What Is Vietnam Barcode? Why Are Businesses Required to Register Barcodes?

1. Overview of Barcodes in Modern Business Operations

In an increasingly competitive market where goods are distributed through multiple channels and consumers are paying greater attention to product origin, transparency, and reliability, barcodes have become an indispensable element for businesses.

From supermarkets and convenience stores to e-commerce platforms, logistics, warehousing, and exports, modern sales and management activities are closely associated with barcodes. Beyond being simple black-and-white lines on packaging, barcodes serve as a key tool for product identification, traceability, and systematic management.

Within this context, Vietnam barcodes play a particularly important role for enterprises operating, manufacturing, and distributing goods in Vietnam.

2. What Is a Vietnam Barcode?

A Vietnam barcode is a system of product identification numbers and barcodes issued to enterprises in Vietnam in accordance with the standards of GS1 Vietnam, the official representative organization of the global GS1 system in Vietnam.

Each issued barcode serves to uniquely identify a specific product, enabling clear differentiation between items—even when they share similar appearances, names, or packaging.

Key Characteristics of Vietnam Barcodes

• Carry the national prefix 893

• Managed within the GS1 system

• Associated with the registered enterprise’s information

• Accepted across global retail and distribution systems

⚠️ Important note:
The prefix 893 does not mean “manufactured in Vietnam”; it indicates that the barcode is registered in Vietnam.

3. What Are Vietnam Barcodes Used For?

Barcodes are not limited to a single function; they are widely applied throughout the supply chain.

Product Identification

Each barcode corresponds to:

• A specific product

• A specific packaging configuration

• A specific brand

This helps prevent confusion, especially for businesses managing multiple product lines.

Warehouse and Logistics Management

• Scanning barcodes for inbound and outbound inventory

• Real-time inventory tracking

• Reduced errors compared to manual record-keeping

• Faster order processing

Retail and Payment Processing

• Barcode scanning at checkout counters

• Fast and accurate pricing

• Synchronization of prices and promotions

Product Traceability

• Verification of product information

• Identification of the barcode-owning enterprise

• Increased consumer trust

4. Why Are Businesses Required to Register Vietnam Barcodes?

This is a common question among individuals, household businesses, and small enterprises. In practice, barcode registration is not merely an advantage—it is almost a mandatory requirement for sustainable business operations.

Mandatory Requirements of Distribution Channels

Currently:

• Supermarkets and retail chains require valid barcodes

• E-commerce platforms prioritize or require barcodes for product verification

• B2B partners require barcodes for system integration

👉 Without barcodes, it is extremely difficult to distribute products through large-scale channels.

Professional and Systematic Product Management

By officially registering barcodes, businesses can:

• Standardize product data

• Integrate inventory and sales management software

• Easily scale operations

Compared to manual methods, barcodes:

• Save time

• Reduce manpower

• Minimize errors

Traceability and Brand Protection

In an environment where counterfeit and imitation goods are widespread:

• Barcodes allow consumers to verify product information

• Enhance transparency

• Reduce brand counterfeiting risks

Especially important for:

• Food products

• Cosmetics

• Pharmaceuticals

• Fast-moving consumer goods

👉 Barcodes serve as an effective brand protection tool.

Export and International Integration

The GS1 barcode system:

• Is recognized in over 100 countries

• Is compatible with global management systems

• Is nearly mandatory for export activities

Businesses with valid Vietnam barcodes can:

• Work more easily with international partners

• Expand into global markets more efficiently

Legal Compliance in Business Operations

Officially issued barcodes:

• Are linked to the enterprise’s legal entity

• Have clear documentation and management records

• Help avoid disputes or rejection in product circulation

⚠️ Using invalid or unofficial barcodes (purchased from informal sources) may result in:

• Rejection by supermarkets

• Product removal from e-commerce platforms

• Damage to business reputation

5. Which Businesses Need to Register Vietnam Barcodes?

Nearly all goods-related business entities should register barcodes, especially:

• Manufacturing enterprises

• Trading and distribution companies

• Household businesses planning to scale up

• Food and beverage businesses

• Cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies

• Electronics and household appliance suppliers

• Logistics enterprises

👉 If you sell products to the market, barcodes are almost indispensable.

6. Common Types of Barcodes in Vietnam

1D (One-Dimensional) Barcodes

• EAN-13: Most commonly used in retail

• EAN-8: For small-sized products

• Code 128: Used in warehousing and logistics

2D (Two-Dimensional) Barcodes

• QR Code: Product traceability and marketing

• Data Matrix: Manufacturing and industrial applications

👉 In practice, many businesses combine 1D barcodes and QR codes to optimize both management and communication.

7. Vietnam Barcode Registration Process

The official barcode registration process includes the following steps:

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

• Business registration certificate

• Enterprise information

• Product list

Step 2: Submit Registration

• Through the GS1 Vietnam system

• Or via an authorized service provider

Step 3: Pay Registration Fees

• Initial issuance fee

• Annual maintenance fee

Step 4: Receive Enterprise Barcode Prefix

• The enterprise is issued a barcode range

• Barcodes can then be generated for individual products

8. Why Should You Avoid Unofficial Barcodes?

Many individuals choose to purchase low-cost barcodes online without realizing that such barcodes:

• Are not registered under their enterprise name

• Are not managed by GS1

• May be shared by multiple parties

• Can be revoked or invalidated at any time

👉 The risks far outweigh the cost savings of official registration.

9. Conclusion

Vietnam barcodes are not merely technical tools; they form a fundamental foundation for product management, sales operations, and brand development.

Official barcode registration enables businesses to:

• Manage products professionally

• Build customer trust

• Expand distribution and market reach

• Avoid legal and operational risks

👉 For enterprises aiming to operate professionally and sustainably, registering Vietnam barcodes is a necessary and unavoidable step.

📧 Email: info@beetech.com.vn
🌐 Website: https://beetech.com.vn