DNA Barcoding Services Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Plant DNA Barcoding Services, Animal DNA Barcoding Services, Microbial DNA Barcoding Services), By Method (Sanger Sequencing, Short Read Sequencing, Long Read Sequencing), By Application (Pathogen Identification and Monitoring, Product Authentication and Quality Control, Biodiversity and Conservation Monitoring, Forensic and Legal Investigations, Others), By End Use (Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Agriculture and Food Industry, Academic & Research Institutes, Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global DNA Barcoding Services Market was valued at USD 192.36 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 370.33 Million in the forecast period with a CAGR of 11.51% through 2030. The Global DNA Barcoding Services Market is gaining momentum as advancements in genomics and molecular diagnostics continue to reshape biological classification and species identification practices. DNA barcoding services are increasingly being adopted across sectors such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, food safety, and forensic science due to their accuracy, efficiency, and ability to deliver standardized species identification. These services use short, standardized gene regions to differentiate species, which has proven valuable for cataloging biodiversity, detecting invasive species, and tracing the origin of biological samples. As institutions seek faster and more precise taxonomy tools, DNA barcoding offers a scalable solution to bridge gaps in traditional morphological identification. Public and private research organizations are also investing in building extensive DNA barcode reference libraries, driving further adoption of these services in ecological and conservation efforts.

Technological advancements such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), automation in sample processing, and integration of artificial intelligence for data analysis are significantly enhancing the speed and reliability of DNA barcoding. Market growth is being fueled by the expanding utility of barcoding services in food authenticity testing, enabling traceability and fraud detection in global food supply chains. Growing environmental concerns have prompted increased deployment of DNA barcoding in ecosystem monitoring and wildlife conservation, where it enables identification of endangered or invasive species with minimal ecological disruption. The shift toward digital taxonomy and real-time biodiversity monitoring platforms is encouraging collaborations among academic institutions, biotech companies, and regulatory agencies. Trends such as miniaturized sequencing devices and portable barcode scanning technologies are also gaining traction, making barcoding services more accessible for fieldwork and remote applications.

Despite this growth, challenges remain. The high cost of sequencing equipment and consumables can limit adoption in budget-constrained institutions. Limited representation of certain taxa in existing barcode databases restricts the scope of identification for some applications. Standardization of protocols across laboratories remains a barrier to large-scale interoperability, while concerns over data privacy and intellectual property hinder open data sharing. Skill shortages in bioinformatics and molecular taxonomy further slow down the implementation of these services in certain regions. Despite these obstacles, the expanding use of barcoding in sustainable agriculture, marine biology, and regulatory compliance offers ample growth opportunities. As global demand for precision identification tools continues to rise, the DNA barcoding services market is poised for sustained innovation and strategic partnerships to overcome operational and technical barriers.

Key Market Drivers

Expansion of Biodiversity and Conservation Programs

​The expansion of biodiversity and conservation programs is a key driver propelling the growth of the Global DNA Barcoding Services Market. Governments, research institutions, and environmental organizations worldwide are intensifying efforts to document, monitor, and preserve biodiversity in response to accelerating habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, and declining species populations. DNA barcoding offers a powerful solution for rapid, accurate species identification using standardized genetic markers, enabling researchers to assess ecosystem health, detect cryptic species, and track species distribution changes over time. This level of precision and efficiency is essential for developing targeted conservation strategies, enforcing wildlife protection laws, and preventing biodiversity loss.​

Programs such as the International Barcode of Life (iBOL), Global Taxonomy Initiative, and various national biodiversity missions have integrated DNA barcoding as a central tool for species cataloging. These initiatives support the creation of extensive genetic reference libraries, which are crucial for identifying rare, endangered, or newly discovered organisms. Conservationists are increasingly using DNA barcoding to monitor biodiversity hotspots, marine ecosystems, and protected areas, where traditional survey methods are either time-consuming or ineffective. In remote or under-studied regions, barcoding enables the discovery of new species, informing habitat preservation policies.​

The increased collaboration between governments, universities, and NGOs has led to a broader implementation of DNA barcoding projects, with funding and technical support accelerating its adoption. The utility of DNA barcoding extends beyond terrestrial ecosystems into freshwater and marine conservation, offering valuable insights into aquatic species diversity and population health. With global conventions and environmental treaties pushing for improved biodiversity monitoring and species inventory, the demand for reliable, high-throughput DNA barcoding services continues to rise. As conservation efforts become more data-driven, the integration of genetic tools like DNA barcoding is reshaping how biodiversity is studied and safeguarded, significantly driving the market forward.

Growth of Environmental DNA (eDNA) Applications

​The expansion of environmental DNA (eDNA) applications is a significant driver for the Global DNA Barcoding Services Market, revolutionizing biodiversity monitoring and management across diverse ecosystems. eDNA refers to genetic material shed by organisms into their environment through skin, scales, feces, pollen, or other biological matter. This genetic material can be collected from soil, water, or air and analyzed using DNA barcoding techniques to detect the presence of organisms without the need for direct observation or physical capture. The non-invasive nature of eDNA sampling makes it particularly valuable for studying rare, elusive, or endangered species and for assessing ecological health in sensitive habitats.​

Government bodies, environmental agencies, and academic institutions are increasingly adopting eDNA-based barcoding to conduct biodiversity assessments, monitor invasive species, and track changes in species populations in response to climate change or human activity. For instance, eDNA is being used to monitor aquatic biodiversity in freshwater and marine ecosystems, allowing for more comprehensive species inventories and rapid detection of non-native species. This method is faster and often more cost-effective than traditional survey techniques, providing real-time insights for conservation planning and regulatory compliance. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has integrated eDNA data into its Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) database, which houses over 570,000 records of nonindigenous species nationally, enhancing invasive species monitoring efforts. Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has implemented eDNA testing as an early indicator for detecting invasive carp presence, improving aquatic invasive species monitoring. Advancements in next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics are enhancing the sensitivity and resolution of eDNA analysis, allowing for the identification of a broad range of taxa from minimal environmental samples. Industries such as agriculture and resource management are beginning to explore eDNA-based tools for monitoring pests and evaluating ecosystem services. With a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and data-driven conservation strategies, the expanding scope of eDNA applications is creating a strong demand for reliable DNA barcoding services, positioning it as a key growth catalyst in the market.​

Technological Advancements in Genomic Sequencing

Technological advancements in genomic sequencing have become a pivotal driver for the growth of the Global DNA Barcoding Services Market. Modern high-throughput sequencing platforms such as Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and PacBio have significantly increased the speed, accuracy, and affordability of DNA sequencing, enabling widespread application of DNA barcoding across various fields. These technologies allow for rapid analysis of short genetic markers used in species identification, such as COI, 16S rRNA, and ITS, making it easier to catalog biodiversity, authenticate products, and monitor ecological changes. The reduced cost per sample and the ability to process large volumes of data simultaneously have transformed the scalability of DNA barcoding, shifting it from small academic projects to large-scale national and industrial applications.​

Improvements in sequencing chemistry, read length, and data output have made it possible to detect multiple species within mixed samples using metabarcoding approaches. This has proven particularly useful in environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring, where DNA traces in water, soil, or air samples can be used to assess entire ecosystems without direct specimen collection. Coupled with advancements in bioinformatics and cloud computing, researchers and service providers can now manage, interpret, and compare sequencing results more efficiently than ever before. These technological developments have expanded the scope of DNA barcoding beyond taxonomy to applications in agriculture, food safety, healthcare, and customs enforcement. Increased automation in sample preparation and library construction has also minimized human error, increased throughput, and improved data consistency. The integration of portable sequencing devices is enabling real-time field analysis, making DNA barcoding accessible even in remote and resource-limited settings. These cumulative innovations in genomic sequencing technologies are driving faster adoption of DNA barcoding services across sectors, making it a vital tool for identification, traceability, and compliance in both scientific and commercial environments.

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Key Market Challenges

High Cost of Equipment and Analysis

One of the major challenges faced by the Global DNA Barcoding Services Market is the high cost of equipment and analysis, which significantly limits the accessibility and scalability of services, particularly for small laboratories, academic institutions, and organizations in low-income regions. DNA barcoding relies heavily on sophisticated technologies such as high-throughput sequencers, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) systems, automated DNA extractors, and advanced bioinformatics tools. The initial capital investment required for procuring this equipment is substantial, with many platforms costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Beyond acquisition, laboratories must invest in proper infrastructure, including climate-controlled environments and high-performance computing systems to manage large genomic datasets.

Operational expenses pose a persistent financial burden. Consumables such as primers, reagents, sequencing kits, and plasticware are required on a regular basis and are often imported at premium costs. Maintenance contracts, frequent calibration, software updates, and licensing fees for analysis platforms also add to recurring expenditures. Skilled personnel are needed to manage complex processes like data interpretation and sequencing validation, often necessitating additional investment in training or specialized hires. These cumulative costs can make DNA barcoding economically unfeasible for smaller projects or underfunded initiatives.

The financial barrier becomes more significant in biodiversity-rich but economically constrained countries, where DNA barcoding could have the highest ecological value. Limited funding and infrastructure slow the development of local barcoding capabilities, increasing dependence on international collaborations or outsourcing, which may compromise data ownership, speed, and long-term sustainability. Budgetary constraints also restrict participation in global initiatives aimed at expanding reference databases, leading to gaps in species coverage. As demand for DNA-based verification rises across sectors, this challenge remains a bottleneck, highlighting the need for cost-effective innovations, shared infrastructure models, and expanded funding mechanisms to support equitable access to DNA barcoding services worldwide.

Despite significant reductions in sequencing costs over the years, the financial demands of DNA barcoding remain substantial. For instance, the cost of sequencing a human genome has decreased from approximately USD 3 billion at the end of the Human Genome Project in 2003 to about USD 600 in 2024. However, this figure primarily reflects sequencing costs and does not encompass the additional expenses associated with equipment procurement, maintenance, consumables, and skilled personnel required for comprehensive DNA barcoding services. These ancillary costs continue to pose significant financial challenges, particularly for institutions in resource-limited settings, thereby impeding the widespread adoption and scalability of DNA barcoding technologies globally.

Lack of Standardization Across Laboratories

One of the significant challenges facing the Global DNA Barcoding Services Market is the lack of standardization across laboratories conducting barcoding activities. DNA barcoding relies heavily on the generation and comparison of genetic sequences, which must be accurate, reproducible, and comparable across different institutions and regions. However, there is currently no universally adopted protocol governing key processes such as sample preparation, DNA extraction, PCR amplification, sequencing methodologies, and data interpretation. This lack of consistency can lead to discrepancies in results, especially when barcode data are shared across different research databases or used for regulatory or forensic purposes.

Variations in primer selection, thermocycling conditions, sequencing platforms, and quality control measures can impact the reliability of barcode data, limiting interoperability between datasets. Without harmonized methods, it becomes difficult to consolidate reference libraries or validate findings across global studies. This inconsistency creates bottlenecks in the expansion of comprehensive DNA barcode databases such as the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD), as not all entries meet the same quality standards. In regulatory or commercial contexts, such variability raises concerns about the credibility of barcoding results, affecting their acceptance for applications like product authentication or species identification.

Efforts to promote standard operating procedures and best practices have emerged from international collaborations, but adoption remains fragmented. Small or resource-constrained laboratories may lack access to training or infrastructure required to implement uniform protocols. The challenge of standardization also hinders data sharing and slows down the development of global biodiversity monitoring frameworks that rely on DNA barcoding as a core tool. Without coordinated global standards, the scalability and scientific robustness of DNA barcoding services face limitations, impacting their broader application in conservation, agriculture, biosecurity, and commerce. Addressing this issue is critical to building trust in the methodology and ensuring that DNA barcoding reaches its full potential as a reliable and widely accepted analytical approach.

Key Market Trends

Integration of DNA Barcoding with Environmental DNA (eDNA) Monitoring

A significant trend shaping the Global DNA Barcoding Services Market is the integration of DNA barcoding with environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring, transforming the way biodiversity assessments and ecological monitoring are conducted. eDNA refers to genetic material shed by organisms into their environment through skin, scales, hair, feces, or bodily fluids, which can be collected from soil, water, or air samples without the need for direct observation or capture of the organism. When combined with DNA barcoding, this method allows researchers to match the extracted genetic fragments to reference sequences in barcode databases, enabling the identification of species present in an ecosystem with high sensitivity and minimal disturbance.

This approach is particularly valuable in monitoring aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems where traditional survey methods are limited by accessibility, cost, or the elusive nature of certain species. The use of eDNA barcoding has expanded rapidly in projects tracking invasive species, endangered wildlife, and habitat health, offering real-time insights into species distribution and ecosystem dynamics. Conservation programs are using this integration to detect early signs of biodiversity loss, helping inform management strategies more efficiently than conventional fieldwork.

Government agencies are increasingly adopting this method to meet international biodiversity targets and regulatory mandates. For instance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has incorporated DNA barcoding into large-scale biomonitoring programs to assess aquatic community health, enhancing the consistency and resolution of species identification in water quality assessments. Additionally, the Department of the Interior has recognized the utility of eDNA metabarcoding in biodiversity surveys of marine environments, particularly for detecting small, rare, or cryptic taxa. The growing availability of portable sequencing tools and automation in sample processing is making eDNA barcoding more scalable and field-deployable. This trend is reshaping ecological research by enabling large-scale biodiversity inventories, enhancing species detection accuracy, and promoting data-driven environmental policy-making. The fusion of eDNA and DNA barcoding is also fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration among geneticists, ecologists, and environmental managers, creating new opportunities for service providers in the market. As climate change and human activity continue to impact ecosystems globally, the demand for efficient, non-invasive, and high-throughput biodiversity monitoring methods is expected to keep pushing this trend forward.

Adoption of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for High-Throughput Barcoding

A key trend shaping the Global DNA Barcoding Services Market is the widespread adoption of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for high-throughput barcoding applications. NGS platforms have transformed conventional barcoding by enabling the parallel sequencing of thousands of DNA samples with high speed, accuracy, and scalability. Unlike traditional Sanger sequencing, which processes one specimen at a time, NGS allows multiple barcodes to be sequenced simultaneously through multiplexing, reducing turnaround time and per-sample costs. This shift has made large-scale biodiversity assessments, species monitoring, and ecosystem studies more efficient and data-intensive.

NGS is particularly effective in analyzing mixed or environmental samples such as soil, water, or feces, which often contain DNA from numerous organisms. This has expanded its role in ecological monitoring, food safety, invasive species detection, and microbiome profiling. Research agencies and conservation organizations are increasingly relying on NGS to build comprehensive DNA reference databases that support rapid and accurate species identification. For example, in 2023, the U.S. National Park Service reported integrating NGS-based barcoding to identify over 1,500 species across 19 park ecosystems, enhancing their biodiversity tracking efforts.

Declining sequencing costs, advances in library preparation, and wider access to automated workflows and open-source bioinformatics tools are enabling smaller labs and institutions in both developed and developing economies to adopt NGS. As a result, barcoding is evolving from isolated taxonomic studies into a high-throughput solution that supports large-scale biological monitoring and supply chain verification across industries.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Based on the Type, Microbial DNA Barcoding Services emerged as the dominant segment in the Global DNA Barcoding Services Market in 2024. This is driven by the increasing demand for precise microbial identification across multiple sectors. Microorganisms play critical roles in ecosystems, agriculture, healthcare, and industrial biotechnology, yet their immense diversity makes traditional classification methods inadequate. DNA barcoding enables the rapid and accurate identification of bacteria, archaea, and fungi by analyzing standardized genetic markers, such as 16S rRNA for bacteria and ITS regions for fungi, which are widely used in microbial taxonomy. The growth of microbiome research, particularly in human health and nutrition, has further accelerated the demand for microbial barcoding. Applications in food safety testing, environmental monitoring, and pharmaceutical production have also fueled segment growth. Industries increasingly rely on microbial DNA barcoding to detect contamination, trace pathogen sources, and ensure regulatory compliance. Moreover, its utility in identifying beneficial microbes for applications in probiotics, bioremediation, and soil health has broadened its adoption.

Method Insights

Based on the Method, Short Read Sequencing emerged as the dominant segment in the Global DNA Barcoding Services Market in 2024. This is due to its widespread adoption, high accuracy, and cost efficiency. This method, typically associated with platforms like Illumina, enables the generation of millions of short DNA fragments in parallel, making it ideal for high-throughput barcoding applications. Its precision in reading base pairs and low error rate have made it the preferred choice for taxonomic classification and biodiversity assessments across various domains, including ecology, agriculture, and public health. Short read sequencing is particularly effective for targeting standard barcode regions such as COI (cytochrome oxidase I) in animals, ITS (internal transcribed spacer) in fungi, and 16S rRNA in bacteria. These markers are typically short enough to be fully covered by the read lengths provided by this method, enabling robust identification of species with minimal computational complexity.

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Regional Insights

North America emerged as the dominant region in the Global DNA Barcoding Services Market in 2024. This is driven by strong research infrastructure, robust funding for biodiversity initiatives, and active government and academic involvement in genetic identification programs. The presence of leading biotechnology firms, advanced sequencing facilities, and established bioinformatics capabilities have positioned the region at the forefront of innovation in DNA barcoding technologies. Key organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution, the Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding (CCDB), and various U.S. universities have spearheaded large-scale barcoding projects targeting flora, fauna, and microorganisms. These efforts are supported by national databases and collaborations with international platforms like the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD), enhancing the region’s global influence.

Asia-Pacific emerged as the fastest growing region in the Global DNA Barcoding Services Market during the forecast period. This is due to a surge in biodiversity research and ecosystem conservation efforts across countries such as China, India, Japan, and Australia. The region is home to some of the world's most diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and mountain habitats, which has led to an increasing focus on cataloging and preserving native species. Governments and research institutions are investing in large-scale DNA barcoding projects to document endemic species and assess ecological health. For example, national biodiversity missions and university-led initiatives in countries like India and China are incorporating DNA barcoding for rapid species identification, supporting conservation and environmental policy-making. The application of DNA barcoding in agriculture for pest control and crop quality management is also gaining momentum, as regional economies strive to enhance food security and biosecurity.

Recent Developments

• In January 2025, Quantum-Si Incorporated announced a new preprint showcasing its advanced protein barcoding and next-generation sequencing workflow. The study demonstrates how integrating the benchtop Platinum instrument with this workflow enables highly sensitive and accessible multiplexed protein analysis. This innovation offers a scalable alternative to traditional methods like mass spectrometry, with potential applications in protein engineering, targeted drug delivery, and nucleic acid therapy development.
• In October 2024, Twist Bioscience Corporation (NASDAQ: TWST) launched the FlexPrep Ultra-High Throughput Library Preparation Kit, featuring a proprietary enzyme to support cost-effective, large-scale next-generation sequencing (NGS). Targeted at population and agricultural genomics, the kit integrates Normalization by Ligation (NBL) technology, enabling early sample pooling and multiplexing while eliminating the need for upfront quantitation. This advancement streamlines high-throughput workflows and reduces per-sample costs, accelerating NGS adoption among microarray users.
• In September 2024, Quantum-Si announced that Boston-based biotech Liberate Bio has adopted its Platinum Next-Generation Protein Sequencer to enhance gene therapy development. Liberate Bio is using the platform’s protein barcoding capabilities to screen lipid nanoparticle delivery vehicles in vivo, improving delivery and translation efficiency. The technology provides high-resolution protein analysis without the need for complex equipment or specialized expertise, significantly accelerating and streamlining their gene therapy discovery process.
• In September 2024, Zebra Technologies Corporation launched three new solutions designed to enhance retail and warehouse operations: the Zebra Kiosk System, Workcloud Actionable Intelligence 7.0, and the ET60W/ET65W rugged Windows tablets. The launches were announced at the company’s annual ZONE customer conference in Las Vegas and will be showcased at ZONE EMEA in Birmingham. The new solutions, leveraging AI, cloud, and machine learning, aim to improve inventory management, task efficiency, and employee engagement. Zebra also expanded its integrated hardware and software portfolio to further optimize modern retail workflows.
• In March 2024, BGE launched a funding call to support the development of DNA-barcoding reference libraries across Europe and selected six standout projects from over seventy applications. The chosen initiatives include contributions from institutions in Italy, Georgia, Finland, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Slovenia, reflecting strong interest and diverse approaches to advancing species identification through DNA barcoding.

Key Market Players

• Eurofins Genomics
• CD Genomics
• BIOSERVE
• Illumina, Inc.
• PacBio
• Oxford Nanopore Technologies
• AllGenetics & Biology SL
• 1st BASE
• Bento Bioworks Ltd
• Genetika Science

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global DNA Barcoding Services Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• DNA Barcoding Services Market, By Type:

o   Plant DNA Barcoding Services

o   Animal DNA Barcoding Services

o   Microbial DNA Barcoding Services

• DNA Barcoding Services Market, By Method:

o   Sanger Sequencing

o   Short Read Sequencing

o   Long Read Sequencing

• DNA Barcoding Services Market, By Application:

o   Pathogen Identification and Monitoring

o   Product Authentication and Quality Control

o   Biodiversity and Conservation Monitoring

o   Forensic and Legal Investigations

o   Others

• DNA Barcoding Services Market, By End Use:

o   Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

o   Agriculture and Food Industry

o   Academic & Research Institutes

o   Others

• DNA Barcoding Services Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global DNA Barcoding Services Market.

Available Customizations:

Global DNA Barcoding Services Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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