A barcode starting with the “489” prefix indicates that the number was issued by the Hong Kong branch of the Global Standards Body (GS1). However, a “489” prefix does not necessarily mean the product is of Hong Kong origin or “Made in Hong Kong.” This is confirmed by GS1’s own documentation. For more details, check out GS1 Australia’s Media Release or GS1 UK.
Licensing Barcodes with the 489 Prefix
To obtain barcodes that begin with the “489” prefix, you must license them directly from GS1 Hong Kong. However, licensing barcodes from GS1 is often prohibitively expensive for small businesses and startups, as it requires paying ongoing yearly membership fees. The GS1 membership process can be complex, and using GS1-approved Alliance Partners to generate your barcode images only adds unnecessary cost.
Global Barcode Standards
There is no requirement for a product made in Hong Kong to have a “489” prefix. Barcodes are a global standard and can be used in any country or region. If you have a valid barcode number, it can be used worldwide.
If you wish to demonstrate that your product is made in Hong Kong, you can include “Made in Hong Kong” on your product packaging. However, you must be able to provide evidence to support this claim if it is ever challenged.
Warning: Misleading Barcode Sellers
Important: Any barcode seller claiming to supply barcodes starting with the “489” prefix is likely misleading you. These sellers often “create” 489 numbers, increasing the risk of duplication with GS1 Hong Kong’s authentic numbers. This can cause major disruptions in the supply chain. There is no relationship between these sellers and GS1, and they are not authorized to sell the 489 prefix. If you purchase a 489 barcode from any source other than GS1, the risk of duplication is high, and you will be held responsible if it occurs. Retailers and distributors typically prioritize official GS1 license holders over vendors using non-legitimate barcodes.
Additionally, if a seller claims to have “signed up to GS1 so you don’t have to,” they are either violating GS1’s licensing agreement (meaning you’re not licensed to use the barcode) or making a false claim altogether.
Barcode Sites at Risk of Duplication with GS1 Hong Kong
- www.hong-kong-barcodes.com (Global Barcodes, based in Spain) – Refer to the ruling of misleading advertising on the EASA (European Advertising Standards Authority) website.
How to Get Authentic Barcode Numbers
To ensure your barcode is globally unique, make sure your numbers come from the GS1/UCC system. The barcodes we supply were originally issued in bulk by the Uniform Code Council (now GS1) before GS1’s subscription model was introduced. These codes are globally unique, prefixed with 07 or 06, and have never been assigned to any products. Our barcodes work like any other GS1-issued barcode and are suitable for use both in Hong Kong and worldwide.
To purchase authentic, valid, and globally unique barcode numbers while avoiding GS1 Hong Kong fees, visit our Buy Barcodes page.