The Ultimate Guide for Micro Enterprises to Get Barcodes Online at Low Prices

Micro-manufacturing enterprises constitute almost 97% of the total MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) sector, and contribute significantly to manufacturing output (estimated at 45%) and exports. 

Despite this, micro-manufacturing enterprises face challenges in supply chain standardisation, selling products on online marketplaces, achieving interoperability, product traceability, and more. All this necessitates the inclusion of barcodes on their products. 

In this guide, we will learn why it is so important for micro enterprises to get barcodes online and how barcodes can help them navigate challenges with ease. Later, we will also discuss how micro-manufacturing enterprises can get barcodes at lower rates. 

Why Micro Enterprises Need Barcodes

• Sell on Major Platforms: Marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, and BigBasket recommend GS1  barcodes for listing products. Without them, products may be rejected, removed or delisted.

• Build Credibility: Barcodes enhance a brand’s image and professionalism, creating buyer trust. Retailers prefer products with verified, GS1-compliant barcodes, which signal that your business is credible and standard-compliant. Trust leads to more shelf space and stronger retail relationships.

• Meet Regulatory Compliance: Many industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, require standardised product identification. Barcodes help micro enterprises comply with government and industry-specific regulations. This ensures smooth audits, reduces legal risks, and builds long-term business credibility.

• Better Inventory & Supply Chain Management: Barcodes simplify tracking products through every supply chain stage. They improve accuracy in inventory, stock rotation, and reordering. This reduces losses and enhances operational efficiency.

• Point-of-Sale Efficiency: Barcodes speed up the checkout process by enabling quick and accurate scanning. They reduce manual entry errors and enhance billing accuracy at retail counters. This leads to a smoother customer experience and improved staff productivity.

Common Challenges in Getting Barcodes

• High Costs: The pricing of barcodes through official channels can deter micro enterprises.
• Confusion Around GS1 Registration: Many small businesses don’t know how barcodes work or why they’re important.
• Scams & Third-party Sellers: Non-GS1 barcode sellers might offer cheap codes, but these often get rejected by online marketplaces.
• Lack of Awareness: Many micro-entrepreneurs are unaware that getting authentic barcodes is both possible and affordable.

How to Get Barcodes at a Low Price 

Micro enterprises can now obtain GS1-standard barcodes affordably through GS1 India, with special benefits for registered MSMEs under the government scheme.

MSME Reimbursement Scheme:

MSMEs can get up to ₹50,600 reimbursed on one-time and recurring GS1 India barcode subscription fees for up to 3 years.

Steps to Get GS1 Barcodes Online:

1. Visit GS1 India’s Website: You have to first visit GS1 India’s website and navigate to ‘Register for Barcode’ page.  
2. Registration Form  - Fill out the complete barcode registration form. 
3. Fee Payment - After filling the registration form, pay the requisite fee to GS1 India.
4. Allotment Letter - Within a few working days, you will receive your barcode allotment letter along with your DataKart login credentials.
5. Apply for the MSME Reimbursement: Submit a claim to the appropriate authority after GS1 subscription. You will have to submit your GS1 allotment letter along with your fee payment to your nearest MSME office. After this, you will be approved for barcode reimbursement. 
6. Download and Use Barcodes: Once registered, you can generate barcodes for your products and use them across retail and e-commerce channels.

Conclusion

Authentic barcodes are not just technical tools—they're strategic assets for micro enterprises stepping into organised retail and e-commerce. With the MSME reimbursement scheme and support from GS1 India, getting barcodes online is now more accessible and affordable than ever. Micro enterprises should act early to secure their barcode identity, avoid compliance issues, and unlock new growth avenues.