Compromised Licenses
Understanding the difference between licensed and sold barcodes.
Because it's more than “just” a barcode...
Licensed vs Sold: Why It Matters
GS1 does not sell barcodes. They license them. A GS1 license gives you exclusive rights to use barcode numbers, backed by the global GS1 registry that retailers and supply chains trust.
Some companies sell barcodes they do not own. These are often legitimate GS1 numbers licensed to other businesses, resold without authorisation. Products using these barcodes will scan to the original license holder, not your company.
GS1 Licensed Barcodes
Obtained directly from your local GS1 Member Organisation.
- Registered to your company in the global GS1 registry
- Accepted by all major retailers worldwide
- Required for GDSN, SNAP compliance, and data sharing
Resold Barcodes
Purchased from third-party barcode sellers.
- Registered to a different company when scanned
- May be rejected by retailers or marketplaces
- Not eligible for GS1 services or compliance programmes
Affected Companies
We have identified over 600 companies using barcodes from approximately 60 unauthorised resellers. Search below to check if your company or a license key appears.
| License Key | License Company | License Address | Parent Company | Parent Address | Website | Contact Email |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0688569 | Cafe Hon, Inc. | USA | Bramble & Hedge | Cheltenham, VIC, 3192, AUS | bramblehedge.com.au | |
| 0688569 | Cafe Hon, Inc. | USA | Cambo Produce Pty Ltd | AUS | camboproduce.com.au | office@camboproduce.com.au |
| 0688569 | Cafe Hon, Inc. | USA | Eastern Star Foods Manufacturing | Warwick Farm, NSW, 2170, AUS | ||
| 0688569 | Cafe Hon, Inc. | USA | Inglewood Dairy | Dannevirke, VIC, 3282, AUS | inglewooddairy.com.au | |
| 0688569 | Cafe Hon, Inc. | USA | Kangaroo Island Ciders | AUS | kangarooislandciders.c... | kangarooislandciders@gmail.c... |
| 0688569 | Cafe Hon, Inc. | USA | McGowan Organics | AUS | mcgowanfam.com.au | organica@mcgowanfam.com.au |
| 0688569 | Cafe Hon, Inc. | USA | Melamcots | Flinders Park, SA, 5025, AUS | melamcots.com.au | |
| 0688569 | Cafe Hon, Inc. | USA | My New Skin | Acbar, QLD, 4343, AUS | willosmega.com.au | debbie&simon@a... |
| 0688569 | Cafe Hon, Inc. | USA | Nurish | Woodside, SA, 5244, AUS | nurish.com.au | info@nurish.com.au |
| 0799578 | Michele's Granola LLC | USA | Aussie Apricots | Mypolonga, SA, 5254, AUS | aussieapricots.com.au | kathy@aussieapricots.com.au |
Database includes 600+ companies using barcodes from 60+ resellers.
Need Help Transitioning?
Moving to legitimate GS1 licenses can seem expensive when you have existing packaging and materials. We help companies plan an affordable, controlled transition without disrupting operations.