GS1 or a reseller? What each costs a small seller.
GS1 is the non-profit that runs the barcode system, with an office in each country. In Europe it doesn't sell single codes: you become a member, get your own company prefix and pay a fee every year. Resellers sell individual numbers once, with no renewals.
GS1 fees for the smallest businesses
| Country | Entry fee | Yearly fee | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | €120 | €104 | Turnover up to €50,000, any number of codes, excl. VAT | gs1.fr |
| Italy | €300 | €110 | Class A, turnover up to €500,000 | GS1 Italy fee schedule 2026 |
| Germany | €250 | from €160 | Up to 1,000 product numbers, turnover up to €5 million | gs1-germany.de |
| Spain (AECOC) | Fees depend on turnover. Check the current table on aecoc.es before deciding. | aecoc.es | ||
Checked October–November 2026. GS1 offices update fees every year.
Three years of codes for a small shop
Example: a seller with 10 products in France.
What you get with each
| GS1 membership | Bought codes | |
|---|---|---|
| Own company prefix | Yes | No |
| Codes registered to your brand in GS1 | Yes | No, the original owner is shown |
| Yearly fees | Yes, or the prefix can be withdrawn | None |
| Amazon Brand Registry, retail chains, Allegro | Accepted | Often refused |
| eBay, Kaufland, Otto, Zalando, Etsy, Shopify | Accepted | Accepted |
| Time to get codes | Days to weeks | 3 business hours |
Who should join GS1
- Brands that plan to sell in supermarkets or large retail chains.
- Sellers who need Amazon Brand Registry or sell on Allegro.
- Businesses with hundreds of products and plans to grow.
Who can buy codes instead
- Small sellers on eBay, Kaufland, Otto, Zalando, Etsy or their own shop.
- Makers testing a product before committing to yearly fees.
- Anyone who needs a few codes today rather than next week.
Questions
Can GS1 sell me a single barcode?
Only GS1 US sells single codes without membership, for $30. GS1 offices in Europe sell membership, which comes with a prefix for a range of codes.
What happens if I stop paying GS1?
GS1 can withdraw your company prefix, and you may have to change the codes on your packaging. That's why most members keep paying for as long as their products are on sale.
Are codes from a reseller real GS1 codes?
Yes. They come from prefixes that GS1 issued to companies years ago. What changes is who is shown as the owner: the original company, not you.