How to Get Barcodes for Your Own Brand Products in Pakistan

Planning to launch your own brand in Pakistan? Whether you want to sell skincare products, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, spices, clothing, or other consumer goods, product identification is something to plan before you start selling.

You don't necessarily need to manufacture products yourself. Many entrepreneurs source products from manufacturers, use private-label suppliers, or work with factories that produce goods under their brand names.

If you plan to sell these products through your website, retail shops, distributors, or supermarkets, you may need barcodes for your individual products.

In this guide, we'll explain how to plan your barcode requirements, choose the right quantity, and order barcode packages for your brand.

What Is a Private-Label Brand?

A private-label brand sells products under its own brand name, even when another company manufactures them.

For example, you might source face wash from a manufacturer and sell it under your own skincare brand. Alternatively, you could work with a factory to produce hand wash, dishwashing liquid, spices, or packaged snacks with your branding and packaging.

Private-label businesses operate in many industries, including:

• Skincare and cosmetics

• Perfumes and personal-care products

• Cleaning products and detergents

• Food products and spices

• Clothing and fashion

• Household products

• Health and beauty accessories

• Packaged consumer goods

If you are developing your own product range, it's worth planning product identifiers alongside your brand name, packaging, and sales strategy.

Why Might Your Own Brand Need Barcodes?

Barcodes can help identify products in retail checkout systems and inventory software that support barcode scanning.

For a growing brand, they may help with:

Retail preparation: Some retailers require scannable product identifiers before accepting products into their systems.

Inventory management: Different products and variations can be associated with individual records.

Product identification: Barcodes help staff distinguish products during stock handling and checkout.

Business expansion: A planned barcode system can make it easier to organize product information as your brand grows.

Packaging preparation: Having the required barcode artwork available can help you prepare product labels and packaging.

Remember that a barcode does not automatically guarantee retailer acceptance. Always confirm the requirements of your intended sales channels before purchasing.

Do You Need a Different Barcode for Every Product?

Generally, each distinct retail product variation that requires its own identifier should have a separate barcode.

Imagine you are launching a personal-care brand with the following products:

In this example, you would plan for five distinct product identifiers.

You generally do not need a new barcode for every individual bottle when all bottles are the same product and variation.

The exact requirements depend on your product structure, the identifier system you use, and the retailers or platforms where you intend to sell.

What If You Sell Products in Different Sizes or Colours?

Different sizes, colours, flavours, or formulas may need separate identifiers when they are treated as distinct sellable items.

For example, a clothing brand selling the same T-shirt in three sizes and two colours may need six distinct product identifiers if every size and colour combination is a separate retail item.

Similarly, a cleaning-products brand selling dishwashing liquid in 250 ml, 500 ml, and 1 litre bottles should plan for the different sizes as separate product variations where required.

Before ordering, prepare a list of all your products and variations. This will help you estimate the quantity you need.

Which Barcode Format Should You Choose?

EAN-13 is commonly used for retail products in Pakistan and many international markets. However, the correct format depends on the requirements of your retailer, marketplace, inventory software, or distribution partner.

Before choosing a barcode package, check:

• The barcode format your intended sales channel accepts

• Whether the retailer requires identifiers from a particular issuing organization

• How many distinct products and variations you sell

• Whether you need separate identifiers for different packaging sizes

• Which artwork formats are included in the package

Do not assume that a barcode suitable for your own website or internal inventory will automatically be accepted by every supermarket or online marketplace.

How to Order Barcodes for Your Brand

Once you know your requirements, you can plan your barcode purchase in a few steps.

Step 1: Finalize Your Product Range

List the products you intend to sell under your brand. Include each size, colour, flavour, formula, or other relevant variation.

Step 2: Identify Your Sales Channels

Decide whether you plan to sell through your own website, local retailers, distributors, online marketplaces, or major supermarkets.

Step 3: Check Barcode Requirements

Contact your intended retailers or review the relevant marketplace requirements. Confirm the accepted barcode format and identifier requirements before ordering.

Step 4: Calculate Your Barcode Quantity

Count the distinct product variations that need separate identifiers. Consider your planned product launches when choosing a package.

Step 5: Choose a Suitable Package

Visit RetailBarcode.com and review the available barcode packages. Select an option that matches your requirements and intended use.

Step 6: Prepare Your Packaging

Use the supplied barcode artwork on your product labels, bottles, boxes, pouches, or other suitable packaging.

Step 7: Test Before Launch

Print a sample label and test it with a compatible scanner. Confirm that the barcode is readable and that your product information is correctly recorded in your inventory system.

Can You Buy Barcodes Before Manufacturing Your Products?

You can plan your barcode requirements before manufacturing or packaging begins, and doing so can help you prepare labels in advance.

However, first finalize your product variations and check your intended retailer's requirements. If your product range changes later, you may need additional identifiers.

For example, if you initially launch three skincare products and later introduce new sizes or formulas, you should review whether those additions require separate identifiers.

Planning early can help you avoid last-minute changes to your packaging artwork.

Where Can You Buy Barcodes for Your Brand in Pakistan?

If you are preparing to launch your own brand, you can explore available barcode packages at RetailBarcode.com.

Before purchasing, make sure the selected package is suitable for your intended use. If you plan to supply major supermarkets or other retailers, confirm their requirements first.

Visit RetailBarcode.com to review the available packages and select a quantity that fits your product range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a barcode if I sell products under my own brand?

You may need barcodes if your retailers, marketplaces, or inventory systems require them. Check the requirements of your intended sales channels before ordering.

Can I use barcodes for products manufactured by another company?

Private-label businesses can use product identifiers for their own branded products, provided the identifiers are assigned and used appropriately and meet the relevant sales-channel requirements.

How many barcodes should I buy for a new brand?

Start by listing your unique products and variations. Estimate how many separate identifiers you need, then choose a suitable package.

Can I use one barcode for different product sizes?

Different sizes sold as distinct retail products generally require separate identifiers. Confirm the requirements of your chosen identifier system and retailer.

Can I sell my branded products in supermarkets after buying barcodes?

Not automatically. Retailers may have supplier approval procedures, product documentation requirements, and specific barcode rules. A barcode alone does not guarantee acceptance.

Where can I buy barcode packages online?

You can explore the available options at RetailBarcode.com. Confirm that the selected package suits your products and intended sales channels before ordering.

Launch Your Brand with a Clear Product Plan

Starting your own brand involves many decisions, from choosing a manufacturer and designing packaging to preparing products for sale.

Planning your barcode requirements early can help you organize your product range and prepare for your intended sales channels.

Visit RetailBarcode.com to explore barcode packages for your brand.