Complete Guide Including Cost Structure, Capacity & Procedures
In Sri Lanka’s modern trade and supply-chain environment, barcode registration is a mandatory commercial requirement, especially for businesses supplying to supermarkets, distributors, exporters, institutional buyers, and construction projects. Barcodes ensure accurate product identification, traceability, and acceptance across local and global markets.
In Sri Lanka, barcode registration is carried out only through GS1 Sri Lanka, the nationally authorized organization issuing globally recognized GS1 barcodes.
This article explains what GS1 barcodes are, who must register, the full registration process, barcode capacity rules, and the official cost structure, exactly as practiced in Sri Lanka.
What Is GS1 Barcode Registration?
GS1 barcode registration links your business to a unique GS1 Company Prefix, which allows you to generate Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) for your products.
Each GTIN:
- Identifies one specific product
- Is unique worldwide
- Connects the product directly to your company as the brand owner
GS1 barcodes are accepted by:
- Supermarkets and retail chains
- Distributors and wholesalers
- Export markets
- Government and institutional procurement systems
- Warehouse and ERP systems
Who Must Register for Barcodes in Sri Lanka?
GS1 barcode registration is required for:
Manufacturers
- FMCG products
- Construction materials
- Electrical, mechanical, plumbing items
- Industrial and packaged goods
Importers & Distributors
- Products supplied to retail chains
- Institutional and project-based supplies
Exporters
- Products sold to overseas buyers
- Goods entering international retail systems
Construction-Sector Suppliers
- Materials supplied to large projects
- Products tracked through warehouses and BOQs
- Companies supplying CIDA-registered contractors
📌 The brand owner must own the barcode, even if manufacturing or packing is outsourced.
GS1 Barcode Structure Explained Simply
A standard GS1 barcode (EAN-13) contains:
- Country/GS1 prefix
- Company prefix
- Product number
- Check digit
This structure ensures global uniqueness and scan reliability.
Barcode Capacity & Product Numbering
When registering, companies select a barcode capacity based on how many products they intend to barcode.
Important Rules
- One barcode = one product
- Different sizes, weights, flavors, or packaging require separate barcodes
- Multipacks and cartons require separate GTINs
- Capacity should be chosen with future growth in mind
GS1 Barcode Registration Process in Sri Lanka
Step 1: Company Registration
You must have a valid:
- Business Registration / Certificate of Incorporation
- Company address and contact details
Step 2: Apply for GS1 Membership
The company applies for GS1 membership and selects a barcode capacity.
Once approved:
- A GS1 Company Prefix is issued
- The company becomes the legal owner of the barcodes
Step 3: Assign GTINs to Products
Using the company prefix, GTINs are assigned internally to each product.
Step 4: Generate & Print Barcodes
Barcodes are printed on:
- Product labels
- Packaging
- Cartons
Testing scan quality before mass printing is recommended.
Cost of Barcode Registration in Sri Lanka (GS1)
Barcode registration involves two types of fees:
1. One-Time Registration Fee
This fee is paid only once, at the time of joining GS1 Sri Lanka.
| Barcode Capacity | One-Time Registration Fee (LKR) |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 barcodes | 15,000 |
| Up to 1,000 barcodes | 25,000 |
| Up to 10,000 barcodes | 40,000 |
| Up to 100,000 barcodes | 60,000 |
2. Annual Subscription Fee
This fee is payable every year to maintain:
- Valid GS1 membership
- Barcode ownership
- Global database recognition
| Barcode Capacity | Annual Subscription Fee (LKR) |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 barcodes | 10,000 |
| Up to 1,000 barcodes | 20,000 |
| Up to 10,000 barcodes | 35,000 |
| Up to 100,000 barcodes | 55,000 |
📌 Annual subscription must be paid on time to avoid suspension of barcode validity.
Why Annual Renewal Is Critical
If GS1 membership is not renewed:
- Barcodes may become inactive
- Retailers may reject products
- Export shipments may face delays
- Product traceability may be lost
Renewal ensures uninterrupted recognition.
Why GS1 Barcodes Are Important for Construction Businesses
In the construction sector, barcodes help with:
- Material tracking
- Warehouse inventory control
- Project-wise material allocation
- Audit and compliance requirements
- Supply-chain transparency
Suppliers to large construction projects increasingly require GS1 barcodes for system-based procurement and inventory integration.
Common Mistakes Businesses Make
- Buying barcodes from unofficial online sellers
- Reusing barcodes across different products
- Underestimating future barcode needs
- Failing to renew annual subscriptions
- Printing low-quality barcodes that fail scanning
These mistakes can result in product rejection, financial loss, and reputational damage.
Long-Term Business Benefits of GS1 Barcode Registration
✔ Global product acceptance
✔ Retail and export compliance
✔ Accurate inventory management
✔ Reduced manual errors
✔ Better integration with ERP and POS systems
✔ Stronger brand credibility
Final Thoughts
GS1 barcode registration is not just a compliance requirement—it is a business enabler. It allows Sri Lankan companies to compete professionally in local and international markets with standardized, trusted, and globally recognized product identification.
Whether you are a manufacturer, importer, exporter, or construction-sector supplier, proper barcode registration ensures your products are market-ready, traceable, and future-proof.
