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Today almost every item purchased from a grocery store, department
store, and mass merchandiser has a barcode on it. Each barcode represents
a unique Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) which is used to identify
the product item. Barcode greatly helps in keeping track of the
large number of items in a store. This enables efficient inventory
management, reduction of inventory holding costs and keeping of
valuable customers' consumption data. In some cases, manufacturers
are requested by importers to apply barcode for their products.
There are several barcoding systems but the GS1 numbering system
(formerly known as EAN-UCC numbering system) is the most commonly
recognized product identification and barcoding system used in global
business.
Where can I apply?
In Hong Kong, the GS1 Hong Kong is the governing industry body
responsible for the assignment of GS1 identification numbers for
products, location, shipments, etc. GS1 Hong Kong is a not-for-profit
membership-based trade support body founded by the Hong Kong General
Chamber of Commerce in 1989. It is the local chapter of GS1, a global
developer and administrator of international supply chain standards.
Around the world, the GS1 community has over one million corporate
members spanning 155 countries/economies and 23 industries.
A result of the recent unification between EAN International (EAN)
and the Uniform Code Council (UCC), GS1 is charged with achieving
higher synergy among business players amidst the growing force of
globalization. The name "GS1", which suggests Global System,
Global Standards and Global Solution all embodied in one single
body, signifies the organization's lead to foster the genuine unification
of worldwide commerce.
Who may apply?
A company who owns the brand name of the product regardless of
where and by whom it has been manufactured or sold is responsible
for the allocation of GTIN. Therefore, it can be a manufacturer,
supplier, and retailer who owns the brand name or importer and wholesales
who transforms the product e.g. re-packaging.
How to apply?
To apply for GTIN, your company must first be a full member of
GS1 Hong Kong. Any Hong Kong corporation or institute which requires
the international Gsi identification numbers and barcodes for trade
and business is eligible to apply for GSI Hong Kong full membership.
GS1 Hong Kong Full Membership is divided into 3 categories:
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Category
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Number of Employees
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Membership Fee (HK$)
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|
|
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Entry
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Annual
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Total
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A
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0-9
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3,180
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3,180
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6,360
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B
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10-99
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7,420
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7,420
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14,840
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C
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100 or above
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7,420
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11,660
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19,080
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To apply for a GS1 Company Prefix, you need to submit:
1. A completed GS1 Hong Kong full membership application form.
2. A copy of your company's Business Registration Certificate.
3. Proof of employee headcount such as an employee insurance documentation
or MPF certificate.
It normally take three working days to process the application
upon receipt of the completed application form, relevant documents
and payment.
A minimum of 1,000 GTINs will be allocated. If the company chooses
to apply 10,000 or 100,000 GTINs, it is required to submit its product
list for approval.
How to use?
Each full member is entitled to one GS1 Company Prefix preceded
with the Hong Kong Prefix '489' (note: GS1 Company Prefix does not
represent the 'country of origin'). Company should then allocate
a separate unique Item Reference Number to every variant of an item,
such as different model, color, size, weight, flavor or package,
from the given range of numbers. It should then Input all the item
particulars into the "HK e-ID Registry" (a web-based database
that facilitates international standard based data exchange with
trading partners) as requred and generate the Item Reference Number
and Check Digit with the automatic number assignment function. Then
arrange barcode printing company to produce an appropriate bar code
symbology.
Example
Number Structure of GTIN-13
489 = GS1 Prefix for Hong Kong
M = GS1 Company Number, assigned by Gsi Hong Kong to members, it
comprises four to six digits
I = Item Reference Number, assigned by member, is composed typically
of three to five digits
C = Check Digit, calculated by modulo-10 formula. Use calculation
service provides by GS1 Hong Kong Website ro ask your barcode printers
to do it for you.
GS1 Prefix for main countries
000 - 139 GS1 US & GS1 Canada
450 - 459 & 490 - 499 GS1 Japan
471 GS1 Taiwan
489 GS1 Hong Kong
500 - 509 GS1 UK
690 - 695 GS1 China
880 GS1 South Korea
885 GS1 Thailand
888 GS1 Singapore
930 - 939 GS1 Australia
959 GS1 Macau
Source: GS1 Hong Kong
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