Boost MSME Growth with GS1 India Barcodes – Register for Reimbursement Scheme

Supporting the development of micro enterprises

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector contributes significantly to the country’s GDP and growth of the economy. This sector also helps create opportunities for entrepreneurship and inclusivity, especially in rural and backwards areas of India. To enhance the sector’s impact, the Ministry of MSME introduces various initiatives to promote MSMEs' continuous growth in the domestic and international markets. One such initiative is the MSME’s barcode reimbursement scheme for micro-enterprises registered with MSME, when they subscribe to GS1 barcodes.

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Know if you are a micro enterprise

MSMEs are businesses that fall under the specific investment in plant & machinery/equipment and annual turnover criteria, as provided by the Indian government. Enterprises which fall under the micro slab can avail the benefits of the barcode reimbursement scheme.

MICRO

Enterprises that have an investment in plant & machinery or equipment of not more than 2.5 crore and an annual turnover of not more than 10 crore.

SMALL

Enterprises that have an investment in plant & machinery or equipment of not more than 25 crore and an annual turnover of not more than 100 crore.

MEDIUM

Enterprises that have investment in plant & machinery or equipment not more than 125 crore and an annual turnover of not more than 500 crore.

Current challenges faced by micro enterprises

➡️ Lack of interoperability

➡️ Poor traceability

➡️ Authentication Challenges

➡️ Limited market access

➡️ Fragmented global connectivity

➡️ High competition

➡️ Financial constraints in adopting standardised systems

➡️ Poor customer reach

How GS1 India is empowering micro enterprises?

Micro-manufacturing enterprises registered with MSME can avail of 80% reimbursement on the one-time registration fees and annual recurring fees of GS1 barcodes (provided by GS1 India) for the first 3 years at one go, as per MSME guidelines. This scheme is subject to a maximum limit of Rs. 50,650/- and valid only for 100 & 1000 barcodes (or up to 1000 barcodes). It is introduced by the Ministry of MSME, and eligible enterprises can claim reimbursement by reaching out to the MSME office.

With the adoption of GS1 standards, micro-manufacturing enterprises can ensure operational efficiency, standardisation, and interoperability.

Benefits of barcode registration with GS1 India

Faster listing on online/offline marketplaces

With GS1 barcodes, micro enterprises can quickly and easily list products on major e-marketplaces like Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, Nykaa, etc. and other offline retail channels.

Authorised & genuine barcodes

GS1 India is the only authorised provider of barcodes beginning with ‘890’. These are the only genuine and authorised barcodes, globally. Adopting GS1 barcodes can strengthen consumer trust in businesses.  

Ensure regulatory compliance

With GS1 barcodes, businesses meet compliance with export, regulatory, and other requirements, as they are globally accepted and recognised.

Increased visibility

GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) are generated through DataKart – the national product data repository. DataKart helps share product information with several retailers, e-tailers, data aggregators, and consumers through GS1 India’s GTIN Validation service and Smart Consumer app.

Improved customer experience

By providing detailed and accurate data on products, micro-enterprises can improve their customer experience, achieve a better customer retention rate (increase the number of repeat customers), and ultimately increase their sales.

Point of sale efficiency

GS1 barcodes streamline POS (point of sale) operations, improving trust and loyalty for your brand. They help you achieve 100% scan efficiency at POS applications.

Better inventory management

GS1 barcodes facilitate real-time tracking of products in the supply chain. This can help micro-manufacturing enterprises manage their stock levels effectively and avoid situations of overstocking or stockouts.

GS1 barcode reimbursement steps

Step 1: Complete ‘Barcode Registration’ with GS1 India, paying the requisite fees.

Step 2: To claim reimbursement, micro-manufacturing enterprises have to apply to the nearest Director/HOO, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises – Development Institute (MSME-DI), in the prescribed application form (Annexure-A). Along with the application form, micro manufacturing enterprises will also have to submit their GS1 India allotment letter, invoice, and receipt.
Disclaimer -The decision to grant reimbursement is at the sole discretion of the MSME-DI

Fee reimbursement link