Namibia gains bar-code independence from SA

Namibia finally has its own bar code. The country has until now shared a bar code with South Africa, whose code prefix is 600-601.

Deputy minister of trade and industrialisation, Verna Sinimbo, said the move will see locally-produced products fully recognised on global markets.

She was speaking during GS1 Namibia’s launch of the bar code last week.

"For many years, Namibia has been utilising the South African bar code, a period that deprived Namibia of her own unique identity. During such an era, Namibian-originated products were considered South African on the international market.

“Today, with the launch of the 631 prefix, we now have a signature that is distinctly Namibian, a beacon that shines brightly for our goods and services in the international marketplace," the deputy minister said.

She added that the move will set Namibian entrepreneurs and manufacturers apart and carve a distinctive place for them on the global market.

GS1 Namibia CEO Patricia Hangula said the 631 code provides very specific product and manufacturer details that will help global consumers trace Namibian products right back to Namibia.