94 Barcode Numbers (940-949)

Barcode numbers beginning with 94 are the barcode numbers that come directly from GS1 NZ. The ONLY legal way to get numbers starting with 940-949 is to join GS1-NZ. GS1 is a membership organisation which distributes barcodes by licensing them out for a yearly fee. Companies like Barcodes New Zealand, who sell barcodes for a one off cost, provide numbers typically starting with 06, 07 or 08 (which signifies the barcodes originated in the USA). If you see a company claiming to sell barcodes starting with your 94, they are almost certainly selling made up or illegal numbers.

Many people mistakenly believe that the first few digits of the barcode numbers show the product’s country of origin. However, the barcode number says NOTHING accurate about the country of origin of the product. The only thing that these first few digits show is the country of origin of the number. So, in reality, products that come from NZ can have any barcode number on them. 940-949 barcode numbers do not mean a product was made in New Zealand.

Made in New Zealand

If you want to demonstrate that your product is made in NZ, then the best way to do this is to print “Made in NZ” or similar on the product. This is an advertising claim and must be provable if challenged. (Some manufacturers also print “Made in NZ” directly above the barcode to help customers).

The myth of the barcode number showing the country of origin of the product is old and disproved. Please see this Snopes article on the origins of this myth.

Most barcodes and barcode systems work internationally, so there are virtually no restrictions based on the country of origin worldwide. Any specific examples of stores placing any restrictions on barcodes can be seen here.

We are a member of an international network of barcode sellers that have customers in more than 120 countries using our barcodes without any problems.