How to Get an ISBN and GS1 Barcode in India?

How to Get an ISBN and GS1 Barcode in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

Publishing a book or planning to sell a product? You’ll likely need an ISBN for your book and a GS1 Barcode for your products. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through both processes in India.

Part 1: Getting an ISBN (International Standard Book Number)

An ISBN is a unique identifier used internationally for books, e-books, and similar publications.

Who Issues ISBN in India?

• Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN
• Ministry of Education, Govt. of India
• https://isbn.gov.in

Eligibility:

• Authors
• Publishers
• Educational/Research institutions
• Self-publishers

Documents Required:

• PAN Card / Aadhaar (ID proof)
• Cover page of the book (if available)
• Title and synopsis
• Declaration form (available on the website)

Steps to Apply:

1. Register at https://isbn.gov.in
2. Login and fill out the ISBN application form.
3. Upload required documents.
4. Submit the application for 1 or multiple ISBNs.

Fee:

Free of cost (currently, ISBNs are issued free by the Indian government)

Timeline:

Usually 10–15 working days (can be longer during high-demand periods)

🏷️ Part 2: Getting a GS1 Barcode for Products

To sell products (books, retail goods, etc.) in stores or online, a GS1 barcode is essential.

Who Issues Barcodes in India?

• GS1 India (only authorized body)
• https://www.gs1india.org

Eligibility:

Any business or individual selling physical products

Documents Required:

• PAN & GST details
• Company registration certificate
• Product list with descriptions
• Identity and address proof (for individuals)

Steps to Apply:

1. Visit https://www.gs1india.org
2. Click on "Apply for Barcodes".
3. Fill in the application form and upload documents.
4. Pay the applicable fee online.
5. Receive your GS1 Company Prefix and barcode toolkit.

Fee Structure (approximate):

Fees depend on company turnover and number of barcodes required.

• Starts from ₹4,720 + GST for small publishers/individuals
• Fee Chart – GS1 India

Timeline:

• Generally 3–7 working days after submission and payment

Summary Table

FeatureISBN (Books)GS1 Barcode (Products)AuthorityRaja Rammohun Roy Agency (MoE)GS1 IndiaWebsiteisbn.gov.ings1india.orgFeeFreeStarting ₹4,720 + GSTTime to Issue10–15 days3–7 working daysUse CaseBooks, eBooks, journalsPhysical products, books, retail goods

Tips:

• For authors publishing both a print and an eBook version, you need separate ISBNs.
• GS1 barcodes come with an annual renewal fee—keep your credentials updated.

For any help, you can email:

• ISBN Queries: isbn-mhrd@nic.in
• GS1 India: support@gs1india.org