Information on this page is largely derived from the UK Bar Code issuing body's web site (www.GS1uk.org), given in their article entitled Ten Steps to Bar Code Implementation which we recommend you look at. Here we give focus to issues concerning bar code implementation in the UK, with specific regards to CD and DVD packaging made ready for a Point of Sales / retail context.

3 Steps to Implementing Your Bar Code on CD & DVD Packaging

1) The first thing you need to do towards implementing a barcode with CD or DVD packaging is contact GS1, the Bar Code number issuing authority for the UK, and apply for a company prefix code. GS1 have recently introduced a new package especially suited to musicians and others whose needs for bar codes is limited to a handful of products. Accordingly, for a fee of £25 + VAT, GS1 will generate a unique company prefix number for you which allows you to associate up to 13 bar code numbers with 13 different products. Note that you in effect lease the right to use the unique prefix and associated numbers on a year by year basis, much like you would a domain name for a web site, and, so, you would be expected to consider paying fees to continue using your bar codes into the future.

2) Once you have secured your bar code numbers, issued by GS1, you then need to convert those numbers to a suitable graphic. You can purchase software which will do this for you, or, you can pay for a vendor to do this on your behalf and this will incur a fee (usually of no more than £20). Software conversion and the graphics generated by vendors would be expected to conform to specific standards for UK implementation in terms of size and format and you are advised to confirm this before making any purchases. There are a number of bar code formats aimed at different contexts and used in different countries; the UK standard for retail bar codes is referred to as the EAN standard.

3) The final step in bar code implementation is to work out the best way to actually attach the bar code to your products. Orbis Digital can include bar codes in the design for CD and DVD replication and this pre-production approach is the least expensive way to go. Alternatively, bar codes can be attached post-production using stickers and Orbis Digital can produce these on your behalf to be attached by you at your convenience. The post-production approach might suit you if you do not want to hold up the production of your CD's or DVD's whilst waiting for a bar code to be assigned, or you might only want to attach a bar code to a limited number of of your products.

We hope this brief guide to bar codes was of help to you and if you require more help or information, please feel free to contact us: call 0845 60 76 123 or email info@orbisdigital.co.uk