Barcode Labels in Garments: Use in Hangtags, Polybags, and Their Importance

In the modern apparel and garment industry, barcode labels are an essential component of product identification, tracking, and retail management. Barcodes are widely used on hangtags and polybags (poly) to ensure accurate inventory control, smooth logistics, and efficient sales operations.

This article explains what barcode labels are, where they are used in garments, and why they are critically important.

 

What Is a Barcode Label?

A barcode label is a machine-readable code printed in the form of parallel lines or patterns that represent product information such as style number, size, color, and price. When scanned, the barcode instantly retrieves product data from a database.

Barcode labels reduce manual errors and improve speed and accuracy throughout the supply chain.

 

Use of Barcode Labels in Hangtags

Purpose of Barcode on Hangtags

Hangtags are the most common place for barcode labels in garments. The barcode printed on a hangtag is mainly used at the retail level.

Barcodes on hangtags typically contain:

• Style or article number
• Size and color code
• SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
• Price or MRP
• Brand identification

Benefits of Hangtag Barcodes

• Faster checkout at POS (Point of Sale)
• Accurate pricing and billing
• Easy stock counting and replenishment
• Reduced human error

Retailers rely heavily on hangtag barcodes for daily operations.

 

Use of Barcode Labels in Polybags (Poly)

Purpose of Barcode on Polybags

Polybags usually contain a barcode label for warehouse and logistics purposes. These barcodes help identify garments without opening the poly.

Polybags barcodes may include:

• PO number
• Style number
• Size and color
• Quantity per poly
• Destination or carton number

Benefits of Polybag Barcodes

• Faster warehouse handling
• Easy sorting and packing
• Improved shipment accuracy
• Better traceability during transportation

Polybags barcodes are especially important for export shipments.

 

Difference Between Hangtag Barcode and Polybag Barcode

Aspect	Hangtag Barcode	Polybag Barcode
Main Use	Retail sales	Warehouse & logistics
Visible to Customer	Yes	No
Contains Price	Usually Yes	Usually No
Used at POS	Yes	No
Used for Packing	No	Yes

Both barcodes serve different purposes but must match the same SKU data.

 

Importance of Barcode Labels in Garments

1. Accurate Inventory Management

Barcodes allow real-time tracking of stock levels, reducing overstock and stock-outs.

2. Faster Retail Operations

Scanning barcodes speeds up billing and improves customer experience.

3. Error Reduction

Manual data entry errors are minimized, ensuring correct pricing and product details.

4. Supply Chain Traceability

Barcodes help track garments from factory to warehouse to store.

5. Buyer Compliance

Most international buyers require barcode labels as per their standards. Incorrect barcodes can lead to shipment rejection or chargebacks.

 

Common Types of Barcodes Used in Garments

• UPC (Universal Product Code)
• EAN (European Article Number)
• Code 128
• QR Code (increasingly used for digital info)

The barcode type depends on buyer and market requirements.

 

Merchandiser’s Responsibility for Barcode Labels

Merchandisers must ensure:

• Correct barcode data as per buyer sheet
• Matching information on hangtag, polybag, and carton
• Buyer approval before bulk printing
• Proper barcode scanning test before shipment

A small barcode mistake can cause big commercial losses.

 

Common Problems with Barcode Labels

• Barcode not scannable
• Wrong SKU or price
• Mismatch between hangtag and poly
• Poor print quality
• Incorrect barcode placement

These issues must be avoided through strict checking and approval.

 

Conclusion

Barcode labels used in hangtags and polybags are vital for modern garment business operations. They ensure smooth retail sales, accurate inventory control, and efficient logistics. Although barcodes may look small and simple, they play a powerful role in connecting production, warehousing, and retail.

For garment exporters and merchandisers, proper barcode management is not optional—it is a critical requirement for success in the global apparel industry.