Running a business

Barcodes for stores

No law requires a barcode, but many retailers, distributors and online marketplaces do. Every size, flavour or variant needs its own number.

Who issues it
GS1 Canada
Cost
$26.25 a year for one barcode, $157.50 for ten, $525 for a hundred (by revenue band).

Who needs it

Packaged food makersIf you sell to stores or distributors

The rules behind this page

Last checked 26 September 2026. We check this guide regularly against Island Health, provincial and municipal sources, but regulations and laws change often and we can’t guarantee it is complete or current. Confirm with Island Health and your municipality before you apply, build or sell.

Noticed an error? Tell us

Tell us what’s wrong and where you saw it. We read every message and correct the guide.