Barcoding Your Products

Last updated: July 23, 2026

Proper barcoding ensures accurate scanning and seamless fulfillment. Below are Manifest’s barcode requirements and guidelines:

📦 Barcodes Overview

Every sellable unit sent to Manifest must include a scannable barcode. If a unit arrives without a barcode, with an unreadable barcode, or with multiple conflicting barcodes, it may be delayed or moved to the Unidentified Receiving Order (URO) process. Once a barcode is assigned to a product in ShipHero, it cannot be changed.

  • Print in **black ink** on **white, non-reflective labels**
  • Use **clear and undamaged** barcodes
  • Once assigned, a product’s barcode **cannot be changed**

Supported formats:

  1. Shopping Cart Barcode: Custom alphanumeric code (up to 20 chars), in Code 128 format.

  2. Manufacturer Barcode: Standard formats such as UPC (GTIN‑12), EAN (GTIN‑13), ISBN, or GTIN‑14.

    Examples of supported barcode formats: UPC (GTIN-12) barcode showing 12-digit number, Code 128 barcode showing alphanumeric value, and EAN (GTIN-13) barcode showing 13-digit number. All are printed in black ink on white non-reflective labels

     

📍 Barcode Placement

To prevent scan errors:

  • Cover or remove any alternate barcodes not in Manifest’s system
  • Affix the barcode on a flat, smooth surface—avoid folds or edges
Barcode placement comparison: on the left, a non-compliant box with a barcode placed on a folded edge (marked with a red X); on the right, a compliant box with the barcode affixed flat on a smooth face (marked with a green checkmark). Manifest requires barcodes on flat, smooth surfaces to prevent scan errors.

 

📏 Barcode Size Requirements

These requirements apply to all barcode formats accepted by Manifest, including Code 128, UPC, EAN, and GTIN-14

  • Minimum **barcode symbol size**: 0.3″ width
  • Scalable to **80 % smaller or 200 % larger**, while maintaining scannability
  • Symbol dimensions: at least 1″ width × 0.5″ height
  • Include a **quiet zone** (blank margin) ≥ 0.125″ on each side
  • Human-readable text below barcode → **12 pt font**
Barcode size requirements diagram showing a compliant barcode label. Minimum symbol width: 1 inch. Minimum symbol height: 0.5 inches. Quiet zone of at least 0.125 inches on each side. Human-readable text below the barcode in at least 12pt font. Example text shown: a0123a

 

Need Help?

If you're unsure whether your barcodes meet Manifest's requirements, we recommend reaching out before you ship your inventory to us. Contact our account managers for a barcode review.

For full packaging requirements that apply to all inbound inventory, see Product Packaging Requirements. For receiving requirements and non-compliance fees that apply when your shipment arrives, see Inbound Receiving Requirements and Non-Compliance Fees.