VISION

To be the region’s most trusted and innovative provider of barcode and automatic identification solutions, enabling businesses of all sizes to operate smarter and more efficiently.

Mission

To deliver reliable, innovative barcode solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy, and business performance across the UK and East and Central Africa.

 
 
Core values

At Barcodetz, we operate with integrity, deliver innovative and reliable solutions, prioritize our customers’ success, and foster strong partnerships built on collaboration and excellence.

ABOUT US

Barcodetz Ltd. is a leading provider of comprehensive barcode and automatic identification solutions headquartered in the United Kingdom, with strategically positioned branches in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. We empower businesses across East Africa and beyond to enhance operational efficiency, optimize inventory tracking, and improve data accuracy through industry-standard barcode technologies and tailored solutions.

With a commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer success, Barcodetz has established itself as a trusted partner for organisations seeking scalable and cost-effective solutions for product identification, asset tracking, and supply chain automation.

Global Reach, Local Presence

United Kingdom (Head Office)
As the central hub for product development, vendor partnerships, and strategic leadership, our UK head office drives innovation and ensures the highest standards of quality and service.

Tanzania
Serving commercial and industrial markets, Barcodetz Tanzania provides tailored barcode systems, installation, and training support throughout key economic regions.

Rwanda
Focused on technology adoption and digital transformation, the Rwandan branch delivers scalable barcode solutions to businesses, government entities, and healthcare institutions.

Burundi
With a growing customer base, Barcodetz Burundi extends services in barcode technology, improving asset control and logistics efficiency for local enterprises.

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OUR RANGE OF PRODUCTS?

Ideal for various industries including retail, logistics, libraries, transportation, and postal services, we offer efficient and accurate barcode scanning solutions.

What is a barcode?

A barcode is a one-of-a-kind code composed of numbers, along with a specific pattern of stripes that represents a particular product. These codes are designed to be scanned by optical readers, just like the ones you see at checkout counters in retail stores. But since the lines correspond to a list of numbers, it’s easy to look up any product with a barcode simply by matching those numbers to an entry in a database.

Barcode types and formats?

 There are five barcode types you’ll find on our platform. They’re known as Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), which are product identifiers represented in the following barcode formats:

EAN

INTERNATIONAL ARTICLE NUMBER

Merchants in Europe and other areas around the world often use an International Article Number (EAN, since it was formerly known as European Article Number). The EAN-13 BARCODE types is the APPROVED BARCODE FOR EAST AFRICA COUNTRIES.

ISBN

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BOOK NUMBER

TBooks use the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) barcode format, which is compatible with EAN barcodes. Every book edition and variation has its own ISBN, which can be either an ISBN-10 or ISBN-13.

UPC

UNIVERSAL PRODUCT CODE

The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries generally use Universal Product Codes (UPCs), also known as the GTIN-13 barcode format, which consists of 13 digits. These barcodes are widely used for stock taking and stock management, enabling businesses to efficiently track products across supply chains, retail systems, and inventory platforms.

Our team of experts are available to assist clients with stock taking and stock management processes at various stages of the supply chain, including during product packaging, within warehouse facilities, and at the port of departure, ensuring accurate product identification and seamless inventory control.

JAN

JAPANESE ARTICLE NUMBER

This type of barcode is used in Japan, and can either be an 8 or 13-digit number. An EAN prefix, which starts with 45 or 49 as the first two digits, indicates a Japanese Article Number (JAN).

ITF-14

INTERLEAVED 2 OF 5 (I2OF5 OR ITF)

You’ll find ITF-14 (also known as GTIN-14) barcodes on products sold in multipacks, such as shipping boxes. They’re often used to identify different packaging levels and configurations.

A product’s packaging may not tell you everything you need to know — for example, where it comes from, how well it works or its price at other stores. Enter any product’s barcode number and find all kinds of information including name, manufacturer, description, photos and customer reviews. Get links to online stores where you can buy the same item at competitive prices. We’re here to make it as easy as possible for you to find what you’re looking for, so you can make smart buying decisions.

Get your own barcode numbers

You don’t have to be a large corporation to get your very own barcode numbers for the products you manufacture. All you need to do is order them! Run a quick search on our portal and we will set you up with your own GTIN codes. It’s fast, easy and affordable — and it’s worth doing if you plan to sell your product in retail stores or on e-commerce websites.

There are different types of GTIN codes for different types of products and selling situations, so be sure to check the rules before you make a purchase.

Get your barcode now

Here is a comparison table showing the positive benefits of Non –GS1 barcodes vs the ones of GS1 barcodes.

.
Features
Low Cost
No Annual Fees
Fast Setup
Ownership
Simple for Small Businesses
Easy Online Selling
No Company Prefix Requirement
Flexible Quantity
.
Non - GS1
✅ One-time purchase, very affordable
✅ No yearly payments required
✅ Can be issued instantly
✅ You own the barcode permanently
✅ Ideal for startups and small sellers
✅ Accepted on many online platforms
✅ Barcode works without registering company prefix
✅ Buy exactly the number you need
.
GS1 Barcodes
❌ High registration fees and annual renewal
❌ Requires yearly membership renewal
❌ Registration and verification can take longer
❌ GS1 organization controls the prefix
❌ Expensive for small businesses
❌ Higher cost even if selling only online
❌ Requires company prefix registration
❌ Often sold in blocks that cost more

Summary:

  • Non-GS1 barcodes are cheaper, faster, and easier for small businesses, startups, and online sellers.

  • GS1 barcodes can be expensive due to registration fees and yearly renewals, which may not suit small businesses.

LATEST NEWS

EAC Launches Regional Customs Bond to Boost Trade Efficiency

The East African Community (EAC) has launched the EACBond, a regional customs guarantee designed to simplify the movement of goods across Partner States by allowing traders to use a single bond for the entire cargo journey instead of multiple national bonds.

Launched in Kampala, Uganda, the initiative aims to reduce trade costs, minimize border delays, and unlock business capital that was previously tied up in multiple customs guarantees. The pilot phase will begin with Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, with plans for a gradual rollout across all EAC Partner States.

Traditionally, traders moving goods from ports such as Port of Mombasa had to secure separate bonds or deposits at every border, increasing costs and slowing cargo movement. The EACBond removes these repetitive requirements, enabling smoother customs clearance and more efficient regional trade.

EAC leaders say the new system will also strengthen compliance through automated customs and cargo-tracking systems while supporting government revenue collection. By freeing up capital previously locked in deposits, the initiative is expected to help businesses reinvest in expansion, logistics, and job creation, while improving the overall competitiveness of trade across the region.

How to Legally Obtain a GTIN / UPC / EAN Barcode

There are two legitimate ways businesses can obtain a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), also known as a UPC or EAN barcode, for their products.

1. Register Directly with GS1

You can obtain barcodes directly from GS1 by registering your business and purchasing a company prefix.

This option typically requires:

  • A large upfront registration fee

  • Recurring annual renewal fees

If the annual fees are not maintained, GS1 reserves the right to cancel and recycle the barcode numbers, meaning they may no longer be assigned to your products.

2. Purchase barcodes from a Trusted Provider like Barcodetz

Barcodetz provides authentic GTIN / UPC / EAN barcodes that you own outright, with no annual renewal fees.

Our barcode numbers originate from GS1-issued company prefixes that were released prior to 2002, when businesses were allowed to purchase and retain barcode ownership permanently.

As a result:

  • Each barcode we provide is globally unique

  • The codes have never been used

  • They are issued exclusively to you

  • No renewal fees are required

  • You own the barcode for life

This means you can assign your barcode numbers to your products with confidence and use them across retail stores, online marketplaces, and global distribution channels.

Why Businesses Choose Barcodetz

✔ One-time purchase — no annual fees
✔ Globally unique and unused barcode numbers
✔ Instant delivery and easy product assignment
✔ Compatible with major retailers and online marketplaces
✔ Lifetime ownership of your GTIN codes

NEED help?

Need assistance? Our dedicated customer support team is here to help. Whether you require technical support, product guidance, system troubleshooting, or after-sales service, Barcodetz is committed to providing prompt and reliable assistance.

Reach out to us via phone, email, or our contact form, and one of our specialists will respond as quickly as possible to ensure your operations continue running smoothly.