Free Barcode Generators in South Africa

Looking for a free barcode generator that can be used in South Africa? Look no further – but keep these important things in mind to stay on the right side of the law and to avoid unnecessary errors (that might end up delaying your product, or worse – get it blacklisted!).

The first and most important rule is that you can use any of the online barcode generators, but you cannot simply use any barcode (that you randomly generate).

Why? All retail barcodes are registered on the international barcode database. This database keeps track of every barcode in use all around the world, and keeps track of every bit of information linked to each barcode, such as the the product linked to the barcode and the company itself that owns the barcode. This ensures that all barcodes in circulation are linked to one product, and that no duplicates are in use (which can cause all sorts of confusion when managing inventory).

When / where to use online barcode generators

Free barcode generators are not official barcode creation tool kits. In that sense, barcode generators are a great tool to use if you would like to get a feel of how to integrate barcodes with your products.

The only way to ensure that the barcodes you generate are legal is to first buy barcode numbers. SA Barcodes is an official barcodes seller and supplies retail-ready barcodes for all businesses. This ensures that you are the sole owner and sole user of those barcodes. You can then generate your barcodes using the free online generators and legally use them on your products.

Barcode generators can also be used if you are looking to create an internal barcoding system – one that will not be used in the public space. In this case, you can generate and use as many barcodes as you want without fear of legal ramifications. Just don’t use it outside of your internal, private management system!

In South Africa, you will most likely use EAN-13 barcodes as those are the most widely accepted by retailers locally. UPC barcodes (which are one digit shorter) are also used and accepted, although they are mostly used in the United States.

Online barcode generators

Websites that you can use to generate barcodes (for retail and personal use):

1. barcode.tec-it.com/en
2. barcodesinc.com/generator/index.php
3. barcode-generator.org/
4. scandit.com/barcode-generator/
5. cognex.com/resources/interactive-tools/free-barcode-generator