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Example of a GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional barcode Example of a GS1 DataBar Stacked barcode Example of a GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional barcode Example of a GS1 DataBar Limited barcode

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What is GS1 DataBar

The GS1 DataBar, formerly known as RSS-14, was developed by the Uniform Code Council, Inc. to address the business needs of its 200,000 member companies in North America. The purpose of the code is to increase the amount of information that can be put into a barcode while decreasing the overall area of the code. This allows businesses to improve the flow of information and match it to the actual flow of product, making it particularly useful for applications where space limitations are a concern.

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Common uses

Industries such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, logistics and transportation, and supermarkets now use this symbology. The GS1 DataBar allows businesses to go beyond the typical manufacturer and product identification information embedded in a barcode. For example, the healthcare industry views this symbology as a potential way to significantly reduce medication errors. The GS1 DataBar also improves the labeling and tracking of food items, giving supermarkets the opportunity to improve their labeling and tracking of meat and produce items. GS1 DataBar can be encoded to include a manufacturer’s name, item identification number, weight, extended price, and the ability to place “best if used by” dates on items. Consumers also benefit from added safety. If a bad batch of produce is placed on the shelves, a supermarket will have the ability to track down the produce immediately and remove it from the shelves.

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Using GS1 DataBar with B-Coder Pro

If you need to create GS1 DataBar barcodes, B-Coder Pro can help you generate them easily and accurately. B-Coder Pro is a powerful barcode generation software that supports a wide range of symbologies, including GS1 DataBar. With B-Coder Pro, you can create high-quality barcodes for your products and streamline your barcode creation process. Try B-Coder Pro today and see how it can help you improve your product labeling and tracking.
Last modified on November 3, 2026