Core principleA retail box, inner pack and shipping case may represent different trade items and serve different scanning points. Give each package level its own clear identity and approval record instead of copying one barcode or specification across the range.
This guide is for private-label brand owners, importers, distributors and electrical product teams preparing a power strip for retail or project channels. It focuses on packaging readiness; for model-range architecture, see the assortment planning guide, and for the product baseline, use the repeat-order change-control checklist.
1. Build a package hierarchy by model
Create one packaging record for each exact model and variant. Identify which levels exist and what is packed into each one.
| Level | Identify in the brief | Buyer check |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer / retail unit | Model and variant, quantity, market, artwork, unit GTIN and primary barcode. | Can a shopper or store associate identify and scan it at the expected point of sale? |
| Inner or display pack | Units per pack, whether it is separately ordered or scanned, and its identifier if required. | Does its configuration match the catalogue and retailer data? |
| Shipping case | Units per case, case GTIN if assigned, outer barcode, gross weight, dimensions and handling marks. | Can the warehouse receive, store and pick it using the agreed logistics data? |
GS1 explains that barcode choice depends on where an item is scanned: EAN and UPC symbols are commonly used on retail items, while ITF-14 is generally used on corrugated packaging for transit and warehouse handling. This is a practical distinction, not a universal instruction for every retailer or market. Confirm trading-partner scan requirements and current GS1 rules for the actual package.
2. Lock product data before artwork starts
Give the designer one controlled source of truth: brand and model names, variant code, outlet count and arrangement, plug type, cable details, electrical information supplied by the responsible technical team, included accessories, package quantity and approved product images. Mark each field as confirmed, pending or not applicable. Do not let a design file become the only place where technical data is stored.
Assign a GTIN at the appropriate trade-item level and link it to the specific model and pack quantity. A retail unit and a case are not automatically the same trade item. When pack quantity, product identity or packaging structure changes, ask the company GTIN owner or GS1 member organisation to check the current GTIN Management Standard before reusing an identifier.
3. Review what buyers and end users will see
- Artwork: confirm logo files, colours, language versions, dieline, print dimensions, bleed, finish and file revision.
- Product statements: check every performance or compatibility claim against evidence for the exact model and configuration.
- Market information: have the responsible compliance team review labels, warnings, importer details and language for each destination.
- Barcodes: verify data, symbol format, quiet zones, contrast, scale and placement; obtain a scan-quality check on a printed proof.
- Case data: confirm pack quantity, carton dimensions, weight, marks, pallet assumptions if relevant, and who updates logistics master data.
Artwork is not a substitute for product testing or market compliance review. Avoid inserting a certification mark, safety statement or environmental claim until its use has been checked for the specific product and destination.
4. Approve a physical proof and control revisions
Review a printed or production-representative proof before authorising a full print run. Check readability at actual size, barcode scanning, colour, folds, product fit, protective materials, inserts and whether the correct model is in the correct box. Record comments against the artwork revision and close them with named approvals.
Keep approved artwork, GTIN, package specification and product revision linked in one record. A future change to a logo, pack quantity, language, product configuration or barcode should trigger an impact review. Name who can approve each change and how obsolete stock or files are handled.
Private-label packaging approval checklist
- Match the package to an exact model, variant, market and revision.
- List consumer, inner and case packaging levels and their quantities.
- Confirm the GTIN and scan requirements for each applicable level.
- Approve artwork, claims, translations and market-specific content with the responsible teams.
- Check barcode data and scan quality on a representative proof.
- Confirm carton dimensions, weight, shipping marks and logistics data.
- Record final approvers, file names, effective date and change process.
For barcode formats, consult GS1’s overview of barcodes used to represent GTINs. Packaging and product markings still need review against actual customer, channel and destination-market requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Which barcode should go on a private-label power strip package?
Choose the barcode and GTIN for the package level and scan point. Retail units commonly use EAN or UPC formats; cases moving through warehouses may need a different carrier such as ITF-14. Confirm retailer, logistics and current GS1 requirements for the specific trade item.
Does a shipping carton use the same GTIN as the retail pack?
Do not assume so. Packaging levels can be distinct trade items with their own identifiers. Confirm the GTIN assigned to the retail unit, inner pack and case, and follow the current GS1 GTIN Management Standard.
What should buyers approve before packaging is printed?
Approve exact model and variant, brand artwork, barcode data and placement, language, market markings and warnings, package dimensions, pack quantity, carton marks and revision. Confirm content with the responsible product and compliance teams.
Can packaging artwork prove a product is compliant?
No. Artwork is one controlled product communication. It does not replace product testing, technical documentation or market-specific compliance review.
Make the package auditableStore model, market, GTIN, approved artwork revision, proof approval and case data together. This helps the buyer, designer, factory and logistics team work from one release record.