Barcode standards are integral to the smooth operation of supply chains, inventory control, and retail activities on a global scale. These standards guarantee that products can be effortlessly identified and tracked throughout their journey in the supply chain. Manufacturers must comply with international barcode standards to ensure seamless communication and compatibility across various industries. In this blog, we'll delve into the significance of barcode standards for various types of barcodes (including EAN-13 and UPC barcodes) and how your business can align with them.

What are the Global Barcode Standards?

EAN-13 or UPC barcodes:

The typical size of an EAN-13 or UPC barcode is 37mm wide by 25mm high.

The smallest recommended size for an EAN-13 or UPC barcode is 80% of the standard size, which is approximately 30mm wide by 20mm high. This includes a 3mm "quiet zone" (blank space) on both sides of the barcode.

ITF-14 Carton Codes:

For ITF-14 Carton Codes, the standard size (100%) is about 122mm wide by 32mm high, with 10mm quiet zones on the left and right sides.

The allowed magnification range for an ITF-14 Barcode Symbol scanned in a General Distribution Scanning environment is between 50% and 100%. In other scanning settings, the range is 25% to 100%. If printing on corrugated fibreboard, the ITF-14 should be at least 62.5%.

In General Distribution Scanning Environments, the minimum bar height is 32mm. In other scanning environments, the bars should be as tall as feasible, with 13mm being the absolute minimum height.

QR Codes:

QR Codes don't have strict size requirements. The required space for a QR code depends on the amount of data it contains and the scanning distance.

The minimum practical size for a QR code is 2cm by 2cm (0.8 inches by 0.8 inches) for close scanning distances, excluding the quiet zone.

The optimal size for a QR Code is influenced by various factors, including the available space on the packaging, the scanning environment, the print quality, and the resolution of the printing process. If a QR Code is too small, it might not be easily scannable or may be difficult to print at a high quality. Conversely, a QR Code that is too large may be hard to scan up close or print with sufficient quality.

Barcode Colours

Barcode scanners detect black or cool colours (blue, green) and ignore white or warm colours (red, orange, yellow). Thus, it's crucial to ensure the barcode bars are printed in black or cool colours, with a white or warm coloured background. Reflective surfaces or metallic colours are not recommended as they don't scan well.

Barcode Position

EAN-13 and UPC barcodes are typically placed horizontally. When printing on curved surfaces (like bottles), it is best practice to rotate the barcode 90 degrees to a vertical orientation. Avoid placing the barcode near any edges. Position it on a flat surface if possible, ensuring ample blank space around the barcode (at least 3mm).

For more information about barcode standards please visit Barcode1 UK.