Question 1

Why register a GS1 barcode instead of creating one myself?

Accepted Answer

A GS1 barcode is the only international standard accepted by retail systems and e-commerce platforms worldwide. Supermarkets such as Co.opmart and Vinmart require a valid GS1 code to accept goods. Shopee, Lazada, and Tiki also require a standard barcode to create an official product listing. For exports, foreign partners require a GS1 code that can be looked up in the GEPIR system. Self-generated or informally purchased codes will be rejected and may be penalized under Decree 13/2022/ND-CP.

Question 2

How many product codes can be issued from one GS1 Company Prefix?

Accepted Answer

The number of GTINs you can create depends on the GS1 enterprise code (prefix length) you register: a 10-digit code → under 100 products (lowest maintenance fee, VND 500,000/year); 9-digit → under 1,000 (VND 800,000/year); 8-digit → under 10,000 (VND 1,500,000/year); 7-digit → under 100,000 (VND 2,000,000/year). Choose the code type that fits your expected number of products — more codes means a higher annual maintenance fee.

Question 3

Does each product SKU need its own barcode?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every product that differs in name, size, color, flavor, packaging, or packaging unit requires its own distinct GTIN. For example, the same tea in a 30-sachet box versus a 50-sachet box requires 2 different codes; red and blue variants require 2 different codes. This is GS1's "1 item — 1 barcode" principle.

Question 4

Does a barcode expire?

Accepted Answer

The barcode itself (GTIN) has no expiry date. However, the right to use the code must be maintained by paying the annual maintenance fee (from VND 500,000/year for a 10-digit code up to VND 2,000,000 for a 7-digit code — depending on the number of products). If not renewed within 1 year of expiry, GS1 Vietnam may revoke the GS1 Company Prefix — all GTINs derived from that prefix will become invalid. This is a serious risk if products are already on the market.

Question 5

Can I buy a barcode online?

Accepted Answer

This is neither advisable nor lawful. Websites selling "cheap barcodes" are actually reselling someone else's GTIN — a violation of GS1 rules (each GTIN may be assigned to only one product of the GCP owner). Using an invalid barcode can result in: rejection when supplying supermarkets; listing removal on e-commerce platforms; and penalties under Decree 13/2022/ND-CP (penalties for violations relating to product numbering and barcodes).

Question 6

Do exported products need GS1 registration?

Accepted Answer

Highly recommended. Most foreign importers (especially in the EU, US, Japan, and South Korea) require a valid GS1 code to bring products into their warehouse and retail management systems. Codes issued by GS1 Vietnam (prefix 893) are recorded in the international GEPIR system — foreign partners can look up and verify your product information.

Question 7

After receiving the GCP, do I generate codes myself or apply again for each product?

Accepted Answer

Once a business receives its GS1 Company Prefix, it has full autonomy to generate a GTIN for each product — no further approval from GS1 Vietnam is needed for each item. You need only ensure: (1) the GTIN is unique within your prefix; (2) product information is updated in the GS1 database (GEPIR) so partners can look it up; and (3) barcode printing standards are followed (size, quiet zone).

Question 8

What is the difference between GS1 Vietnam and STAMEQ?

Accepted Answer

STAMEQ (the Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality) is the state management agency under the Ministry of Science and Technology responsible for the entire field of standards and product numbering/barcoding. GS1 Vietnam is a member organization of GS1 International, operating under STAMEQ, responsible for issuing and managing the GS1 code system in Vietnam. When registering a barcode, you work directly with GS1 Vietnam.

Fee item	Amount	Note
GS1 enterprise code issuance fee (one-time)	VND 1,000,000	One-time; GLN or EAN-8: VND 300,000
Annual maintenance — 10-digit code (under 100 products)	VND 500,000/year	Annual fee based on usage scale
Annual maintenance — 9-digit code (under 1,000 products)	VND 800,000/year
Annual maintenance — 8-digit code (under 10,000 products)	VND 1,500,000/year
Annual maintenance — 7-digit code (under 100,000 products)	VND 2,000,000/year
LTV Law service fee	Contact for a quote	All-inclusive, no hidden costs
Total state fees, first year (10-digit code)	~VND 1,500,000	Code issuance 1,000,000 + maintenance 500,000; first-year maintenance halved if code granted after 30 Jun

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