Linear Barcodes used in Press

Press and magazines usually come with a barcode that is located in the last page or back cover of these publications.

This post tries to clarify the use of this barcode.

Breakdown of Linear Barcodes used in Press

ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is a code that identifies a periodical publication. ISSN follows the standard EAN-13 for linear barcode

The standard linear barcode in press is split into two sections:

  1. 13 digits (ISSN code)
  2. 2/5 digits (periodic code/Adendum)

Example of 13 + 2:

1234567890123 + 12

Example of 13 + 5:

1234567890123 + 12345

Breakdown of international press linear barcode:

  • EAN-13
    • 123: EAN prefix
    • 4567890: ISSN without last cipher
    • 12: Prix code. It identifies if prices are special (extraordinary issues, double issue, etc.). If it is a normal issue its value is 00.
    • 3: Control digit (using algorithm EAN-12) and last ISSN cipher.
  • Adendum
    • +12: Adendum (length 2). Indicates the number within periodicity.
      • Quaterly: From 01 to 04
      • Monthly: From 01 to 12
      • Weekly: From 01 to 52
    • +12345: Adendum (length 5). It identifies the issue number.

Example of Spain code: 8414520000020 + 02540

 

External references

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