Barcode Verification

Verification Reports are test scan results of printed barcode and QR code images. A verification report states how well a printed image scans. The verifier scans the code ten times and gives it a grade. Passing grades are A, B, C or D. The report also gives specific information on the various parameters of the barcode. It can highlight problems with the barcode image, such as height. Some stores insist on a barcode verification report for every new product. This is normally just supermarkets and other high-volume stores that require verification reports.

Our verification tests use the latest equipment and technology to internationally accepted barcode standards. If a retailer requests verification, please order below and post your barcode on its final packaging to us. Verification tests take 1-3 days after we receive the packaging. After the test, we email the verification report to you as a PDF file. You report to any retailer that requires a verification report.

1D (Linear) barcodes such as EAN-13, UPC-A and Code 128 use ISO 15416.

2D barcodes use ISO 15415.

2D DPM barcodes use ISO/IEC TR 29158, also known as AIM DPM.

Verification checks that your barcode images adhere to a strict set of regulations. Please see Barcode Dimensions for details on what your barcode requires to pass verification. If you wish to verify another barcode (i.e. ITF-14), please ask us about the specifications for other barcodes.

To learn more about verification, watch our short video explainer.

Please note that our verification machine can only verify EAN-13 and UPC-A barcode images with a magnification between 80% and 135%.

Barcode Verification

5.0 Stars - Based on 4520 User Reviews

“Do I need Barcode Verification?”

Some retailers require verification for all new products entering their stores.  You need to check with your retailer to see whether they require verification reports. Other retailers conduct these tests themselves on new products they are accepting. Currently we mainly do verification reports for Woolworths, Coles and Bunnings.

Verification reports can also be performed on your artwork before printing. This is a good way to determine whether your barcode is likely to pass when it is finally printed. NOTE that verification reports on barcode artwork do not guarantee that the final printed barcode will scan well. There can be errors in the final barcode printing process.

The safest process is to get a verification report on your artwork and another verification report for your final printed product.

If you would like a Verification Report (for your artwork or final printed barcode), please purchase above. Then post or courier the final printed barcode to us as printed on its label or packaging. Our address is on our contact page.

“How can I make sure my barcodes pass verification?”

About 20% of the barcodes we test fail verification. Verification standards are high. Aim to ensure that your barcode complies with the barcode standards verification criteria before sending it for testing.

The official barcode standards

Linear barcodes such as EAN, UPC, ITF, Code 128

Seven parameters linear verification looks at:

• Modulation – how much the contrast between black and white varies across the barcode, as some parts can be blacker than others.
• Defects – dark marks in white spaces and white marks on black bars from print error/dirt.
• Decodability – how accurate the different widths of the bars and spaces of the barcode are.
• Decode – whether the light margins on each side (left and right white spaces), the encoding of data, and the check digit are all correct.
• Symbol Contrast – how black and white it appears to the scanning machine.
• Minimum Reflectance – whether the dark bars are sufficiently different from the white spaces (hence be careful when printing on coloured backgrounds).
• Edge Contrast Minimum – The least distinct difference between a bar and space.

2D barcodes such as Digital Link 2D, Datamatrix.

Seven parameters 2D barcode verification looks at:

• Decode – Refers to the decode algorithm checks the encoding of data, and the check digit are all correct.
• Symbol Contrast – Symbol contrast measures the difference between the barcode’s darkest and lightest areas. Quiet zones are typically the lightest. This contrast is expressed as a percentage, which is then converted into five bands: 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0.
• Axial Non-uniformity –  checks for uneven scaling of the code e.g its no longer square. Matrix 2D symbols must have perfectly square and evenly spaced elements. Axial non-uniformity measures the deviation from perfect squares along the horizontal and vertical axes. This measurement is then graded from 4 to 0. 2D barcodes should be square and evenly spaced.
• Grid Non-uniformity – measures the distortion of the symbol by checking if the implied x and y axes deviate from a 90° angle. Essentially, it evaluates how twisted the image is.
• Modulation – checks variations in contrast. Modulation ensures a barcode is consistently black and white across its whole area. It compares the difference between black and white elements. This measurement is then graded from 4 to 0. The code should be consistently dark and light not grey in parts.
• Unused Error Correction – 2D barcodes are more forgiving than linear barcodes. They include error correction characters which can find data if another part of the code is damaged. A perfect code will not use its error correction characters and will get a result of 4.0
• Fixed Pattern Damage – The scanner uses the fixed patterns of a matrix 2D symbol to locate the barcode. If these patterns are damaged, reading the barcode becomes harder. Any damage is measured and graded from 4 to 0.errors in the modules including the left L, bottom L sides’ or clock pattern or quiet zones (white space). Grades 0.0-4.0.

For a Data Matrix or GS1 DataMatrix symbol, the verifier examines the quiet zones, the L-shaped finder pattern, and the clock track (the dotted line on the opposite sides of the symbol). They calculate an average grade from seven fixed pattern damage possibilities.Different 2D matrix symbols have their own fixed patterns, and the verifier assesses these based on the symbol specifications.

If any of the parameters fail, the grade will be an F (0 which is a fail).

Interpretation of failed reports:

We provide verification reports. We do not interpret failed verification reports. Please discuss your verification report with your printer. Please also see this link for help on solving barcode problems.

Further information about barcode verification:

A barcode verifier is not the same as a barcode scanner. A barcode scanner is typically a mass-produced item that interfaces with a computer providing machine recognition of the information (data) encoded in a barcode image. Using a scanner to test or read a barcode only assures that the scanned barcode has some area on it readable by that barcode scanner. Hence, the better the barcode scanner, the less barcode quality assurance is maintained. A good barcode scanner can read a poor-quality barcode image.

In contrast, a bar code verifier is a precision machine. A verifier predicts how easily barcode scanners will read the barcode. The barcode verifier can decode, measure and check the quality of barcode images. It can also indicate areas for improvement.