Abstract: A barcode imaging apparatus having a source of electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength outside of the visible spectrum and an image acquisition device sensitive to that wavelength. An image of a barcode to be read is acquired at the non-visible wavelength and processed to extract information coded in the barcode. The non-visible radiation may be Infra Red radiation. Images may additionally be acquired at visible wavelengths. The source of radiation may be cycled on and off. A method of reading barcodes comprising the steps of illuminating a barcode to be read with radiation of non-visible wavelength and acquiring an image of the barcode at that wavelength.