Points to remember when creating coupons:
A barcode coupon automatically applies the discount at point of sale.
Coupon barcode numbers are 13-digits long and are encoded in the same EAN-13 barcodes that are seen on most products.
As the money-off amount is contained in the barcode, they can’t be used for ‘percentage off’ promotions.
Unlike GTINs, coupon numbers can be re-used if needed, 36 months after last coupon with that number was issued.
It's best practice to let your trading partners know when you're issuing money-off coupons. This can avoid confusion at point of sale.
There are three different coupon barcode formats GS1 UK members may want to do: UK specific promotions (sterling), Eurozone (euros) and promotions in other countries.
GS1 UK provides a coupon issuer number to companies who wants to issue barcoded money-off coupons in the UK.
The coupon issuer number is a six-digit prefix and is used in combination with a reference number (NNN), the coupon’s value (VVV) and a check digit (C) to create a 13-digit number.
Structure of the coupon code
| Coupon issuer no. | Coupon ref. no. | Redemption value | Check digit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99XXXX | NNN | VVV | C |
Coupon issuer number – a unique identification number assigned by GS1 UK to companies issuing coupons. Each prefix number enables you to create 1000 coupons.
Coupon reference number – a unique identifier assigned by the coupon issuer which helps differentiate between various promotions, campaigns and promotional offers etc.
Redemption value – the discounted amount of the coupon. The Redemption value (RV) is given in pence and must be equal to the value printed on the face of the coupon. For example, the redemption value of £1.50 will appear as 150. For coupons with a redemption value higher than £9.98, the figures 999 are used and the checkout operator is automatically prompted by the system to key in the value from the coupon.
If the intention is to match the coupon with the item’s retail selling price, inputting the digits 000 in the value field will prompt the keying-in of the amount at point of sale.
Check digit - calculated using the same calculation as GTINs.
You’ll need to apply for a coupon issuer number from GS1 UK. You can do that by completing an application form.
GS1 UK can provide a euro coupon issuer prefix to companies issuing barcoded money-off coupons in the Eurozone.
There are two Eurozone coupon prefixes available:
- Money-off coupons with a value up to EUR 9.98
- Money-off coupons with a value up to EUR 99.9
Euro coupon issuer prefixes allow you can create up to 100 coupon numbers.
The euro coupon issuer code is a six-digit prefix and is used in combination with a reference number (NNN), the coupon’s value (EEE) and a check digit (C) to create a 13-digit number.
| Coupon issuer no. | Coupon ref. no. | Redemption value | Check digit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 981RRRR | NN | EE,E | C |
| 982RRRR | NN | E,EE | C |
You'll need to apply for a coupon issuer number from GS1 UK. You can do that by completing an application form.
If you need to run a money-off promotion in any other currency, please contact us.
Depending on the currency needed for the coupon, you may need to join the appropriate GS1 member organisation for that country.