What is Barcode Verification?
Barcode verification assesses the quality of a printed barcode, typically conducted on a product’s final packaging or printed artwork proof. This process uses a barcode verifier machine to scan the printed barcode multiple times at various angles. The results are graded on an ISO scale (4 – 0 / A – F) and documented in a Barcode Verification Report. An acceptable verification report is often a prerequisite for supplying larger retailers.
Why Barcode Verification Matters
Barcode accuracy is crucial for maintaining efficiency in the supply chain. Poor-quality barcodes that fail to scan can disrupt operations, increase costs, and lead to financial penalties or rejected products. Many major retailers require barcodes with an ISO grade of 1.5 or higher to avoid such issues.
Verification reports are also valuable for identifying and correcting barcode quality problems. Common reasons for failed barcode verification include:
- Quiet Zone Issues: Reducing or removing the quiet zones (white spaces on either side of the barcode) can cause scanning errors. Always maintain these during the design stage.
- Truncation: Reducing the barcode’s height significantly can lead to scanning issues.
- Colour Problems: Using incorrect colour combinations (e.g., light bars on a light background). Black bars on a white background are ideal.
- Poor Print Quality: Low print resolution can make the barcode difficult to read.
- Incorrect Encoding: Errors in the check digit or non-standard formats can cause verification failures.
- Placement Issues: Barcodes placed around corners, on excessively curved surfaces, or obscured by shrink wrap may not scan properly.
- Material Substrate: Certain materials can affect barcode print quality, leading to shrinkage or excessive print bleed.
Where to Get Barcode Verification
GS1 offers Barcode Verification Services to non-members, meaning you can purchase your barcode numbers through Barcode Savers or other resellers and still obtain a verification report from GS1. Learn more: GS1 Barcode Testing & Verification.
The EAN-13, UPC-A, and ITF-14 barcode images we supply are designed to pass verification when printed correctly (within an 80%-200% magnification range) and not altered during the design process. Typically, our barcodes achieve an ISO Grade 4 (the highest possible) with a 100% scan rate on GS1 Verification Reports.
Important Note:
Verification reports issued by GS1 using reseller-provided numbers will mark the “Validity of GS1 Company Prefix” row as “N/A.” This indicates that the company is not a direct GS1 member. Be aware that some larger retailers require vendors to hold direct GS1 memberships and may not accept reseller-provided barcodes. For more details, see our guide on International Barcode Acceptance.