FAQs

Here you will find answers to common questions about the coding system, barcodes, and your subscription with 520 Barcode Hellas. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us by email...

• What Is a Barcode?

  A barcode is a method of representing information in a format that can be understood and processed by machines. In other words, it is a type of visual "alphabet" that uses combinations of lines of different widths and patterns (dark and light spaces) to encode specific information, such as a product identification number. This information is then read and interpreted by specialized scanning devices (barcode scanners).

• What Is the Difference Between an Identification Number and a Barcode?

  An Identification Number is a unique identifier assigned to something in order to make it recognizable. In other words, it represents the identity of an item. A barcode is the visual representation of this Identification Number in a format that can be read and interpreted by appropriate electronic equipment, such as barcode scanners.

• Who Is Responsible for Assigning GTINs to Trade Items?

  Who Is Responsible for Assigning GTINs to Trade Items?
  The General Rule
  The company that owns the trade name or brand of a product is responsible for assigning the GTIN, regardless of where the product is manufactured or by whom it is produced. 
  Accordingly, the term "company" refers to:

  1.  The Manufacturer or Supplier
     If the company manufactures the product itself or outsources its production to another country and sells it under a brand name owned by the company.
  2. The Importer or Wholesaler
     If the importer or wholesaler commissions the production of the product in any country and sells it under a brand name owned by the company. The same applies if the importer or wholesaler makes changes to the product, such as repackaging it.

• What Is a Check Digit and How Is It Calculated?

  The last digit of an EAN/UPC barcode number is calculated from the preceding digits. It is used to verify that the barcode number has been entered correctly into a computer system and is known as the check digit. The check digit is calculated as follows:
  Add together all the digits in the odd positions, counting from right to left (excluding the check digit position).
  For example, for the number 520856754381:
  1 + 3 + 5 + 6 + 8 + 2 = 25
  Multiply the result by 3:
  25 × 3 = 75
  Add the remaining digits: 75 + 8 + 4 + 7 + 5 + 0 + 5 = 104
  Look at the last digit of the result:
  If it is 0, the check digit is 0.
  Otherwise, subtract the last digit from 10 to obtain the check digit.
  In this example:
  10 − 4 = 6
  Therefore, the check digit is 6, and the complete 13-digit
  barcode number is: 5208567543816

• Can I Use Any Color in a Barcode?

  No. Barcode scanners work by measuring the reflection of a light beam from the surface on which the barcode is printed. Since most scanners use a light source in the red wavelength range, they interpret colors differently from the human eye. Light colors such as red, orange, and yellow are generally detected as bright areas, while darker colors such as blue, green, and black are detected as dark areas. For this reason, not all color combinations are suitable for barcodes. The colors used for the bars and the background (quiet zone) must provide sufficient contrast to ensure accurate scanning. Additional information is available in the Starter kit.

• Can I Print a Barcode at Any Size?

  No. Barcode readability depends on printing the symbol within the recommended size limits. The printing surface and method used are key factors in determining the correct barcode size. Additional information is available in the Starter kit.

• Can I Modify the Graphic of a Barcode Using an Image Editing Application?

  No. The width of the barcode cannot be modified. The spacing and width of the light and dark bars are essential elements that allow an optical reader (scanner) to identify and decode the barcode correctly. Any alteration to the barcode symbol may affect its readability and prevent successful scanning.

• Should Each Product I Sell Have a Different Barcode?

  Yes. Each distinct product or product variant must have its own unique barcode number to ensure accurate identification throughout the supply chain. For more information, please refer to the GTIN Allocation Rules.

• Do the First Three Digits of a Barcode Indicate the Product’s Country of Origin?

  No. The first digits of a barcode number identify the organization that issued the barcode numbers, not the country where the product was manufactured. For example, barcode numbers beginning with 520 have been assigned by 520 Barcode Hellas to its member companies. This does not necessarily mean that the products are manufactured in Greece. The 520 prefix does not indicate the country of manufacture. However, in the vast majority of cases, it identifies Greek companies and is used on products produced or marketed by Greek enterpises in both the domestic and international markets.

• Which Company Does This Barcode Belong To?

  Which company is associated with this barcode?
  What company does this product belong to?
  What is the company’s address and contact information?
  Where can I find a list of companies with valid 520 barcode numbers?
  All these questions are answered by i520.gr.

• I Need a Barcode for My Business. What Should I Do?

  Greek businesses that wish to identify their products using barcodes should apply to 520 Barcode Hellas to obtain a Barcode Company Prefix License This license allows them to assign unique barcode numbers to their products..

• I Have a Company Prefix. Can I Create an EAN-13 Barcode Now?

  Yes. If you have a Company Prefix and a password for the 520 Barcode Hellas member area, click on the Create Barcode link to create your EAN-13 barcodes.