FAQ

General Barcode Questions

Q1. What is a barcode?

A barcode is a unique identification code (usually in EAN-13 format) used to track and sell products across supermarkets, retail shops, and eCommerce platforms. It allows faster checkout, inventory management, and product verification.

We provide EAN-13 retail barcodes, the most widely used barcode format accepted worldwide by supermarkets, stores, and online marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket, and more.
Yes ✅. All IBR barcodes are unique, lifetime-valid, and internationally recognized. They can be used in India and abroad, as they follow the global EAN-13 standard.
No ❌. Unlike GS1, our barcodes are one-time purchase, lifetime-valid. You own them forever, with no recurring costs.
You can use them for FMCG, food products, beverages, clothing, electronics, cosmetics, books, toys, kitchenware, packaged items, and more. However, pharmaceutical products and medical devices may require additional regulatory compliance.

Every IBR barcode is registered in our International Barcode Registry (IBR). You can verify ownership anytime via the Barcode Search Tool on our website.

IBR Dashboard & Assignment

Q7. How do I assign my barcode to a product?
  1. Login to your IBR dashboard.
  2. Open Assign / Update Barcode form.
  3. Fill in:
    • Product Name
    • Brand Name
    • SKU Code (your internal code)
    • Variant / Pack Size (e.g., 500g, 1L, 6 pcs)
    • MRP
    • Unit & Net Weight / Volume
    • Short Description
    • HSN/GST (if applicable)
    • Upload Product Images (front/back)
    • Manufacturer / Mfg Date / Expiry (if applicable)
  4. Save → Your barcode will now show as assigned in the IBR public search.
Yes ✅. You can edit and update assigned product information anytime from your IBR dashboard
If someone searches your barcode on IBR and it’s unassigned, it will show: 👉 “This barcode is registered under IBR but not yet assigned to any product.” Once you assign it, all product details will appear publicly

Barcode Usage in Retail & Online

Q10. Will my IBR barcode work in supermarkets?

Yes ✅. Supermarkets accept EAN-13 barcodes. At the billing counter, staff will link your barcode with your product name & MRP. After that, it will scan correctly.

Yes ✅, but for Amazon and Flipkart, you must use the GTIN Exemption option since they officially prefer GS1 barcodes.

  • Many sellers successfully list their products using IBR barcodes with GTIN exemption.
  • You’ll need to apply for GTIN Exemption in your Amazon Seller Central by providing:
    • Product images (without GS1 codes)
    • Brand or category details
    • Supporting documents (if requested)

Once approved, you can list your products using IBR barcodes without any issues.

Yes. Each variant (size, color, flavor, pack size) requires a unique barcode.
Example:

  • Shampoo 200ml → 1 barcode
  • Shampoo 500ml → 1 barcode
  • Shampoo 1L → 1 barcode

No ❌. Each barcode is unique worldwide and assigned only once. Using the same barcode for multiple products will cause rejection at retail/eCommerce platforms

Legal & Ownership

Q14. Who owns the barcode once purchased?
You become the legal owner of the barcode number, and it is permanently assigned to you in the IBR registry.

Yes, ownership transfer is possible with proper authorization. Contact IBR support for details.

No. GS1 is a separate international body that charges yearly fees. IBR provides non-GS1 barcodes that are cost-effective, lifetime-valid, and accepted globally.

Legal & Ownership

Q17. What formats do I get my barcode in?
Yes ✅. You can print the provided barcode image on packaging directly, or create labels/stickers.

Yes, ownership transfer is possible with proper authorization. Contact IBR support for details.

The ideal size is 37.29mm x 25.93mm (100% EAN standard). However, you can scale between 80% and 200% as per packaging space.