Obtaining a GS1 Company Prefix
To use barcodes, businesses in Cambodia need a GS1 Company Prefix from GS1 Cambodia. This unique identifier is essential for creating barcodes for products, services, or locations. GS1 Cambodia is the official organization to contact for obtaining a GS1 Company Prefix within the country.

Assigning GS1 Identification Numbers
The choice of the method of printing a barcode depends significantly on the nature of the product - whether it is a fixed weight (e.g. a bottle of wine) or a variable weight (e.g. a head of cabbage). If the product has a fixed weight, then the Global Trade Unit Number (GTIN) - a unique worldwide number that contains only a link to the registration of product data in the databases of all participants in the supply chain – is used to identify it. All physical units of such a product are identical and therefore the labels contain the same barcode. For printing labels, it is recommended to use letterpress printing methods.

Choosing a Barcode Printing Method
In Cambodia, barcode printing depends on product type. For fixed-weight products like bottles, use a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) and letterpress printing. Variable-weight products like cabbage require a local commercial unit number and laser or thermal transfer printing. Choosing the right method is crucial for effective barcode implementation.

Determining the Scan Environment
Barcode specifications in Cambodia depend on where they scanned. Common scanning locations are retail checkouts, warehouses, and specialized areas like hospitals. GS1 Cambodia provides guidelines for barcode type, size, placement, and quality based on these locations. For instance, products scanned at both retail stores and warehouses require different barcode sizes and placements to ensure accurate reading.

Choosing the Barcode Symbol Type
Selecting the correct barcode symbology is crucial for successful barcode implementation in Cambodia. For products scanned at retail checkouts, EAN is essential. When dealing with variable data like serial numbers or expiration dates, GS1-128, DataBar, 2D symbols, or Data Matrix are suitable options. For printing GTIN on corrugated boxes, ITF-14 is recommended. To determine the best symbology for specific needs, businesses should consult GS1 Cambodia for expert guidance and available services.

Choosing the Size of a Barcode
Barcode design in Cambodia involves selecting the appropriate symbol type and data to encode. The barcode size depends on the symbol type, application, and printing method. EAN symbols have fixed size ratios and specific dimensions for retail use. ITF-14 and GS1-128 symbols have different size specifications based on application and encoded data. The printing process also impacts barcode size, with minimum size and bar width reduction requirements varying by printing method. 1 GS1 General Specifications provide detailed guidance on barcode dimensions

Compose the Barcode Text
The text below a barcode serves as a backup for damaged or misprinted symbols. Any font can be used for EAN, while ITF-14 and GS1-128 text must be proportional to the symbol size. Text placement varies by symbol type. Spaces within text improve readability but are not encoded for ITF-14 and GS1-128. Application Identifiers (AIs) in GS1-128 are enclosed in parentheses in the text but not encoded. EAN-13 requires 13 digits, EAN-8 requires 8 digits below the symbol.

Choosing the Color of the Barcode
For optimal barcode scanning, black bars on a white background are recommended. However, dark colors like blue, brown, or green can be used for bars, while light backgrounds such as white or yellow are preferred. Avoid red, orange, pink, or peach for bars as most scanners use red light. If unsure, consult a printing company recommended by GS1 Cambodia.

Choosing the Barcode Location
Proper barcode placement is crucial for accurate scanning. Consider packaging design when choosing a barcode location, ensuring it avoids damage. Consult with packaging engineers and refer to GS1 General Specifications for optimal placement guidelines. Printing methods also affect barcode quality; consult your printing company for best results. For parallel alignment and minimal distortion, consider flexographic printing with the feed direction or rotogravure printing aligned with the plate holder cylinder. For further assistance, contact GS1 Cambodia.

Barcode Quality Check
To ensure barcode quality, businesses can follow guidelines outlined in the ISO/IEC 15416 standard. GS1 Cambodia provides specific quality parameters for different barcode types and applications. Companies can either conduct their own quality checks or utilize GS1 Cambodia barcode verification service. Adhering to these standards is crucial for accurate and efficient barcode scanning.

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