Barcode Compliance Checklist for Manufacturers

This checklist helps ensure your barcode is acceptable to retailers and avoids costly re‑prints or listing issues. Use it before you order or print your packaging.

Step	What to Do	Why It Matters
1. Unique Barcode Number	Get barcode numbers from a trusted supplier such as Barcodes.co.nz to ensure the number has never been used before.	Prevents duplication. You don’t want your product’s barcode to clash with someone else’s, which causes scanner errors or product mismatches.
2. Lifetime Ownership with One‑Off Fee	Confirm there are no annual membership or renewal fees attached to the barcode — you pay once, and the code is yours permanently.	Avoids surprise costs; ensures you retain control of the code.
3. Retailer Acceptance Requirements	Identify which retailers you want to sell through, then check their barcode requirements: do they require carton codes, pallet codes verification reports? Do they have format or dimension specifications?	Some retailers (e.g. large chains) won’t stock or accept products unless the barcode meets their standards.
4. Correct Format & Quality	Ensure the barcode image you print follows standards: correct size, proper contrast, quiet margins (blank space), sufficient resolution.	Barcode scanners are sensitive to these details; mistakes cause unreadable or rejected barcodes.
5. Handle Product Variants Separately	Assign a unique barcode for each product variant (size, flavour, color etc.).	Helps track inventory accurately and avoid confusion in orders and stock management.
6. Pre‑Approval Before Printing	Before ordering large runs, get approval from your target retailer(s) for the barcode and packaging mock‑ups.	Reduces risk of needing to scrap or reprint if your packaging or barcode isn’t accepted.
7. Barcode Verification Report	Obtain a verification report for your final printed barcode or artwork from Barcodes.co.nz if required by retailer. This applies normally just to Bunnings, Woolworths and Foodstuffs.	These reports certify your barcode image will scan properly; needed by many retailers before new products are accepted.
8. Maintain Records & Proof	Keep your purchase/ownership proof, verification reports, barcode artwork files, etc.	Helpful for resolving disputes, demonstrating legitimacy with retailers, or making updates.

How to Use This Checklist

• Go through each step before ordering or printing packaging.
• Tick the box once complete.
• Use the documentation (verification, proof of ownership) when onboarding with retailers.
• Store all files in a shared folder / backup so if anything goes wrong, you have the evidence.

Large Retailer Barcode Requirements

Chemist Warehouse Supplier Compliance Guidelines – see section 5 – see our clients in Chemist Warehouse.

The Warehouse packaging guides.

Woolworths Packaging and Barcodes Specific Information.

Foodstuffs Exchange – Our barcodes work in Foodstuffs NI stores however Foodstuffs require GS1 Membership