Barcodes
Scanners used in warehousing and distribution centres that process traded units, are designed to read EAN-13, UPC-A, ITF-14 and GS1-128 barcodes.
Consider the following points when choosing which symbol to use:
If the barcode is printed directly onto corrugated fibreboard packaging, an ITF-14 symbol may be needed. It’s great for printing on poor quality materials.
If the traded unit could also be sold at retail point of sale, such as a box of 24 cans of soda, it must be barcoded with at least one EAN-13 or UPC-A symbol at a magnification of at least 150%.
If you need to provide information within the barcode such as expiry dates or batch numbers, you will need to use GS1-128 barcodes.
If the traded unit contains items of variable weights and measures, choose a GS1-128 barcode. This will enable you to encode the measure (often the weight in kilograms) alongside the GTIN.
Some large products, like washing machines, furniture or multipacks, serve as both traded units and consumer units. For units such as these, you’ll need an EAN/UPC barcode at 150% magnification factor which can be used in general distribution and for point of sale.
EAN-8s should not be used on traded units as their diminutive size makes them unsuitable. They are reserved for small retail items.