On 28 February 2026, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) adopted the revised Measures for the Administration of Commodity Barcodes, replacing the 2005 version. The updated rules will enter into force on 1 May 2026.

The revision reflects China’s broader policy objective of building a Unified National Market. It introduces a concept of centralized national database to upgrade digital governance of good.  At the same time, the measures simplify administrative procedures and reducing compliance burdens for enterprises. The Measures also explicitly prohibit unreasonable or hidden service charges related to barcode use, aiming to improve market order and reduce transaction frictions.

A notable update concerns products manufactured in China using barcodes registered overseas. The revised Measures introduce a formal filing requirement: where a foreign brand owner or commissioning party uses an overseas-registered barcode on products manufactured in China, the entity bearing product quality responsibility must file with the national barcode technical institution under SAMR (GS1 China). Required documentation includes proof of valid overseas barcode registration and an authorization letter from the barcode owner. This provision clarifies a previously ambiguous area and aims to ensure traceability and prevent unauthorized use of foreign barcodes.

More broadly, the revision elevates the role of commodity barcodes from a technical tool for retail and logistics to a statutory digital product identifier. Barcodes are positioned as a unique identifier linking physical goods to a wide range of data, including production, circulation, certification, inspection, and regulatory information. According to SAMR officials, this information will gradually feed into a national unified database, supporting more data-driven and “intelligent” supervision. In this context, barcodes are expected to play a stronger role in quality traceability, anti-counterfeiting efforts, and lifecycle management of products. However, note that this full-lifecycle approach still differs from Digital Product Passport as the digital identifiers carry a more limited set of information, and label printing remains mandatory.

The revision also updates the list of referenced national standards, significantly expanding coverage. In addition to retail and dispatch standards, the new framework incorporates standards for bulk commodities, logistics units, locations, services, and assets. In particular, the inclusion of GB/T 44899-2024 on bulk and unpacked goods addresses longstanding gaps in traceability for wholesale, agricultural, and industrial products, extending barcode applicability beyond traditional retail scenarios.

The table below compared the national standards referenced in the 2005 and 2026 versions, highlighting the expansion and restructuring of the applicable barcode standards system.

Foreign companies using overseas barcodes for products manufactured in China should clearly identify the entity responsible for product quality and ensure timely filing with GS1 China, including preparation of the required supporting documents. In addition, internal compliance processes may need to be updated across the supply chain, particularly regarding restrictions on barcode transfer and the prohibition of using barcodes as a basis for charging listing or service fees.

While the revision introduces measures aimed at reducing administrative burdens, companies are advised to monitor implementation in practice, including assessing whether procedural simplifications translate into tangible cost reductions. In addition, the new rules emphasizes centralizing data management for all barcodes at the national level, which will likely entail substantial labor efforts and increased man-hours. The updated Measures signal China’s intention to strengthen the role of barcodes as a foundational element of its digital economy and unified market framework, with increasing relevance for both domestic and international operators.

Source: https://www.samr.gov.cn/bzcxs/zcwj/art/2026/art_c7563c9167e846d4af208fe533656f34.html