Mzansi TendersFree score

How to · Start here

How to get barcodes for your products (GS1 South Africa)

Major retailers expect products to carry official GS1 barcodes. GS1 South Africa describes itself as the official barcode supplier. Barcodes bought from unofficial sellers are, GS1 warns, often rejected by major trading partners.

Who it is forAnyone selling products to retailers or online marketplaces
What it costsGS1 lists a first-year fee by number of barcodes: 1 item R176; 10 items R1,964 (renewal R433); 100 items R6,823 (renewal R2,409); 1,000 items R8,215 (renewal R4,709). Prices can change, so check the current table.
How long it takesNot stated.
Last checked9 November 2026

The steps, in order

How to get started

  1. Choose the barcode types you need (a standard product barcode, a smaller type for tiny items, or a carton barcode).
  2. Count your barcodes: each product variation needs its own. Pick a company prefix size using GS1's barcode estimator.
  3. Apply online on GS1 South Africa's application site and attend its member training.
  4. Renewal is each March; other months are pro-rata.

Have these ready

Documents and information

  • A list of your products and their variations (size, flavour, colour).
  • (GS1's document requirements did not load for us. Confirm them when you apply.)

Be realistic

What to expect

Cheap for one product, but the cost rises with range size. Takealot, Checkers and Food Lover's Market are named by GS1 as partners who reject unofficial barcodes.

Watch out for scams. GS1 warns about unofficial barcode sellers. Check a number on GS1's 'Verified by GS1' service. GS1 has a fraud reporting line on its website.
What we could not confirm. Document requirements and approval timeline. Whether the fees include VAT.

Official pages

Start at the source

GS1 South Africa ↗GS1 SA: barcode costs ↗GS1 SA: buy a barcode ↗

Tender Ready Score

Is your business ready for any buyer?

Most buyers ask for the same documents: company registration, tax, B-BBEE and a bank letter. Two minutes shows what is missing, free.

Start the free score

More how-to guides

TakealotUber Eats (restaurants and shops)Uber driverUber fleet ownerSPARPick n PayDis-ChemTiger BrandsShoprite and CheckersWoolworthsGame, Makro and MassmartRegister your companyCentral Supplier Database (CSD)SAHPRA licenceSABS mark and certificationISO certification (ISO 9001 and others)NRCS letter of authorityAll guides

Mzansi Tenders is an independent service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or paid by any company named on this page. Company names are used only to describe how to supply them. Requirements change: always confirm on the official page before you apply or pay anyone.