcodes including their
be specified by the application
X-dimension of 0.495 mm, which Quiet Zones must be no closer
identifiers which appear before
means the narrowest bars and than 19 mm to a vertical edge
each data field. The brackets are
spaces have a width of 0.495 mm
only shown around the human
readable numbers below the
barcode. The brackets are not
data and must not be encoded
into the symbol. Full details about
the choice of application identifiers
are provided in appendix 5 and
in the GS1 General Specifications
which are available to GS1 UK
members via the GS1 UK website
at www.gs1uk.org

18
 Barcoding – getting it right

Bearer bars When are brackets required

around the application
identifiers?
These are not mandatory but
are strongly recommended to
highlight barcode printing Brackets are used around each
problems. When GS1-128 barcodes application identifier (AI) when the
are printed on demand in picket data is printed below the barcode.
fence orientation any missing This makes it easier for people to
print head elements will show up read the AI and the data it defines.
as white gaps in the bearer bars The brackets must not be encoded
at the top of the symbol. The use into the GS1-128 symbol itself.
of bearer bars will help ensure
accurate production of these
symbols.
Products with a shelf life
of up to 42 days

Quiet Zone indicators

In the UK many retailers expect
shelf life dates to be barcoded on
Quiet Zone indicators are not traded units that contain products
mandatory but are strongly whose shelf life is less than 42 days.
recommended. Users must be
confident that sufficient Quiet An example of a barcode for a
Zones are provided at each side short life product is shown below.
of the symbol. The diagram below
provides an example of a suitable The AI 01 defines the GTIN for the
format for these. product while the AI 17 defines the
expiry date in the format YYMMDD.
If a best before date is required,
the AI 15 is used.

The data in this barcode provides

the information that the GTIN is
25012345678904 and that the product’s
expiry date is 25 December 2013.

(01)25012345678904(17)131225

19
Barcoding – getting it right

The GS1-128 barcode has Quiet

Zones to the left and right which
are also indicated by the optional
quiet zone indicators. If the
barcode is printed in picket fence
orientation, the horizontal bearer
bar will also make it easier to see if
any of the print head elements are
not working. If the code is printed
in ladder orientation, any missing
Variable measure products
print head elements will show up
as horizontal white lines across
the symbol which will reduce its When traded units contain catch
scannability. This is because the weight items (items that do not
white lines will divide the symbol have a predefined weight), then the
horizontally and make it unreadable net weight of the contents must
by some scanners. be shown in a GS1-128 barcode.
Other variable measures such as
For further information about on length, area and volume can be
demand printing, see appendix 4. shown using different application
identifiers, but weight is the most
common measure used in the UK.
For further details about the other
application identifiers, see chapters
3 and 4 of the GS1 General
Specifications.

• Use the AI 3102 to give the

net weight in kilograms to two
decimal places. Other AIs can
be used to give weight to a
different number of decimal
places The data in this barcode provides
the information that the GTIN is
95012345678903, that the product’s
• The GTIN must be a 14 digit net weight is 12.75 kilograms, and that
number beginning with 9 the expiry date is 25 December 2013.

(01)95012345678903(17)131225(3102)001275

20
 Barcoding – getting it right

7. Pallet labels

Pallets and other transport units The most common label size is
must be labelled with a GS1 close to A5 which is 148 mm wide
logistics label and an example of and 210 mm tall. If less information
one is given on page 22. is required, some companies will
choose to use a label size close to
For further information about using A6 which is 105 mm wide and 148
pallet labels, see the GS1 Standard mm tall. The actual size of the label
International Logistic Label (STILL) will depend on the requirements of
guideline available via the GS1 UK the particular value chain, and any
website, size of label may be used.

www.gs1uk.org The label uses GS1-128 barcodes

and provides information that will
The X-dimension for the GS1-128 be useful to all the participants
barcodes shown in the example in the transport and distribution
is 0.495 mm, and this is the chain.
minimum size that should be used.
• Each shipping container,
The GS1 General Specifications transport unit or pallet is In addition to the SSCC most users
stipulate that GS1-128 barcodes identified with a unique tracking will provide details of the contents
must be used on these labels to number called a serial shipping of the pallet.
represent the GS1 defined data. container code or SSCC
• Use AI 02 to give the GTIN of
• The SSCC is an 18 digit number the cases on the pallet together
that is unique for each unit with AI 37 to provide a count of
the cases
• The SSCC is denoted by the
AI 00 • Only use AI 01 to give a GTIN for
the pallet if the pallet has a pre-
• The barcode containing the defined configuration, and it is
SSCC must always be the lowest a traded unit. AI 01 must not be
barcode on the label used together with AIs 02 and 37

• Use whichever extra AIs you need

to provide extra information for
yourself or your trading partners,
for example AI 10 for batch
number

• The height of the bars of all the

barcodes must be a minimum of
32 mm

• Bearer bars should be used to

give an indication of print head
failure

21
Barcoding – getting it right

A5 sized label

25.12.13

(02)15012345678907(17)131225(37)0110

(00)050123450001234563(10)1234AB

22
 Barcoding – getting it right

Position of label on pallet For pallets taller than 1,000 mm For pallets lower than 1,000 mm

• Place the label so that the • Place the label as high as

Many pallets will be handled
barcodes are no higher than possible but make sure that the
on automatic systems so it is
800 mm and no lower than barcodes are no higher than
recommended that the label should
400 mm 800mm and no lower than 32mm
be applied on the right hand side
from the base of the unit
of the permitted area for best use
• Use two identical labels for each
of scanning.*
pallet, one on a short side and • Ensure the barcodes with their
one on a long side as shown Quiet Zones are no closer than
below 50 mm to a vertical edge

• Ensure that the barcodes

including their Quiet Zones
on the label are no closer than
50 mm to a vertical edge

h<800 mm

h>400 mm

x x>50 mm x

*GS1 UK Best Practice Logistics Label Guidelines

23
Barcoding – getting it right

8. The verification process

The accurate printing of barcodes Staff need to be trained in the

is fundamental for effective value use of verification equipment,
chain management as the rapid and must always check symbols
and accurate scanning in of GS1 visually before using a verifier that
data provides the basis for all the meets the requirements of ISO/
electronic business transactions IEC 15426-1 to provide detailed
that follow. information. Each symbol must
be checked to see that the bars
Barcode scanning provides no are the correct height, and that
indication of barcode quality as no horizontal lines or spaces cut
it gives no information about through the symbol. Any marks
the symbol other than whether crossing the bars and spaces of
it can be scanned or not by that a symbol will reduce its effective
particular scanner. Scanners look height and make it very difficult
for sufficient contrast between to scan. Having checked that the
the bars and spaces, and decode barcodes are in the correct
the different widths of bars and The position of the barcode on position and are not shortened in
spaces into data that is sent to the the packaging will need to be height (truncated), you can use
software for processing. checked to see that it meets the verification equipment to obtain an
GS1 General Specifications. Any overall grade for each symbol.
The GS1 General Specifications final labelling or wrapping should
describe a process for the also be examined to ensure that
production of barcodes that should the barcodes remain visible and
result in scannable symbols, but scannable.
a verification procedure needs
to be followed to provide more When checking symbol quality,
information about symbol quality. you should attempt to simulate the
final, filled product or package. If
for example a white background
is printed on to a clear substrate,
check the colour of the contents
of the item. If it is not possible to
simulate the contents, verify the
barcode twice, once over a
black background and next over
a white background. The worse
of the two grades will provide
information about the worst
possibility.

24
 Barcoding – getting it right

Verifiers that meet the international • Modulation (a ratio of the

requirements will measure and minimum edge contrast to the
grade the following seven symbol contrast). This grade
parameters of the code: will be low if positive bar gain has
increased the width of the bars
• The symbol contrast (a measure causing a narrowing of the spaces
of the contrast difference between them
between the dark bars and the
paler background) • Defects (which may be light voids
within dark bars or dark spots in
• The minimum reflectance (a the spaces between the bars) All of these criteria are measured
check that the bars appear dark separately and the grade given to
enough in relation to the spaces) • Decode (an indication that the the barcode is the lowest score for
symbol will decode successfully if any one of these measurements.
• The minimum edge contrast (a it conforms to the specifications,
measure of the least difference notably in respect of character All of these characteristics can
in contrast between an adjacent encodation, check digits and be measured by verification
bar and space). This will be a low Quiet Zones) equipment which meets the
grade if the barcode is unlikely to requirements of ISO/IEC
be read when it is scanned • Decodability (an indication of the 15426-1, which incorporates
accuracy of widths and positions the CEN (Comité Européen de
of the bars and spaces) Normalisation, the European
Standards Committee) standards.
These standards are compatible
with those from ANSI (the
American National Standards
Institute) and the table below
shows how they compare.

ANSI to ISO Grade

Conversion Table

A 3.5 to 4.0
B 2.5 to 3.4
C 1.5 to 2.4
D 0.5 to 1.4
F Less than 0.5

25
Barcoding – getting it right

This standard applies to all the ID/

Linear barcodes used by the GS1
System, and provides a basis for
agreeing with trading partners
the quality of symbols that will
be accepted. The verifier should
ideally be used to check each The aim is to produce barcodes
symbol being tested ten times, with grades 4 or A, although this
using different paths through the will be difficult with some printing
symbol. Higher grades mean that processes and materials.
the barcode in question is closer Traditional verification
to the ideal than lower scoring All barcodes must be grade 1.5
symbols, but there may still be or C or above, except for ITF-14
The traditional approach to
some faults that will prevent it from symbols printed on to fibreboard,
testing print quality, PCS or
being decoded successfully by all when grade 0.5 or D is acceptable.
print contrast signal, is no longer
scanners.
formally specified by GS1 but it is
In general, higher quality barcodes
still a useful means of obtaining
can be expected to scan more
information about the barcode.
easily and quickly than lower
Most verification equipment will be
quality barcodes of the same size.
able to report these parameters:
Barcodes of similar sizes, with no
reduction in height (truncation),
• The width, magnification or
and high print quality contribute to
X-dimension of the barcode
fast, effortless scanning.

• Dimensional bar width deviations,

in particular a figure for average
bar growth

• Dimensions of the Quiet Zones

at each side of the code

• Print contrast signal. This

compares the amount of light
reflected from the bars to the
amount of light reflected by
the spaces and measures it as a
percentage of the light from the
spaces. It is a different measure
from symbol contrast

26
 Barcoding – getting it right

9. Common problems to avoid

These are many of the most common problems, and some that will be discovered with the correct use of verification equipment.

Pictures of problems Problems

The Quiet Zones required for

each barcode are not large
enough.

The barcode is shortened below

the standard height (known as
truncation).

Missing bars or horizontal white

lines crossing the barcode
because of faulty print heads
used for on demand printing.

Choosing incorrect colour

combinations, often orange or
red bars on a pale background,
which will not scan. Reversed
out images, where the bars
are white against a coloured
background, are again not
scannable.

Using transparent or semi-

transparent substrates, such
as glass or plastic, and hoping
that the contents will provide
a suitable background colour
either for the bars or the
spaces.

27
Barcoding – getting it right

Pictures of problems Problems

Printing barcodes that are

either too large or too small.

Incorrect adjustment for

ink spread (the bar width
reduction). The printed bars
are out of specification, either
being too narrow or too wide.

Placing labels too close to

vertical corners or wrapping
them around corners so that
the barcodes are too close
to the edge.

Peeling or creased labels.

Show through of the barcodes

on consumer units through the
outer packaging.

28
 Barcoding – getting it right

Pictures of problems Problems

Printing barcodes onto film

which is distorted as it is used
as shrink wrap.

Obscuring the barcode.

Obscuring the barcode.

Barcode printed vertically on

a traded unit.

Barcode printed too close to

edge of label.

29
Barcoding – getting it right

Pictures of problems Problems

Same GTIN on different

product lines.

Printing barcode on to
packaging or a label which
is then distorted.

Poor quality substrates are

substituted for the original
specification, resulting in loss
of quality, often greater ink
spread, or the appearance
of voids in the bars. A
darker coloured substrate,
for example, could result in
insufficient contrast.

Using uncovered metal

surfaces as a background or
for the bars of a symbol. The
specular reflectance of the
substrate can cause problems,
and a solid background must
be printed to provide good
contrast and eliminate this
problem.

Problems with GS1-128 barcodes

Printing Code 128 symbols instead of GS1-128 symbols because the mandatory Function 1 character
is not included.

Encoding the brackets around the application identifiers as data within a GS1-128 barcode. These
brackets are only used around the application identifiers in the human readable characters printed
below the barcode.

Printing a GS1-128 symbol wider than 165.1 mm. This dimension includes Quiet Zones which are not
explicitly indicated, so special attention must be given.

Not showing the application identifiers in brackets below a GS1-128 barcode.

Not including the application identifiers required to define the data in a GS1-128 barcode.

30
 Barcoding – getting it right

10. Checklist
Re-check the GTIN and check this and other encoded data in any artwork

£ Ensure that the check digit is correct.

£ Ensure that the correct symbol is used for the relevant product, application and scanning
environment.

£ Check the size of the symbol, both the magnification and the bar height.

£ Check the position of the symbol on the final, made-up product.

£ Ensure that there are adequate Quiet Zones and that any optional quiet zone indicators
are correctly placed.

Check that the contrast between the bars and the background is adequate and that the
£ colours chosen will scan. Make sure that the colour of the contents of the packaging will
not unduly affect the contrast between the bars and spaces.

£ Check the print quality regularly throughout the print run by verifying symbol quality.

£ Check that the barcode will remain readable in the environment in which the product
will be stored, handled and distributed.

£ Ensure that no shrink-wrap, tape or other printing will obscure the barcode on the finished
product.

£ Ensure that no other barcode will show through from the inside of the pack.

£ Carry out routine verification at all levels of packaging to ensure that the barcode complies
with the required quality standard, and to identify any potential problems.

£ Keep records of verification for the shelf life of the product.

£ Notify trading partners of the GTINs and the products they identify in good time.

31
Barcoding – getting it right

11. Summary of best practice

recommendations
ITF-14 pre-
EAN-8, EAN-13, ITF-14 printed
printed on GS1-128
UPC-E and UPC-A on label
board

Consumer unit R T T T
R
Traded unit (except UPC-E R R R
and EAN-8)

Traded unit with short

shelf life R
Number of barcodes
1
on consumer unit

Number of barcodes
21 1 2 1
on traded unit

Range of 0.264 mm 0.495 mm 0.635 mm 0.495 mm

X-dimension sizes to 0.66 mm2 to 1.016 mm to 1.016 mm to 1.016 mm

Magnification range 80% to 200%3 48.7% to 100% 62.5% to 100% 48.7% to 100%

Target size for consumer

100% (0.33 mm)
units (X-dimension in mm)

Target size for traded units 150% 48.7 % 100% 48.7 %

(X-dimension in mm) (0.495 mm) (0.495 mm) (1.016 mm) (0.495 mm)

For EAN-13,
Target bar height for 100% UPC-A and UPC-
sized EAN/UPC symbols E, 23 mm. For
EAN-8, 18.5 mm

Absolute minimum bar

16 mm
height for consumer units4

Minimum bar height for

32 mm 32 mm 32 mm 32 mm
traded units

Bearer bar NO YES YES YES

Optional Quiet Zone

YES YES YES YES
indicators5

Minimum
C C D C
verification grade

1
A minimum of one EAN/UPC symbol is required when the traded unit is also a consumer unit.
2
A minimum X-dimension of 0.25 mm is allowed for on-demand barcode production.
3
A minimum magnification of 75.8% is allowed for on-demand barcode production.
4
Any shortening in the height of barcodes may cause problems and might be unacceptable outside the UK.
5
Quiet Zone indicators are not formally required but they may be used to provide a visual indication of the space required
to the left and right of each symbol.

32
 Barcoding – getting it right

1. Ensure EAN-13, UPC-A, EAN-8 3. Traded units can be barcoded 5. When printing any of the
or UPC-E barcodes are used on with any of these symbols – GS1 barcodes on demand,
any product that might be sold EAN-13, UPC-A, ITF-14 and incorporate horizontal bearer
at a retail point of sale. GS1-128. Short shelf life traded bars that will allow you to see
units (those with a shelf life of easily whether any print head
2. If a traded unit might also be less than 42 days) will need to elements are failing.
sold at a retail point of sale, it be barcoded with a GS1-128
must be barcoded with an barcode including the expiry 6. Make sure it is not possible to
EAN-13 or UPC-A barcode of date. scan any of the barcodes on
at least 150% magnification individual items when they are
(equal to an X-dimension of 4. Remember that the Quiet inside any outer packaging.
at least 0.495 mm). The actual Zones of any of the barcodes
size chosen will depend on the vary in proportion when you 7. The areas needed for the
choice of printing materials increase or decrease their size. barcodes at their target sizes
being used. Ensure that the Quiet Zones are as follows:
you provide at each side of the
barcode will be adequate, and
it is good practice to allow at
least 1 or 2 mm extra on each
side to allow for any variation in
the printing.

Magnification Quiet Zone width needed Space needed

Barcode
(x–dimension) on each side* (width x height)*

EAN-13 100% (0.33 mm) 6 mm (left), 4.5 mm (right) 42 mm x 26 mm

UPC-A 100% (0.33 mm) 5 mm 42 mm x 26 mm

EAN-8 100% (0.33 mm) 4.5 mm 31 mm x 22 mm

UPC-E 100% (0.33 mm) 5 mm (left), 4.5 mm (right) 27 mm x 26 mm

48.7%
ITF-14 on label 7 mm 75 mm x 49 mm
(0.495 mm)

100%
ITF-14 on board 12.5 mm 160 mm x 49 mm
(1.016 mm)

GS1-128 showing GTIN 48.7%

7 mm 103 mm x 40 mm
and a date on a label (0.495 mm)

GS1-128 showing GTIN and

48.7%
a net weight and a date on 7 mm 131 mm x 40 mm
(0.495 mm)
a label

*These dimensions include an extra 2 mm to the minimum required on each side of the barcode to ensure that adequate
Quiet Zones are provided.

33
Barcoding – getting it right

12. Barcode management

It is good practice to assign the For a retailer the manager will

role of symbol quality manager ensure that the symbols scan
to a specific individual in the properly at the retail or wholesale
organisation. Depending on the checkout and at the distribution
type of organisation, retailer or centre.
manufacturer, the use of barcodes
will differ, which will affect the A symbol quality manager for a
specific role of the assigned manufacturer will ensure that good
manager. However, their primary quality barcodes are accurately and
objective will be the same, to consistently applied to products.
ensure good quality barcodes.

34
 Barcoding – getting it right

13. Glossary of terms

Terms Meaning

Application identifier The two, three or four digit number that specifies the data that immediately
follows it in a GS1-128 barcode.

Article number The former name for the global trade item number.

Bearer bars Horizontal bars printed above any of the barcodes when they are printed
on demand that will indicate any missing printhead elements. Also used
above and below ITF-14 barcodes to prevent short scans.

Bearer box The bars that surround an ITF-14 symbol to equalise the pressure exerted
by the flexographic printing process over the entire surface of the symbol.

Check digit The last digit of an identifier that is calculated from all the preceding digits
to check that the data has been correctly composed.

Consumer unit An item that may be sold at a retail point of sale. Also referred to as a retail
trade item.

EAN-8 The eight digit barcode that represents a GTIN-8.

EAN-13 The thirteen digit barcode that represents a GTIN-13.

EAN/UPC The name of the symbology used by EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A and UPC-E
barcodes.

GTIN Global trade item number. The unique number for a product line. This
number identifies items or services that are priced, ordered or invoiced at
any point in the supply chain.

GTIN-8 The name given to the eight digit GTIN that may be shown in an EAN-8
barcode.

GTIN-12 The name given to the twelve digit global trade item number formed from
a UPC company prefix number. This may be shown in UPC-E, UPC-A,
ITF-14 and GS1-128 barcodes.

GTIN-13 The name given to the thirteen digit GTIN that may be shown in EAN-13,
ITF-14 or GS1-128 barcodes.

GTIN-14 The name given to the fourteen digit GTIN that may be shown in either
ITF-14 or GS1-128 barcodes on traded units.

GS1 The global body for GS1 member organisations which administers the
GS1 system.

Item number Global trade item number.

ITF-14 A 14-digit interleaved two of five barcode. The barcode may be used to
show GTIN-12, GTIN-13 and GTIN-14 numbers on trade items not crossing
a retail point of sale.

Kraft A type of fibreboard often used for outer cases.

Ladder orientation Printing the barcode so that the bars are parallel to the base of the product.

35
Barcoding – getting it right

Terms Meaning

Light Margins No longer used as a reference term now known as “Quiet Zones”

Logistics unit A unit, for example a pallet load, which is constructed for moving goods
from one place to another.

Magnification The factor used to vary the nominal size of each barcode to ensure it is
scannable.

Module The smallest element (i.e. thinnest bar or space) of a barcode.

Outer case A kind of traded unit.

Pallet label The GS1 logistics label that is used to track and identify pallets loads or
any other transport units.

Picket fence orientation Printing a barcode so that the bars are perpendicular to the base of the
product.

Quiet Zone A clear space required to the left and right of any barcode formerly known
as “Light Margins”. These differ for each barcode as shown in Appendix 1.

Quiet Zone indicators Marks to indicate the Quiet Zones required.

SSCC Serial shipping container code. The unique eighteen digit identifier for a
transport unit.

Specular reflectance The reflectance of light from highly polished surfaces.

Substrate The material on to which a barcode is printed.

Symbology A type of barcode symbol.

Trade item Any item that is identified for pricing, ordering and invoicing purposes.
This includes both consumer units and traded units.

Traded unit An item that is priced, ordered and invoiced between manufacturers,
retailers and wholesalers. Also known as an outer case or a trade item
grouping.

Logistics unit A unit, for example a pallet load, which is constructed for moving goods
from one place to another.

Truncation The reduction in height of a barcode when its width is unaltered.

UPC-A Universal Product Code, version A. The name for the 12 digit barcode that
represents a GTIN-12.

UPC-E Universal Product Code, version E. The name for the eight digit barcode
that represents a GTIN-12 with zero suppression.

X-dimension The nominal width of the narrowest bars or spaces in a printed barcode.

Zero suppression Used by eight digit UPC-E symbols to represent a twelve digit global trade
item number.

36
 Barcoding – getting it right

Appendix 1

Barcode dimensions

Nominal (100% magnification) dimensions of EAN/UPC and ITF-14 barcodes. All measurements are in millimetres.

3.63 EAN-13 2.31 UPC-A

2.97 2.97
Quiet Zones
Quiet Zones

22.85 25.93 23.85 25.93

31.35 31.35
37.29 37.29
UPC-E EAN-8
2.31 2.31
2.97 2.31
Quiet Zones
Light margins

18.23 21.31
21.64
22.85 25.93

22.11
Quiet Zone Quiet Zone
26.73
22.11 122.43mm
10.16 10.16

4.83

31.75

4.83

152.41mm

ITF-14

The Quiet Zone dimensions shown here are the minimum for nominal sized symbols and in practice extra space must
be provided to allow for printing variations. These Quiet Zones also change in proportion with any increase or decrease
in the magnification of these symbols.

37
Barcoding – getting it right

Appendix 2

GS1 Barcode specifications

Dimensions of EAN-13 barcodes at different sizes

EAN-13/UPC-A EAN-8
Magniication Dimensions (mm) Dimensions (mm)
*X-Dimension
factor
Width Height Width Height
0.80 0.264 29.83 18.28 21.38 14.58
0.85 0.281 31.70 19.42 22.72 15.50
0.90 0.297 33.56 20.57 24.06 16.41
0.95 0.313 35.43 21.71 25.39 17.32
1.00 0.330 37.29 22.85 26.73 18.23
1.05 0.346 39.15 23.99 28.07 19.14
1.10 0.363 41.02 25.14 29.40 20.05
1.15 0.379 42.88 26.28 30.74 20.96
1.20 0.396 44.75 27.42 32.08 21.88
1.25 0.412 46.61 28.56 33.41 22.79
1.30 0.429 48.48 29.71 34.75 23.70
1.35 0.445 50.34 30.85 36.09 24.61
1.40 0.462 52.21 31.99 37.42 25.52
1.45 0.478 54.07 33.13 38.76 26.43
1.50 0.495 55.94 34.28 40.10 27.35
1.55 0.511 57.80 35.42 41.43 28.26
1.60 0.528 59.66 36.56 42.77 29.17
1.65 0.544 61.53 37.70 44.10 30.08
1.70 0.561 63.39 38.85 45.44 30.99
1.75 0.577 65.26 39.99 46.78 31.90
1.80 0.594 67.12 41.13 48.11 32.81
1.85 0.610 68.99 42.27 49.45 33.73
1.90 0.627 70.85 43.42 50.79 34.64
1.95 0.643 72.72 44.56 52.12 35.55
2.00 0.660 74.58 45.70 53.46 36.46

Note: The magnification of the barcode will be determined by the printing process chosen for your packaging.

Please check this with your printer. For further information please refer to GS1 General Specifications, the latest version
is available on the GS1 UK website. *The width of the smallest bar or space is called the X-Dimension; all other elements
are multiples of this dimension.

38
 Barcoding – getting it right

Appendix 3

Creating GTINs Global trade item numbers

and SSCCs (GTINs)

Companies wishing to barcode GTINs are unique numbers that

their products for open trade are used to identify every different
will need to join a GS1 member product line. GS1 company prefix
organisation to be assigned a numbers can be used to create
company prefix number that can 13 and 14 digit GTINs, and UPC
be used to create global trade item company prefix numbers can be
numbers (GTINs), serial shipping used to create 12 and 14 digit
container codes (SSCCs), or any of GTINs. Every user should ensure
the other GS1 identifiers. The UK that their database can record
member organisation is GS1 UK. 14 digit GTINs as these numbers
may be used on products that
Companies joining GS1 UK are supplied to them, even if a
will be given a GS1 company user decides not to create 14
prefix number beginning with digit numbers. This is especially
the numbers 50. Other member important as future developments
organisations allocate company may include a 14 digit option for
prefix numbers beginning with the retail point of sale.
different numbers.

Companies will be allocated

different length company prefix
numbers according to their
numbering requirements. Company
prefix numbers from GS1 UK are 5
to 11 digits in length and they will
be used to create 13 or 14 digit
GTINs and 18 digit SSCCs.

39
Barcoding – getting it right

Creating GTIN-13s It is your responsibility to allocate

item reference numbers. Basically
every different product line
The most commonly used barcode
(whether a single item or a box of
represents 13 digits and is called
them) requires a different number.
an EAN-13 barcode. The standard
The numbers have no meaning so
thirteen digit number is called a
GTIN-13 and is made up as follows:
it will often make sense to start
with 00000, 00001, 00002, and so
Company prefix numbers allocated
on until 99999 is reached if you
by GS1 UK will begin with 50, but
have a seven digit prefix number.
50 does not imply anything about
For eight and nine digit prefix
the origination of the product
numbers, you should start with
being identified.
0000, 0001, 0002 and 000, 001,
and 002 respectively.
You create these 13 digit numbers
by adding the item reference digits
My Numberbank in the member
to your company prefix number,
area of the GS1 UK website
and by calculating a final check
provides you with a facility to
digit. If you have a seven digit
manage your allocation of GTINs
prefix number, you add five digits
(and other identifiers). It provides
before calculating the check digit.
competed GTINs, including check
If you have an eight digit prefix
digits, from your company prefix
number, you add four digits, and
and also enables production of
if you have a nine digit prefix
corresponding barcode images.
number, you add three digits.

The calculation for the check digit

is provided at the end of this
appendix, and a check digit
calculator is also available on the
GS1 UK website at www.gs1uk.org

Company Item Check Number of item numbers

prefix number reference digit that can be created

XXXXXXX XXXXX C 100,000

XXXXXXXX XXXX C 10,000

XXXXXXXXX XXX C 1,000

40
 Barcoding – getting it right

Creating GTIN-12s UPC prefixes being allocated to 12-digit numbers. The check digit
organisations now will generally calculator that is available on the
begin with 6, 7 or 8, but some GS1 UK website, www.gs1uk.org,
If you are trading with companies
users will have prefixes that begin will give you the option of choosing
based in North America you may
with 0. All of these prefixes must GTIN-12 for this calculation.
be using UPC barcodes for
be used to create complete
your products. These represent
GTIN-12s which can only be
created with a UPC company
Company Item Check Number of item numbers
prefix number which you will have prefix number reference digit that can be created
specially requested and paid for.
XXXXXX XXXXX C 100,000
The table below shows how
GTIN-12s are created in exactly the XXXXXXX XXXX C 10,000
same way as GTIN-13s.
XXXXXXXX XXX C 1,000

Creating branded variable These numbers are constructed The EAN-13 barcodes
measure restricted as follows: representing these RCNs are
circulation numbers (RCNs) printed at the weighing station
The first seven digits of this
and the selling price per unit of
number will be notified to the
measure must be known before
Products which are not fixed in retailer selling these items,
the labelling can begin.
weight and are sold at a retail point and are known as the short
of sale are barcoded using branded identification number. The price
variable measure prefix numbers verifier is calculated according to
which are available on request from an algorithm explained in the GS1
GS1 UK. These special prefixes General Specifications and uses the
are only used on items which four digits representing the price.
vary continuously in any measure The check digit is calculated in the
that affects their price, and this normal way.
will often be their weight. These
13 digit RCNs include their price
in sterling and cannot be used in Branded Item Price Price in
Check digit
other currency areas. Companies variable reference verifier sterling
exporting these products should
20XXX XX V PPPP C
contact GS1 UK for details of the
equivalent systems used abroad.

Creating own-label generally adopted in the UK is as The price verifier is calculated

variable measure restricted follows, but some retailers may using the five digits that precede
circulation numbers (RCNs) choose not to include a price the check digit. These RCNs are
verifier. shown in EAN-13 barcodes.

Own-label variable measure RCNs

will be used by retailers selling Branded Item Price in
Check digit
products under their own name in variable reference sterling
their own stores. These cannot be
used in open trade. The structure
02XXXX V PPPPP C

41
Barcoding – getting it right

Creating GTIN-14s Component parts of Creating SSCCs

GTIN-14
Any member company can choose The same company prefix number
to identify their traded units Organisations using these GTIN- used to create GTINs is used to
(trade item groupings) with GTIN- 14 numbers can increase their create serial shipping container
12, GTIN-13 or GTIN-14s. Some numbering capacity significantly, codes (SSCCs) that are unique
companies will use GTIN-14s for but please remember that they serial numbers for each logistics
outer cases, and they must be must only be used on trade item unit. Companies that have a
shown using either ITF-14 or groupings. seven digit GS1 company prefix
GS1-128 barcodes. number can create up to ten billion

The numbers are created by adding

GTIN-13 of single item
an indicator as a prefix to the Indicator New check digit
without its check digit
GTIN-13 for a product, and then
recalculating the check digit as 1 501234567890 7
shown below. The indicator can
take any value from 1 to 8, and 2 501234567890 4
simply creates a different item
3 501234567890 1
number for a different packaging
configuration. (The number 9 is 4 501234567890 8
only ever used when identifying
outer cases of products of a 5 501234567890 5
continuously variable measure,
6 501234567890 2
usually weight.) The indicator has
no meaning so all the details of 7 501234567890 9
the item being identified in this
way must be given to your trading 8 501234567890 6
partners in the normal way.

Companies using UPC company different SSCCs. Users with longer

prefix numbers can also use company prefix numbers have
this approach to create GTIN-14 fewer numbers to use, but they will
numbers, but a zero will need to be still create unique 18 digit numbers.
placed after the indicator as a filler
character. This will then convert a
GTIN-12 into a new GTIN-14.

Many companies will decide not to

use this basis for creating GTINs,
but all systems must be able to
record these 14 digit item numbers.

42
 Barcoding – getting it right

Application Company prefix

Extension digit Serial number Check digit
identifier number

00 X XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX C

00 X XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX C

00 X XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXX C

The number has four components Check digit calculation

but it must always be used as
one complete number within The last digit of any GTIN or 3. Sum all the remaining digit
companies’ computer systems. SSCC is a computer check digit values.
Whenever the SSCC is shown to make sure the number is
in a GS1-128 barcode it will be correctly composed. The check 4. Add the result of step 2 to the
preceded by the application digit is calculated by a modulo result of step 3.
identifier 00. 10 algorithm from all the other
digits in the number through the 5. The modulo-10 check digit is the
The extension digit can take any following steps: smallest number, which when
value between 0 and 9 and allows added to the result of step 4,
users to create more SSCCs. 1. Starting with the digit on the produces a multiple of 10.
right of the number, (excluding
The number of digits in the serial the check digit) sum all the
number depends on the length of alternate digit values, reading
the company prefix number, and is right to left.
allocated by the company making
For example, to calculate the check
up the unit. The number must not 2. Multiply the result of step 1
digit for the GTIN-13 number
be reused for at least one year. by 3.
501234576421_:

A UPC company prefix number will

be prefixed with a zero when used 50 1234576421_
to create SSCCs.
Step 1 1 + 4 + 7 + 4 + 2 + 0 = 18
Step 2 18 x 3 = 54
The application identiier Step 3 2 + 6 + 5 + 3 + 1 + 5 = 22
(AI) for SSCCs is always 00, Step 4 54 + 22 = 76
and determines the data Step 5 76 + C = 80
structure. Answer C=4

The complete GTIN-13 number is

50 12345764214

A series of check digit calculators is available on the members’ area of the

GS1 UK website, www.gs1uk.org. They will produce check digits for all the
numbers mentioned here.

43
Barcoding – getting it right

Appendix 4

Printing techniques All widths of bar have the same If possible, when using
bar width reduction so that the flexographic printing, the bars
spaces on the printing plate will should run parallel to the press
Virtually all consumer units
be wider than they will be when web direction. If the bars are
(products that will be sold at a
they are printed. This adjustment required to be perpendicular to
retail point of sale) and very many
in the width of the bars can be the press direction, try to avoid
traded units (the outer cases for
determined by the use of the distorting the symbol for the
the consumer units) will be sold in
printability gauges. Many printers plate roll circumference. This
packaging that is printed with the
will be able to offer advice about lack of distortion will alter the
appropriate barcode. Some items
the use of the printability gauges overall width of the symbol, but
will use barcoded labels and advice
and will obtain images that have will provide dimensional integrity.
about using these is provided in
been correctly adjusted for the When using either silk screen or
the second section
particular printing process being rotogravure printing processes, the
of this appendix.
used. symbol must be aligned parallel to
the cell structure on the screen or
The image of the barcode that is
Different printing techniques have gravure plate cylinder to provide
included in the artwork will need
different tolerances for printing the smoothest bar edge possible.
to be adjusted to take account of
accuracy and different print
the spread of ink. This is necessary
gains so it is important to check
because direct contact printed bars
what these are before choosing
in barcodes print wider than the
a particular size of barcode. The
actual width of bars on the printing
choice of substrate used in the
plate. The difference between the
printing process will also affect the
width of the bar as it is printed and
size of the barcode that can be
the specified width on the printing
accurately printed.
plate is called print gain.

Each bar on the printing plate

needs to be reduced in width by
the average print gain and this is
known as bar width reduction.

44
 Barcoding – getting it right

Printing on demand Matching the label stock with the

Printing barcodes on demand technique being used is also
is necessary when including important, as poor quality paper
variable information, such as can create dust which can cause
expiry dates, in GS1-128 barcodes the print heads to burn out sooner
for traded units. Some users will than expected. It is also necessary
want to print barcoded labels on to match thermal transfer ribbons
demand for some consumer units, to the equipment being used, and
especially when these items are not ensure that the correct pressures
contained in pre-printed packaging. are being used with the print
On demand printing techniques heads. The incorrect choice of
All on demand printers, whether
include direct thermal, thermal ribbon and paper may be workable,
they are direct thermal, thermal
transfer, laser, ion deposition, ink but the machinery is likely to
transfer, dot matrix, ink jet or
jet and mechanical matrix. require much higher maintenance
laser, will print better barcodes
costs and require much more
with well defined edges if they are
First of all check that your label frequent servicing. It is highly
printing the barcodes in picket
design software is compatible recommended to use validated
fence orientation. This means that
with the printer hardware you combinations of ribbons and labels,
the bars go in the same direction
are planning to use, and that the and to use verification equipment
as the substrate when it passes
printer resolution is adequate to check the print quality.
through the printer.
for the barcodes you are printing.
In general this means that your Direct thermal printing may be
Printing in picket fence orientation
printer must have a resolution appropriate for some products,
means that the width of the
of at least 8 dots per mm and the correct label stock must
barcode can be no wider than the
(approximately 200 dots per inch) be sourced. Bear in mind that
print head.
as it has to use a whole number of these labels remain heat sensitive
dots to make up the width of the and may be inappropriate if goods
If it is necessary to print a barcode
narrowest bars required. are kept in direct sunlight or if the
which would be wider than the
labels are heated in any subsequent
print head, then it must be printed
An 8 dpmm printer will be process.
in ladder orientation. This means
able to print barcodes whose
that any failure in the print head
X-dimensions are 0.25 mm,
elements will cause white lines to
0.375 mm, and 0.50 mm. A 12
appear across the barcode. These
dpmm printer (approximately
faults in effect reduce the height
300 dots per inch) will be able to
of the barcode and make it more
print bars with X-dimensions of
difficult to scan.
0.25 mm, 0.333 mm, 0.416 mm,
0.50 mm and so on.

45
Barcoding – getting it right

Appendix 5
Printing GS1-128 barcodes Choosing the correct character Choosing the correct size
set GS1-128 barcodes can vary in
There is a choice of character sets size according to how well they can
These barcodes are often printed
to help users minimise the space be printed. The maximum width for
on demand, so the operator of the
taken up by these barcodes. Use the X-dimension (the width of the
equipment needs to be aware of
character set C to print pairs of narrowest bars and spaces) is 1.016
certain requirements.
digits using one symbol character mm and the minimum X-dimension
(a pattern of three bars and three is 0.495 mm when these barcodes
Function 1
spaces) rather than two symbol are used on trade item groupings.
GS1-128 symbols are a subset
characters whenever possible.
of Code 128 and they require a
If single letters or numbers are Users must choose an X-dimension
special symbol character
required use character sets B or A. that can be reproduced by their on
(a pattern of three bars and three
demand printing equipment. The
spaces) called Function 1 to be
Concatenation X-dimension must be a multiple of
used as part of the start pattern.
Concatenation is an effective the size of the smallest line that
If the Function 1 character is not
means for encoding several can be printed, and if an
correctly included as part of the
element strings in a single barcode 8 dpmm (200 dpi) printer is used,
start pattern the symbol will not
and should be used to save label the X-dimensions can be 0.50 mm,
meet the requirements of the
space and optimise scanning 0.625 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.875 mm and
GS1 System.
operations. 1.00 mm.

The element strings may appear in If using labels, an X-dimension

any order in a GS1-128 barcode. of 0.50 mm will be acceptable,
provided the printed barcodes,
The best practice is to put data of when verified, meet the minimum
fixed length before any variable grade required.
data to minimise the length of the
barcode. If a variable length field If printing these GS1-128 barcodes
is followed by another element directly onto fibreboard outercases
Enlarged section of first part of
a GS1-128 barcode showing the string, it must be terminated by an X-dimension of 1.00 mm is
Function 1 character in blue. the Function 1 character. When a recommended, but verifiers must
variable length field appears at the still be used to check that the
end of a GS1-128 barcode it does barcodes meet the minimum grade
not need to be terminated by the required. Further information about
Function 1 character. verification is provided in section 9.

If the SSCC is used, it must always

appear in the lowest barcode on
the label. The SSCC can be alone
or concatenated with other data in
the same barcode. Concatenation
cannot be used with the SSCC on
standard A6 labels because the
barcode would be too wide for the
label.

46
 Barcoding – getting it right

Determining the length of a This measurement exceeds the

GS1-128 barcode maximum allowed length so the
GS1-128 barcodes will vary in X-dimension must be reduced. If an
length depending on the types X-dimension of 0.50 mm is chosen
of information they carry so it the barcode will be half this length,
is important to check that the 99 mm.
intended length of the barcode,
with the necessary Quiet Zones If an X-dimension of 0.625 mm is
to the left and right, is no longer chosen the length will be
than 165.1 mm. Each symbol 123.75 mm, and with an
character (except the stop X-dimension of 0.75 mm, the
character) has a width of 11 mm if length will be 148.5 mm.
an X-dimension of 1 mm is chosen,
and each symbol must include four
Height of bars
symbol characters to begin and
Whichever X-dimension is chosen,
complete the barcode.
the height of the bars must be at
least 32 mm.
For example, how long will a
GS1-128 barcode be that includes
Keeping adequate Quiet Zones
a GTIN and an expiry date? The
The Quiet Zones on each side
data required in the barcode is all
of a symbol which has an
numeric so character set C will be
X-dimension of 1 mm are 10 mm.
chosen.
The Quiet Zone is always equal
to 10 times the X-dimension, but
The data required in the barcode
when the X-dimension is 0.50 mm
will be as follows:
it is recommended that the Quiet
Zones are at least 7 mm on each
010501234567890017060606
side.

The barcode begins with Start C

When are brackets required
and Function 1 characters and
around the application
ends with a symbol check
identifiers?
character and the stop character.
Brackets are used around each
The 24 numbers required in the
application identifier (AI) in the
barcode will be shown by 12
data printed below the barcode.
symbol characters in this character
This makes it easier for people to
set, so the complete symbol will be
read the AI and the data it denotes.
16 symbol characters in length.
The brackets are not encoded into
the GS1-128 barcode itself.
The width of the barcode
(if an X-dimension of 1 mm is
chosen) will be:

(16 x 11) mm + 2 mm extra for the

stop character + 20 mm for the two
Quiet Zones

176 + 2 + 20 = 198 mm

47
Barcoding – getting it right

Choosing the correct application When labelling pallets, the GS1 For pallets with uniform contents,
identifiers logistics label must be used. All the any of the AIs listed below can be
When providing extra information data shown on the label must refer used. Please remember that you
on a traded unit, most users will to the contents of the whole pallet. cannot use AIs 01 and 02 together.
encode the GTIN for the product The SSCC is the only compulsory
with information such as an expiry element, and will be the only AI 01 must only be used when the
date. The GTIN on the item must reference used on pallets of mixed pallet is also a traded unit, ie. it is
be preceded by the AI 01, and the product. ordered and invoiced as a single
extra information denoted by using item. In all other cases, use the AIs
the AIs as explained in the GS1 02 and 37 to describe the contents
General Specifications. The most of the pallet.
commonly used AIs and their field
lengths are given below.

AI Description Format

Serial Shipping Has to be used on all

00 Fixed length, 18 digits
Container Code GS1 logistics labels

01 Identification of trade item Fixed length, 14 digits

Identification of the Must not be used with AI 01

02 Fixed length, 14 digits
content of a logistics unit identification of a trade item

Each AI must only be used

Variable length, up
once on each label; mixed batches
10 Batch or lot number to 20 alphanumeric
and mixed product variants cannot
characters
be identified using the AI standards

When used the pallet must

YYMMDD,
15 Best Before Date contain products with the
fixed length, 6 digits
same best before date

Indicates the date specified by

YYMMDD, the manufacturer as the last date
16 Sell By Date
fixed length, 6 digits the retailer is to offer the product
for sale to the consumer

YYMMDD, When the pallet must contain

17 Use By or Expiry Date
fixed length, 6 digits products with the same expiry date

20 Product Variant Fixed, 2 digits

Variable length, up to 20 Cannot be used to identify

21 Serial Number
alphanumeric characters more than one item

Count of Trade Items

Variable length,
37 contained in a Must not be used with AI 01
up to 8 digits
Logistic Unit

Net weight in kilos to Must only be used with a

3102 Fixed length, 6 digits
two decimal places variable measure GTIN-14

This is not an exhaustive list of all the application identifiers that can be used on traded units or on pallets.
Please consult the GS1 General Specifications to find a complete listing of all the AIs.

48
 Barcoding – getting it right

Appendix 6

Symbol show through This problem also affects grocery

and other retailers who sell large
multipacks which are also traded
When a traded unit is barcoded it
units. Care must be taken to avoid
must not be possible to read any
packaging consumer units so
of the barcodes on the consumer
that their barcodes are visible in
units inside the packaging. If the
their entirety. Packaging waste
barcodes can be read, there is a
regulations encourage many
good chance that one of these will
manufacturers to make more use
be read instead of the correct one
of shrink wrapping, and using
on the outside of the case. This
patterned or obscuring film may
problem is called symbol show
be considered as a means of
through.
making consumer unit barcodes
unreadable.
When show through takes place
it makes it very difficult to use an
If the consumer units are
automatic scanning system
rectangular in plan it may be
reliably as the wrong item may be
possible to ensure that all the
scanned. This means incorrect
This is a particular problem for cash barcodes on the individual items
data capture and the wrong price
and carry retailers who sell both face inside the outer case, but
being charged at the point of sale.
traded and consumer units to their this will not be feasible with round
customers. They cannot choose to products such as cans and bottles.
read only, say ITF-14 and GS1-128 When consumer units are packed
barcodes, at their points of sale as on cardboard trays and then shrink
they do need to be able to read wrapped, show through can be
EAN-13 symbols on consumer units avoided by printing the barcodes in
as well. ladder orientation and towards the
bottom of each consumer unit. This
will mean that the edges of the tray
will obscure part of the consumer
units’ barcodes and make them
unscannable.

49
Barcoding – getting it right

Appendix 7

How X-dimensions and If the size of ITF-14 or GS1-128 X-dimensions and

magnification factors barcodes is varied, only their width magnifications for
compare changes, as the height of the bars EAN/UPC barcodes
must be 32 mm for use on traded
units or pallet labels. This means X-dimension Magnification
Each barcode has a modular
that referring to the size of these
design, in that the different widths 0.25 mm 75.75%
barcodes in terms of their
of bar and space (and Quiet Zones)
X-dimension is more appropriate, 0.264 mm 80%
are all multiples of the width of a
as only one aspect of the symbol
module. The module width is the 0.33 mm 100%
is changing.
same as that of the narrowest bar 0.495 mm 150%
or space, and this is also known as
The relationship between 0.66 mm 200%
the X-dimension.
X-dimension and nominal size is
not the same for all barcodes. In
When EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A
the GS1 system there is one for
and UPC-E barcodes are at their X-dimensions and
the EAN/UPC barcodes, and
nominal size, the X-dimension magnifications for
another for the ITF-14 and GS1-128
is 0.33mm. This means that the ITF-14 and GS1-128
barcodes. These two relationships
widths of the bars and spaces of barcodes
are shown in the tables to the right.
these particular symbols should be
one, two, three or four times X-dimension Magnification
0.33 mm. When any one of these
0.495 mm 48.7%
barcodes is made larger or smaller,
the symbol is kept in proportion, so 0.635 mm 62.5%
a wider barcode is also taller.
1.016 mm 100%

x- dimension explained
There are only four widths of black and white elements
in EAN-8, EAN-13,UPC-A and UPC-E barcodes

x 2x 3x 4x

The width of the smallest bar or space is called the X-dimension;

all other elements are multiples of this dimension.

50
 Barcoding – getting it right

Further information

This booklet only provides a Information about ISO/IEC, CEN

summary of the GS1 specifications and ANSI standards is available
for the bar coding of goods that from the British Standards
are handled in open trade. If the Institution:
application of any of this advice is
unclear, please contact the staff at BSI, 389 Chiswick High Road,
GS1 UK for clarification. London, W4 4AL

The complete GS1 General www.bsigroup.com

Specifications are available free of +44 (0)20 8996 9000
charge via the GS1 UK website at
www.gs1uk.org.

Further information and advice are

also available from the barcode
manager at each relevant retailer
and wholesaler, as well as from
the staff of GS1 UK. Initial calls to
GS1 UK should be made via the
membership services team
on (Freephone) 0808 178 8799
or email info@gs1uk.org.

Disclaimer
The objective of this document is to provide GS1 UK members with user friendly and
simple bar coding best practice guidelines. The document is not exhaustive and does not
replace the GS1 General Specifications which remain the standard reference document.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this document are correct,
GS1 UK, and any other party involved in the creation of the document hereby state that the
document is provided without warranty, either expressed or implied, of accuracy or fitness
for purpose, and hereby disclaim any liability, direct or indirect, for damages or loss relating
to the use of the document. The document may be modified from time to time, subject to
developments in technology, changes to the standards, or new legal requirements.

51
Barcoding – getting it right

These guidelines for best

practice have the support
of many GS1 UK members
including the following
companies and organisations:

Axicon Auto ID

Booker Cash & Carry

H J Heinz Company

IGD

Iceland Foods

ISIS Integration

Nestlé UK

Mars

Sainsbury’s Supermarkets

Tesco Stores

Unilever

Waitrose

William Morrison Supermarkets

52
 Who we are
We are a community of over 28,000 member companies and one of 111
independent, not-for-proit GS1 organisations operating across 150 countries
worldwide. For more than 40 years we have been working with the retail,
healthcare and foodservice sectors to automate and standardise their supply
chain processes using the common language of GS1 global standards.

GS1 UK
Staple Court,
11 Staple Inn Buildings
London WC1V 7QH

T +44 (0)20 7092 3500

F +44 (0)20 7681 2290
E info@gs1uk.org

www.gs1uk.org

GS1 UK is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales under company
number 1256140. Registered oice Staple Court, 11 Staple Inn Buildings, London, WC1V 7QH.
VAT number GB287940215. J310152–07/15