Barcode Testing
Barcode Testing checklist
Important note: We do not accept dangerous or flammable goods for testing, a label should be submitted in place of the product.
Download Barcode Testing Request form
[format: doc - date: July 2011 - size: 717KB]
The following checklist should be observed to ensure best results from GS1 Australia's Barcode Testing Service.
- Ideally present a complete filled, formed pack, along with spare packaging for each retail item to be tested.
- If unable to supply a complete formed package, incomplete packaging or loose labels can be submitted. However please note location of the barcode will not be assessed and the results obtained may alter once the product is in its formed state.
- If required to be tested, non-retail items such as shrink-wrapped trays, display boxes, inner's and outer cartons can also be submitted. Submit trays with the individual items packed inside.
- Whole cartons can be sent flattened for a complete assessment (please note however that a removed barcoded piece/panel of a carton cannot be assessed as a complete sample).
- A covering letter or a completed Barcode Testing Request form is essential and must accompany any submission for Barcode testing. It should specify the following:
- - to whom the reports should be addressed to and all contact information
- - if products are to be collected, this must be specified in the covering letter, otherwise samples are disposed of seven days after testing
- - if you are not the company responsible for the product - for example if a printer submits a product on behalf of a member, this submission must be accompanied by a letter from the member with their contact details and acceptance of any charges
- Whilst GS1 Australia aims to deliver Barcode Test reports in 4-5 working days wherever possible, please allow up to ten working days as our lead-times can vary depending on external demands outside of our control or visibility.
- Please note that heavy/bulky items should not be submitted for Barcode Testing. This includes items over 10kg or 22lb in weight or very large items that are awkward to handle. Empty, flat packaging or loose labels must be submitted for testing in this case.
Interim Reports
- Barcode Testing can be done on laser prints, bromides, mock-ups and colour proofs, but all artwork samples are issued with an interim report only. This assessment is beneficial to check the barcode size, quiet zones (light margins) and use of the GS1 number. However, all other assessments, including ISO verification, can only be carried out on final samples.
- Interim reports will be charged at the normal rate (as listed below) or deducted from the complimentary quota given to members of GS1 Australia.
- Interim reports are generally accepted by most major retails to initiate the buying process, as a general rule there is a 6 week window from the date you submit the Interim report to the retailer until the need to supply them with a full report. It is strongly recommended that the complete, formed items be submitted once printed, to obtain a complete report.
Important Note
GS1 Australia’s barcode testing service uses ISO accredited verification equipment to assess the compliance to GS1 standards based on ISO/IEC15416. Should a dispute arise over any failed results from GS1’s equipment, an internationally recognised and independent arbitrator can be utilised to gain an impartial ruling on the accuracy of the verification equipment. The cost of this will be incurred by the barcode testing customer upfront, but will be reimbursed should the arbitrator’s assessment confirm a passing ISO grade.
Downloads
Barcode Testing request form
Download Barcode Testing Request form
[format: doc - date: July 2011 - size: 717KB]
Testing fees
- GS1 Members will receive 5 complimentary Barcode Test Reports per billable GS1 Company Prefix per annum * †
- Single Number Renewable Members will receive 1 complimentary Barcode Test Report per annum * †
- GLN Members are not entitled to complimentary reports but charged at Member rates
- Non-Members are not entitled to complimentary reports and charged at Non-Member rates
* Based on membership year of 1 Jul - 30 Jun
† Unused complimentary Barcode Test Report entitlements do not accumulate from one membership year to the next
- From 1 July 2011 the fees for Barcode Test Reports (interim or final samples) will be
$28 + GST for all GS1 Members - From 1 July 2011 the fees for Barcode Test Reports (interim or final samples) will be
$92.50 + GST for all Non Members
Click here for a complete overview of entitlements
Testing locations
- Head Office - Melbourne
Testing Department, Unit 100/45 Gilby Road, Mt Waverley, VIC 3149 - Sydney
Testing Department, Building 4B, 2-4 Lord Street, Botany, NSW 2019
