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BARCODES
Bar codes are used to identify issues of magazines, editions of books,
product lines, etc. A primary use of bar codes is to enable efficient
transactions between computer systems. The potential benefits can link
retainlers, wholesales, distributors and originators of the products, whether
they be publishers or manufacturers. It is also important to realise that very
many systems are incapable of communicating with each other. If a bar
code is scanned at the point of sale it isn’t just the price that is instantly
accessible - vitally important sales information can be captured. So long as
relevant bar code readers and software are installed on each independent
network, comparable information can be used for many purposes – stock
control and order processing being the most common. These figures are
essential for accurate distribution and returns information for publications.
With increasing computerisation and the use of electronic communications,
plain language descriptions of products, services and locations need to be
replaced by identification numbers that are usable in all trade and industry
sectors, worldwide.
EAN/UCC global trade identification numbers and global location numbers
are unique and unambiguous, and can identify any product, location,
service or asset anywhere in the world. These numbers can be represented
by bar codes when necessary, which means identification numbers can be
read by scanners throughout supply or value chains, thereby providing
accurate information for improved management.
Any product or service, whether sold to a customer in a retail outlet or
traded between companies, can be identified with Global Trade
Identification Numbers (GTINs). Items that are scanned at the retail
point of trade are known as retail trade items. Items that are not traded,
but are constructed for ease of transport are called transport units.
This sets out a brief summary of the procedures involved in identifying and
barcoding products. Barcoding is about giving products unique item
numbers (officially called global trade item numbers or GTINs) which are
then shown as bar codes on packaging. (The item numbers can also be
used as the basis for communications, both on paper and by using
electronic data interchange.)
The article number is represented by a machine readable symbol, printed to
well defined specifications. The bar code consists of a rectangle comprising
a series of light and dark parallel bars. It is normally incorporated as part of
the original packaging design and it is sometimes printed onto labels.
There is a choice of four bar code symbols, shown below (NB: These
computer graphic image files are representational only, and will not
themselves scan):
Each company can create up to 100,000, 10,000 or 1,000 different 13-digit
numbers depending on the length of the company prefix number allocated
by e.centre. (These 13 digit numbers are generally known as EAN/UCC-13
numbers.) Those organisations which require up to 100,000 numbers will be
allocated a seven digit prefix number, those who require up to 10,000
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numbers will be given an eight digit prefix number, and those who require
up to 1,000 numbers will receive a nine digit prefix number. These
EAN/UCC-13 digit numbers must be used on items that may be sold at a
retail point of sale.
Each organisation then assigns different 13 digit numbers to each different
product as explained overleaf, arranges for the bar code symbols to be
obtained from specialist suppliers, and for them to be included in the
packaging artwork. Labels can also be used if the work is being undertaken
in a hurry.
It is also possible to create 14-digit item numbers to identify the different
packaging levels for a particular item. These numbers incorporate the GTIN
of the single item as explained below, and can only ever be used to identify
trade items that will not be sold at a retail point of sale. As these numbers
have 14 digits they are known as EAN/UCC-14 numbers. Even though
individual users may decide not to allocate EAN/UCC-14 numbers to identify
their products, other companies with which you deal will use 14-digit
numbers. This means that all systems should be designed to be able to
record these longer numbers.
If you trade with North America, please check with us whether you should
use UPC codes which are the American equivalent to these EAN codes.
These 12-digit UPC codes scan with no problem in the UK and elsewhere,
but EAN codes cannot always be scanned in North America.
The procedures involved in creating UCC-12 numbers and UPC codes are
described below.
Further information is provided in the EAN-UCC specifications, which are
available via the e.centre website.
NUMBERING SYSTEM
The three main elements of the numbering system are:



Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) - The GTIN is used for the
unique identification of trade items world-wide
Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) – The SSCC is a standard
identification number, used for the unique identification of logistic
(transport and/or storage) units
Global Location Number (GLN) – The GLN is used to identify a
company or organisation as a legal entity. GLNs are also used to
identify physical locations, or functional entities within a company
The basic characteristics of a trade item are:




The
The
The
The
product type and variety
brand name
dimensions of the packaging and its nature
quantity of product
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A multipack, made up of several identical (homogeneous multipack) or
different (heterogeneous multipack) trade items, intended for sale as one
unit, is also itself a trade unit. It is identified by another GTIN (Global Trade
Item Number).
When a product is placed in a presentation pack or gift pack, the GTIN barcoded on the product itself must be different from that printed on the pack.
A separate unique GTIN is required for every different trade item. This
implies that each variant must be assigned a different number whenever
the variation is, in any way, apparent and significant to any partner in the
supply chain, to the final user or to the retail customer.
What is understood to be an apparent and significant variation may differ
from industry to industry.
Assigned EAN.UCC Prefixes relevant to UK (last updated: June 2002):
ASSIGNED EAN.UCC PREFIXES
000 - 139 UCC (U.S.A. & Canada)
200 - 299 In-store numbers
500 – 509 e.centre (UK)
977
Serial publications (ISSN)
978
Books & Paperbacks (ISBN)
Books & Paperbacks (ISBN) & Printed Sheet Music
979
(ISMN)
980
Refund receipts
981 - 982 Common Currency Coupons
990 - 999 Coupons
BARCODES FOR MAGAZINES
Bar codes are used to identify uniquely each issue of a magazine. The
following points are a guide to obtaining and producing a bar code:

To produce a bar code first contact the ISSN UK Centre at the British
Library on 01937 546959. Register the publication and obtain a unique
ISSN number. There is no charge for this service.
Anyone who publishes material in the UK is legally obliged to deposit
one copy with the British Library at its Legal Deposit Office at Legal
Deposit Office, The British Library, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West
Yorkshire, LS23 7BY.
The other copyright libraries are the National Library of Wales, the
National Library of Scotland, Trinity College Dublin, the University of
Oxford and the University of Cambridge. For queries about depositing
with them, speak to the copyright agent.
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
Once an ISSN number is obtained, appoint a film master supplier to
produce the barcode artwork (supply the ISSN and issue number). PPA
can provide a list of suppliers.

Bar codes can be produced on film (positive or negative), bromide or
disk. Each printer will confirm what they require.

Magazine barcodes are unique in that they have 15 digits (almost all
other products have 13 digits):







The first three digits are 977 (these are the prefix for any
periodical publication).
The next seven digits are the first seven digits from the ISSN.
The next two digits are 00 (these are called the sequence variant
and move up by 01 to reflect any price change).
The next digit is called the 'check' digit (it is derived from a
calculation of the previous 12 digits and is completed by
dedicated software).
The final two digits are the 'add-on' numbers and show which
publication the barcode relates to ie 01-12 reflect Jan-Dec or 1-52
reflect weeks of the year.
To make sure bar codes scan first time, follow the criteria outlined
in the PPA 'Best Practice Guidelines for Bar Coding and Issue
Numbering of Magazines', available from
www.ppa.co.uk/guidelines/download/barcode.pdf. The guidelines
recommend the ideal magnification, sizing, positioning and colour
of magazine bar codes.
Retail chains are increasingly inclined to fine publishers whose
barcodes do not scan. Inaccurate bar codes lead to loss of sales
and, in extreme cases, delisting.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BOOK NUMBERING
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique number
allocated to every book and is used as the key reference in most book
databases and ordering systems. It is based on an ISO International
Standard that was first published in 1972 as ISO 2108. ISO 2108 specifies
the basic structure of an ISBN, the rules for its allocation, and the
administration of the ISBN system. ISO 2108 is currently under revision to
deal with changes to the ISBN system. A similar system, the International
Standard Serial Number (ISSN), is used to identify serial publications.
NOTE: These notes are intended to provide helpful information, best practice,
general ideas and suggestions. Always speak to your BPIF Business Centre for
advice, assistance or training available via BPIF advisers, consultants and training
courses.
For advice on technical issues – reviewing equipment, productivity, new
technology investment – consult your BPIF National Technical Adviser
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BAR CODES
What is a Bar Code?
What is the structure of a barcode?
The structure of the GTIN includes the member organisation prefix, the number
allocated to the company, the number of the product and a check digit. This
number forms one indivisible identification number that is read in its entirety. The
following numbering structures are used for the identification of trade items
EAN.UCC-8, UCC-12, EAN.UCC-13 and EAN.UCC-14 All of them can be considered
as a 14-digit GTIN.
What is the EAN 13 article number?
The EAN 13 article number is a 13 digit number, allocated in the UK by the Article
Number Association, and used on most articles other than books and serials. It is
the number encoded in the EAN 13 barcode.
Because the ISBN systems was already in place internationally when the EAN 13
system was adopted, the book industry was allocated the prefix 978 as a generic
code for use on books regardless of their country of origin. This three digit prefix is
followed by the first nine digits of the ISBN (omitting the final check digit). The final
digit of the EAN number is a check digit derived from a calculation of the previous
twelve digits.
Is the EAN 13 barcode an international standard?
Yes. The EAN 13 system is a cross-industry standard used in all countries other
than USA and Canada, where a similar and compatible system known as UPC is
used in most trades. The book trade in USA and Canada, however, also uses the
EAN 13 system in order to be able to identify books by ISBN.
What is a UPC barcode?
The Universal Product Code (UPC) system, widely used in North America, is
technically compatible with the EAN system. Most scanners are able to read both
barcodes. The UPC codes are not, however, able to include the entire ISBN and the
price-point version of the code, used on mass market paperbacks identifies the
book simply by publisher and price category.
Does the EAN number indicate the country of origin of a product?
No, the numbering of a product with EAN numbers does not imply any significance.
An EAN number simply starts with the prefix of the member organisation that has
allocated a bank of numbers to a company. This does not mean that the product
was manufactured in a specific country or by a specific manufacturer.
Can I find out the name of the manufacturer if I have only the bar code?
A database of companies' prefixes, volunteer based, is available on www.gepir.org.
However, the number normally starts with the prefix of the member organisation
that allocated a bank of numbers to a company. If no information is available on
the website, it may be possible to get details of the company who allocated the
product number, by contacting the corresponding EAN member organisation.
Should You Get a Bar Code?
What products qualify for an ISBN?
All books, regardless of binding or medium, are eligible for ISBNs. Serial
publications such as newspapers and magazines are eligible for ISSNs. Spoken
word tapes (audio books) and CD products carrying text and graphics and primarily
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designed to instruct or educate (e.g. CD-Rom encyclopaedias) are also eligible.
Music products on tape or CD are not eligible.
Why should I bar code my books?
Most major book shops have electronic point of sale (EPOS) systems which enable
them to keep track of sales and stocks and to re-order books by scanning the
barcode. Some retailers refuse to accept books which are not barcoded. In addition,
many distributors make use of barcodes in their warehouse systems.
Do I need an ISBN?
Yes. The ISBN is represented in the barcode as well as appearing in eye readable
form on all books.
Who is responsible for numbering the products I am selling, me,
the producer, the distributor or the retailer?
EAN International recommends that the brand owner numbers the products
regardless of the country of manufacture or sale. The brand owner may be the
producer, the distributor or the retailer, depending on agreements in place.
How should a number be represented?
EAN.UCC numbers identifying trade items may be represented by a bar code
symbol. This data carrier allows the identification number to be machine read this
enabling automatic data capture and data processing. The numeric value of the
code in human readable figures is printed beneath the symbol.
How Do You Get a Bar Code?
How can I apply for a company prefix?
First of all, when you need a number, you must contact your local EAN Member
Organisation. They will provide a company prefix and the EAN standards in your
language. You will then be responsible for allocating a unique number to each
product from the number bank associated with the company prefix.
How do I get an ISBN?
In the UK, ISBN's are allocated by the Standard Book Numbering Agency,
Woolmead House West, Bear Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7LG, Telephone 01252742590, Fax 01252-742526, e-mail isbn@whitaker.co.uk . A list of ISBN agencies
in all countries can be obtained from ISBN International. A publisher prefix and
range of numbers will be allocated according to number of publications anticipated.
There is no charge for ISBN numbers. A nominal charge is made for documentation.
How do I calculate the EAN 13 article number from the ISBN?
If you are using a film master supplier then you simply give them the ISBN and let
them perform the complicated calculation. They will have software to do this and
check the result.
What are the Options?
Can I have two different barcodes on the same book?
Yes, but not on the same surface, to avoid confusion when scanning. It is
unacceptable to have more than one barcode on the outside of a product. This only
really causes problems in North America where both UPC and EAN barcodes may be
required by different markets for the same article. For these North American
markets, mass market paperbacks and other book products likely to be sold mainly
outside conventional book retailers should carry the EAN barcode on the inside front
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cover and the price-point UPC barcode on the back cover with the ISBN in eye
readable form in both places. In the case of maps, audio books, CD-Rom products
etc., with no inside cover available, it is a marketing decision on which code to use.
Do I need to include the price add-on?
No. As far as we know, no retailer currently reads price information from the
barcode. Where this is included, it is normally for use in automated handling
systems (e.g. returns) by the publisher or distributor. The publishers own reference
number with a '9' prefix (see below) is normally used in Europe since the
introduction of the EURO combined with different VAT rates may create confusion.
Publishers should check with their distributors to see if this is required.
Can I use the add-on symbol for my own reference number?
Yes. The five-digit option must carry a '9' prefix to indicate in-house use only and
the range of 9000-9899 is available for this purpose. The whole range 00-99 is
available in the two digit option.
Must the ISBN be printed above the symbol?
Yes. Positioning separately from the symbol requires a scanner operator to search
for the ISBN where key-entry is necessary and valuable seconds are lost in the
transaction. Also the ISBN and EAN may identify different products in error.
Can I use my computer and laser printer to generate bar codes?
Yes. Bar-coding software packages are available for both the book code and binders
pack code. Care must be taken to ensure that these meet BICspecifications, that
the ISBN is validated by the check-digit algorithm, and that the EAN is
automatically generated from the ISBN entry. Although laser output from a wellmaintained printer will scan successfully it is not recommended for use as a master
from which copies are subsequently taken due to the degradation of image quality
which usually results from the various copying and film duplication process.
How small can the symbol be?
The specification allows for reduction of 80% of nominal size. Some retail outlets
refuse to accept such small codes due to scanning problems. Reductions down to
90% are successful if printed reasonably well by litho on coated stock and if the
chain of film duplication is short and well controlled.
Is it better to reduce magnification or truncate the height of the bar code?
Much better to truncate. A reduced magnification symbol runs the risk of not
scanning at all whereas a truncated symbol at 100% magnification will scan if
properly produced. Truncation, however, can slow the scanning function.
Can I trim off the mark at the right of the symbol to save space?
No. The point of the mark is to ensure that space is not used by any image in a
colour that may foul the scanning process. A 2.5 mm clear area to the right of the
symbol is required to tell the scanner that the symbol is complete. The clear area to
the left is already protected by the protruding '9' prefix to the EAN.
What colours can I use?
Reds, yellows, and white are suitable background colours provided there are no
black, blue or green constituents. Blues and greens, provided they are not too pale,
and black are good colours for the image Browns and purples, etc, need care
however as those with a reddish hue will probably not be successful. If in doubt,
seek specialist advice or run a print test. Avoid metallic inks.
Does the bar code have to be on the back cover?
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Yes. A major motivation for the development of bar codes for books was the need
to speed up transactions. A standard location is therefore necessary to save the
operator's time in searching the product for the code.
How do I bar code books that don't have jackets?
A bar code label must be applied to the back board in the specified location. These
can be produced by specialist bar code label printers, or by litho from artwork, or
from a bar code label software package with laser or thermal transfer output.
Should I ask my printer to print the EAN 13 bar code on binder packs?
No. There is an international, cross-industry standard for carton coding known as
EAN 128. BIC has defined an implementation of this symbology for binder's packs,
The Binder's Pack Bar Code Label Standard, available from BIC.
Are there exceptions?
Items that are not coded at source by the brand-owner – If an item is not given a
GTIN at source, the importer or intermediary can, at the request of its clients,
assign it a temporary GTIN. However, it is preferable for the manufacturer to assign
the number.
Items without a brand name and generic items - Items without a brand name and
generic items - not private labels - are coded at source. As different suppliers may
provide identical items as seen by the consumer it is possible that items that are
apparently identical have different GTINs. This can affect the organisation of
computer files. Examples of such items are plasterboard, candles, drinking glasses
etc.
When a product is made specifically for a customer and orderable only by this
customer, it is permissible for a GTIN to be assigned by the customer, using the
customer's prefix.
Warning! – Some Companies produce the same article in several countries, or in
several plants. In this case the GTIN should be allocated centrally and managed by
one of the companies in the group or one of its production facilities.
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SOURCES FOR FURTHER HELP
1. e-centre
e.centre supports the global EAN-UCC system for identifying items, assets,
locations and services through the use of globally standardised numbering
structures and bar code standards
website:
www.ecentre.org.uk/frameset_barcodes.htm
e-mail:
info@e-centre.org.uk
Telephone: 0207 655 9001
2. Article Numbering Association
website:
http://www.ana.org.uk/
website now goes directly to e-centre webiste
3. ISBN (International Standard Book Numbering Agency)
Part of Bowker Agencies
website:
www.isbn.org
e-mail:
isbn@whitaker.co.uk
telephone: 01252-742590
fax:
01252-742526
address:
Woolmead House West, Bear Lane,
Farnham, Surrey GU9 7LG
4. BCAS (Barcode Advisory Service)
Formed in response to the number of people looking for advice on barcoding
issues and not knowing where to start; sponsorship for the service is provided
by Axicon Auto ID Ltd (www.axicon.com) who manufacture barcode equipment
and provide barcode bureau services
website:
www.barcodeadvice.org
email:
sales@axicon.com
telephone: 01869 351289
address:
c/o Axicon Auto ID Ltd, Church Road, Weston-on-the-Green,
Bicester, OX25 3QP
5. AIM Global (Automatic Identification Manufacturer’s Association)
global trade association comprising providers of components, networks,
systems, and services that manage the collection and integration of data with
information management systems
website:
www.aimuk.org
email:
ian@aimglobal.org
telephone: 01422 368368
address:
The Old Vicarage, Haley Hill, Halifax, HX3 6DR
6. (BIC) Book Industry Communication
Algorithm for EAN check digits can be obtained from BIC
website:
www.bic.org.uk/barcodes
email:
brian@bic.org.uk
telephone: 0207 607 0021
address:
39-41 North Road, London, N7 9DP
7.
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