Each variable barcode begins with a specific prefix which helps systems pick out essential information in order to retrieve the price of the product.
Variable measure barcodes traditionally use EAN-13 barcodes which are printed at the point of measure. An example of this could be the barcode which is printed from the scales at a supermarket or the deli counter.
Each variable measure prefix allows you to create 100 numbers.
In this guide, we’ll be looking creating three types of variable measure barcodes:
- Branded (manufacturer)
- UK in-store
- Traded level items (cases)
Branded variable measure items
Manufacturers can licence variable measure prefixes from GS1 UK which work across retail in the UK. Our variable measure barcodes are designed for sterling and will always begin with one of two reserved numbers:
20 or 28
These numbers can be licensed from GS1 UK in addition to those that come with your membership.
The barcode will start with a 5-digit prefix of either ‘20XXX’ or ‘28XXX’, and these prefixes will be unique to a GS1 UK member.
This prefix will be used in combination with a reference number (RR), a price verifier (V), price in sterling (PPPP) and a check digit (C), to create a 13-digit barcode.
| Branded VM prefix | Item reference | Price verifier dig | Item price in ster | Check digit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20XXX | RR | V | PPPP | C |
| 28XXX | RR | V | PPPP | C |
Branded variable measure prefix. Five-digit prefix beginning with either 20 or 28 which is used for variable measure items. The prefix is unique to the manufacturer, allowing the sale of products in different retailers.
Item reference. Two-digit reference number that identifies the product. This number is allocated by the manufacturer.
Price verifier digit. Single digit price verifier calculated using four price digits, according to a special algorithm.
Item price in sterling. Four-digit item price calculated from the specific measurement and unit price of that measurement which is expressed in sterling ££pp.
Check digit. Single digit derived from a mathematical formula which helps detect errors and confirm barcode accuracy.
Apply for your branded variable measure prefix.
UK in-store variable measure items
Variable measure barcodes intended for in-store use should be exclusive to a specific retail chain rather than being used across different retailers.
This kind of ‘closed’ practice environment allows retailers to allocate and reallocate the numbers as necessary according to the needs of their stock range, without them needing to licence a unique prefix from GS1 UK.
In store variable measure barcodes begin with the prefix 02.
| In store VM prefix | Item reference | Price verifier | Price (GBP) | Check digit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02 | RRRR | X | PPPPP | C |
In-store variable measure prefix. Two-digit prefix
Item reference. Four-digit number allocated by the retailer to identify the product.
Price verifier. Single digit price verifier calculated using the five price digits, according to a special algorithm.
Price in sterling. Five-digit price calculated from the specific measurement and unit price expressed in sterling £££pp.
Check digit. Single digit derived from a mathematical formula which helps detect errors and confirm barcode accuracy.