Barcode Verification

Barcode verification is an official test scan of a barcode after being printed onto the label (or product packaging). Some retailers require barcode verification for all products entering their stores. However, verification is not usually required by retailers in South Africa. It is more commonly required by retailers in the USA, Australia and New Zealand.

Major supermarket groups (e.g., Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Checkers) don’t typically require formal external verification reports. They expect products to be retail-ready with correct barcodes, labelling, and packaging as part of their supplier quality and onboarding checklist.

If you need verification for your barcode, please order it below and then post a sample of your barcode to us (on its label or packaging). Our delivery address is on our Contact Page. Our verification tests are done to internationally recognized standards, using the highest quality verification technology. After your barcode has been verified, we will email the verification report to you. A ‘Pass’ grade is A, B, C, or D, and a ‘Fail’ grade is E or F. Verification usually takes three days (after we receive your barcode).

IMPORTANT: Before printing your barcode onto the labels (or product packaging), please click on the following two links and read them (to ensure that your barcode will pass verification):

The official barcode standards

Common printing errors that cause Barcode Verification failure

Here are the 5 most common printing errors that cause barcode verification to fail, especially during retail checks and supplier onboarding:

1. Incorrect barcode size
   Printing the barcode too small or outside recommended scale limits reduces scan reliability and fails verification.
2. Poor contrast
   Low contrast between bars and background (e.g. dark colours or gradients) prevents scanners from reading the code accurately.
3. Missing or reduced quiet zones
   Trimming or crowding the clear space on either side of the barcode breaks scanner recognition.
4. Low print quality or resolution
   Ink spread, broken bars, blurred edges, or low-resolution printing causes decoding errors during verification tests.
5. Distortion from resizing or packaging curves
   Stretching the barcode, compressing it, or placing it over curved surfaces distorts bar widths and spacing.

Most verification failures trace back to artwork or print setup rather than the barcode number itself. Following basic print standards and industry guidelines dramatically improves first-time pass rates.