Understanding Barcodes and Product Authentication

Barcodes contain Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) which acts as a unique identifier of products in the global market. The GTINs encode critical information about the item such as its origin, manufacturer, and other important details. In India, barcodes are essential for product authentication and traceability, ensuring that products are genuine and safe for consumers. They help maintain the integrity of the supply chain and prevent counterfeit goods from entering the market.

What is a Barcode?

A barcode is a visual representation of data that can be scanned and read by machines. It typically consists of a series of parallel lines of varying widths and spaces or a matrix of dots and spaces, as in the case of QR codes. Barcodes are used to identify products, manage inventory, and facilitate traceability.

 

Importance of Authenticating Products via Barcodes

Authenticating products via barcodes is vital for consumers and businesses. It prevents counterfeit products from entering the market, protects brand reputation, and ensures consumer safety by verifying that products meet established quality standards. This process enhances trust and reliability in the marketplace.

 

Types of Barcodes Used in India

Barcodes come in various formats, each serving specific purposes in different sectors. In India, several barcode formats are widely used:

• Universal Product Code (UPC):
  The UPC barcode, is one of the most common 1D barcode symbology commonly found in retail stores and is used for identifying products and managing inventory. It helps retailers track sales and stock levels efficiently. UPC-A and UPC-E are variations used, with UPC-E being more compact for small packaging without compromising data accuracy.

• UPC-A:
  UPC-A is a 12-digit barcode used primarily in the retail sector for product identification and tracking. It is the most common form of UPC, containing a combination of manufacturer and product information. UPC-A barcodes are compatible with global retail systems, making them essential for inventory control and sales tracking.

• UPC-E:
  UPC-E is a more compact version of the UPC-A barcode, designed for small product packaging. UPC-E has 8-digits and is formed by compressing the 12 digits of a UPC-A code into a smaller format. It is ideal for items with limited labelling space, such as cosmetics or small consumer goods, without losing essential product data.

• European Article Number (EAN) or Global Trade Item Number (GTIN):
  The EAN/ GTIN barcode symbology, another widely used 1D barcode, is widely used in international trade to identify products globally. It ensures seamless scanning and inventory management across different regions. EAN/ GTIN barcodes include two variations: EAN-8/ GTIN-8 and EAN-13/ GTIN-13.

• EAN-13 or GTIN-13:
  The EAN-13/ GTIN-13 barcode is a widely used 13-digit code for global product identification in retail. This barcode is compatible with international trade and enables efficient scanning, inventory management, and product tracking. It ensures consistency in product labelling across markets, simplifying logistics and enhancing cross-border trade.

• EAN-8 or GTIN-8:
  The EAN-8/GTIN-8 barcode is a shortened version of the EAN-13/GTIN-13 code, consisting of eight digits. It is mainly used for small products with limited packaging space. Despite its compact size, EAN-8/GTIN-8 carries the necessary product identification data for inventory management and retail operations, especially in smaller product categories.

• Quick Response Codes (QR Codes):
  QR Codes, a popular form of 2D barcode, are versatile and widely used in India. These codes allow users to scan and quickly access websites, promotional content, or contactless transactions using smartphones. QR Codes can store more data than traditional barcodes, making them ideal for dynamic applications.

How to Check a Barcode Online

Barcodes are essential for tracking products, managing inventory, and facilitate seamless transactions across various industries. With the increasing use of digital technology, checking a barcode online has become a simple and efficient process. Whether you’re a business owner verifying product information, a consumer checking the authenticity of a product, or simply looking to decode a barcode for personal use, online tools allow you to do this quickly. 

By scanning or entering the barcode number into a barcode lookup tool or app, you can access details such as the product name, manufacturer, and pricing information. These tools are particularly useful for verifying product authenticity and ensuring that the product complies with industry standards. With just a few clicks, checking a barcode online can help you make informed purchasing decisions and maintain accurate inventory records.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Learn How to Check a Barcode Online

• Scanning the Barcode

You can scan the barcode using a smartphone equipped with a barcode scanning app like Smart Consumer App. Simply open the app and use the scanner to capture the barcode. Many smartphones come with built-in scanning capabilities through their camera apps. You can scan QR codes on products to get detailed product information using your camera. 

• Online Barcode Lookup Websites

GS1 India, the only organisation in India to issue authorised barcodes, offers a comprehensive platform for barcode information and verification services. Their GTIN Validation service allows users to manually enter the GTIN, usually found below the barcode as a series of digits, to access accurate product details. This service ensures product authenticity and traceability by providing information such as the product’s origin, manufacturer, and other relevant data. By using this tool, consumers can easily verify the authenticity of the products they purchase, even without a scanner.

• Interpreting the Results

Once you have scanned or entered the GTIN, the GS1’s website and Smart Consumer app will provide you with information about the product, including its details and authenticity status. Review this information carefully to ensure the product is genuine. Look for details such as the product name, manufacturer, and other identifying information to confirm its authenticity.

 

Tips for Ensuring Barcode Authenticity

Ensuring the authenticity of barcodes is crucial to avoid counterfeit products and guarantee the quality and safety of items you purchase. Here are some essential tips to help you verify barcode authenticity and protect yourself from fraudulent products.

• Buying from the Authorised Source

Always purchase products from authorised retailers and get barcodes from trusted sources like GS1 India. Authorised sellers are more likely to stock genuine products with authentic barcodes. This practice significantly reduces the risk of encountering counterfeit goods and ensures that the items you buy meet the expected quality and safety standards. By choosing reputable retailers, you can have greater confidence in the authenticity of the products you purchase.

• Reporting Suspected Counterfeit Products

If you suspect a product is counterfeit, promptly report it to the relevant authorities or consumer protection agencies. Reporting suspected counterfeit products helps combat the sale of fake goods, protects other consumers, and upholds market integrity. Providing detailed information about the suspected counterfeit product can assist authorities in taking necessary action to prevent further distribution of counterfeit products.

 

Conclusion

Barcode verification plays a vital role in protecting consumer safety and ensuring product authenticity in today’s global market. You can check barcode online to verify if a product is genuine and meets the required industry standards. This process helps prevent the circulation of counterfeit or substandard goods, which could pose health risks or lead to financial loss. For businesses, barcode verification ensures that products comply with regulatory requirements, maintaining trust and credibility in the market. Incorporating barcode checks as a standard practice not only safeguards consumers but also enhances transparency and accountability across supply chains.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the barcode number?

A barcode number is a series of digits below the barcode that uniquely identifies a product, linking it to detailed information in a database.

2. Can Google scan barcodes?

Yes, Google Lens and some Google apps can scan 2D barcodes like QR codes using your smartphone’s camera, allowing you to quickly retrieve product information. 

3. How do I verify a barcode online?

To verify or check a barcode online, Use Smart Consumer app to verify 2D barcodes, or enter the barcode number on the application to validate the product information provided. You can also verify the authenticity of a barcode by entering the GTIN/EAN of the product on the GTIN validation portal of GS1 India. 

4. How do you check if a product is original or not?

You can check if a product is original by verifying its barcode online, inspecting the packaging for authenticity, and purchasing from authorised sellers.

5. What is the 12-number barcode?

A 12-number barcode is typically a UPC (Universal Product Code), commonly used in retail to uniquely identify and track products.