When a book is published in India, its journey does not end with writing and printing. The moment a book is intended for sale—whether through bookstores, online platforms, or book fairs—it must meet certain retail and compliance standards. Two of the most important among these are printing the price on the back cover (MRP) and including a valid ISBN barcode.
These requirements are often overlooked by first-time authors, but they play a critical role in determining whether a book is accepted by retailers and distributors.
1. Understanding “Price on Back” for Books
“Price on Back” refers to the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) printed on the back cover of a book.
In India, books sold through retail channels are treated as packaged consumer products. As a result, the selling price must be clearly mentioned on the product itself. This ensures transparency for readers and protects them from being overcharged.
A book without a printed MRP is commonly considered incomplete from a retail perspective and may be refused by bookstores or distributors.
i Is MRP Mandatory on Books in India?
In practice, yes.
Books sold through:
● Offline bookstores
● Online marketplaces
● Distributors and wholesalers
● Book fairs and exhibitions
are expected to carry a clearly printed MRP. Retailers rely on this information for billing, inventory control, and compliance. Without it, selling the book becomes difficult, regardless of demand or quality.
ii Where Should the Price Be Printed?
The accepted and widely followed placement is:
● On the back cover
● Near the lower portion
● Clearly visible and easy to read
The commonly used format is:
MRP: ₹__ (Inclusive of all taxes)
This format avoids ambiguity and aligns with standard Indian retail practices.
iii Can the Book Price Be Changed After Printing?
Price changes are possible, but they should be handled carefully. Ideally, any revision in price should be reflected in the next print run. Temporary price stickers are sometimes used, but many retailers discourage them, as they can appear unprofessional and create confusion during billing.
For this reason, publishers generally finalise pricing before printing begins.
2. What Is a Barcode on a Book?
A barcode is the scannable representation of the ISBN (International Standard Book Number) assigned to a book.
i Retailers use barcodes to:
● Scan books at checkout
● Track inventory
● Record sales data
● Manage listings on online platforms
While the ISBN identifies the book, the barcode allows it to be processed efficiently within retail systems.
ii Is a Barcode Required for Selling Books in India?
From a practical standpoint, yes.
Most Indian bookstores, distributors, and online platforms operate on barcode-based systems. A book without a barcode may face difficulties in being stocked, billed, or listed correctly.
Although a book can technically exist without a barcode, selling it through formal retail channels without one is extremely challenging.
iii Where Should the Barcode Be Placed?
Standard industry practice places the barcode:
● On the back cover
● Near the price
● On a clean, light background
● Away from the spine and trim edges
The barcode must be printed at a suitable size and resolution. Poor-quality printing or incorrect placement often results in scanning failures.
3. ISBN and Barcode: How They Work Together
The ISBN is the unique identifier assigned to a book.
The barcode is the machine-readable version of that ISBN.
Each format of a book requires a separate ISBN and barcode, such as:
● Paperback
● Hardcover
● Special editions
Using the same ISBN or barcode for multiple formats can lead to listing errors and incorrect sales data.
4. Common Mistakes Authors Make
Some of the most frequent issues seen during distribution include:
● Printing the book without an MRP
● Forgetting to mention “inclusive of all taxes”
● Using low-resolution barcode images
● Placing the barcode too close to the book edge
● Using an incorrect ISBN in the barcode
These mistakes usually surface late in the process, when corrections become costly.
5. Why These Requirements Matter in the Publishing Process
Price on Back and barcode requirements are part of the final printing and retail-readiness stage of publishing. They ensure that books move smoothly through bookstores, online platforms, and distribution networks without compliance issues.
Authors who plan to self-publish a book in India often encounter these requirements at the printing stage, making it essential to understand them early to avoid delays or reprints.
6. Industry Perspective
Publishing teams that work closely with Indian retailers—such as those at Zorba Books—see firsthand how missing or incorrect pricing and barcode details can disrupt distribution. Over the years, consistent adherence to these standards has proven to be one of the simplest ways to ensure a book is accepted across retail channels without friction.
Final Note
For books intended for sale in India, printing the MRP on the back cover and including a valid, scannable barcode are not optional details. They are essential retail requirements.
Understanding and applying these standards correctly ensures that a book is compliant, professional, and ready for distribution in the Indian market.