You may have come across third-party barcode providers claiming that their barcodes are “GS1 Compatible.” While this sounds reassuring, it’s actually misleading. All it means is that the barcode can be read by a scanner—it doesn’t mean that the barcode meets GS1’s global standards for traceability, verification, or authenticity.

Many businesses have fallen into the trap of purchasing so-called “compatible” barcodes, only to find out later that they are rejected by major retailers or can’t be verified by distributors. This is because GS1 compatibility only covers the scanner’s ability to read the barcode, not the compliance or acceptance of the product in global supply chains.

If you want to avoid the pitfalls of third-party barcodes, always ensure that your barcodes are genuine GS1 barcodes. This will not only save you from costly product rejections but also ensure that your products meet the requirements of retailers and distributors around the world.