Country Barcodes: GS1 Prefixes and Barcode Table - Gun.az

A barcode is a graphic symbol that encodes specific identification information about a product (most commonly the GTIN/EAN number) in a machine-readable format.

The GS1 barcode prefix is the first 3–4 digits of the EAN-13 number and indicates only which GS1 member organization (GS1 office by country/region) allocated that number block. The prefix does not mean the country of manufacture. The same manufacturer can produce in a different country and still issue a GTIN with the same GS1 prefix.

Do not forget:

• EAN-13 — The most widely used 13-digit format in retail trade.

• UPC-A — A 12-digit analog used in North America (EAN-13 can often read UPC-A codes by padding the beginning with a "0").

• Check digit — The last digit; calculated to prevent errors during scanning.

GS1 Barcode Prefixes — Table by Country (EAN-13)

Add the GS1 barcode prefixes table by country to the following location:

Sources: GS1 official prefix table and explanations; attribution of prefix 476 to Azerbaijan is confirmed by GS1 Azerbaijan.

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Structure of EAN-13 (Simple Explanation)

Elements

• Prefix (GS1) — 3–4 digits: Indicates the number source (GS1 member organization). For example, 476 belongs to the prefix range allocated for Azerbaijan.

• Company Prefix — A block assigned to the company by the GS1 member organization; the length may vary.

• Product (Item) Number — Distinguishes the product within that company; length depends on the company prefix.

• Check Digit — Calculated using the mod-10 rule.

Example: Calculating the Check Digit from 12 Digits

EAN-13 Anatomy — Example: 4760123456783
(Graphic description: GS1 prefix, Company prefix, Item number, Check digit)

First 12 digits: 476012345678

1. Odd positions (1,3,5,7,9,11): 4+6+1+3+5+7 = 26

2. Even positions (2,4,6,8,10,12) × 3: (7+0+2+4+6+8) = 27 → 27×3 = 81

3. Sum: 26 + 81 = 107

4. 107 mod 10 = 7

5. Check digit = (10 − 7) mod 10 = 3

Final EAN-13: 4760123456783

Note: When converting EAN-13 → GTIN-14, a "0" is added to the beginning: 0 4760123456783. In GTIN-14 logistics barcodes (e.g., GS1-128, ITF-14), it is written with the (01) application identifier: (01)04760123456783.

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Which Barcode to Choose and When?

EAN-13 / UPC-A
Retail sales, products passing through the checkout (food, cosmetics, electronics, etc.).

ITF-14
Packaging level (box/carton). Due to its thick contour structure, it reads well on corrugated cardboard.

GS1-128 (Based on Code 128)
Logistics and B2B: Carries not only the GTIN but additional information; written with Application Identifiers (AI):

• (01) — GTIN (14 digits)

• (10) — Batch/Lot

• (17) — Expiration date (YYMMDD)

• (21) — Serial number

QR-code (With GS1 Digital Link)
Rich information for the consumer (link to website, origin, allergens, instructions, etc.); can encode the GTIN in a URL.

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Practical Rules for Printing and Design

Main Principles

• Contrast: Dark bars + light background (traditionally black-white). Colored inversion is risky for 1D codes.

• Quiet Zone: Keep an empty space on the left and right of the barcode; do not cut it off or let it collide with frames and fonts.

• Scale and Module Size: Sizes that are too dense or excessively wide make reading difficult.

• No Deformity: Do not cut the height ("truncated" EAN weakens readability), do not compress or stretch the width.

• Surface/Material: Glossy varnish, relief, and strong textures can hinder reading; choose the label material appropriately.

• Placement: Keep away from folding seams, corners, curved areas, and cut points.

GTIN Assignment: When is a New Code Required?

Changes typically requiring a new GTIN:

• Composition or functional characteristic of the product (e.g., new formulation).

• Size/weight/quantity (e.g., 500 g → 450 g).

• Design and brand elements, changes affecting the consumer's buying decision.

• Package composition (double box → single, multipack → individual, etc.).

• Language/region change, if it affects selection on the same shelf.

Cases typically NOT requiring a new GTIN:
Internal lot or price changes (refer to GS1 rules for specific cases).

Role of the Barcode in Store and Online Environments

Benefits

• Checkout and Warehouse: Fast scanning, reduction of errors, recall and inventory control.

• E-commerce catalogs: Products are indexed more easily with GTIN (search, comparison, advertising).

• Traceability: Tracking at the batch/serial level with GS1-128 or QR (Digital Link).

• Documentation: Receipts, waybills, box labels, pallet labels — a proper barcode speeds up workflow in all of them.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If my prefix is Azerbaijani (476), must I manufacture every product in Azerbaijan?
No. The prefix only indicates the GS1 member organization that issued the number. The country of manufacture is indicated separately in the "Made in..." information.

How do checkouts manage the difference between UPC-A and EAN-13?
Modern scanners and checkouts read both. EAN-13 can often recognize UPC-A codes by adapting them with a leading "0".

Is a new GTIN needed when the color/flavor of the same product changes?
If it will be sold as a separate SKU affecting the buyer's choice (e.g., vanilla vs. strawberry), yes — usually a new GTIN is given.

Can I just paste the barcode as a picture?
You can, but strictly adhere to contrast, quiet zone, and sizing rules. The best practice is to use a GS1-compliant generator and print profile.