What is a UPC Code?

Universal Product Code (UPC) is a unique product identification number that is used to identify products as they are scanned through the supply chain and sales process.

How to get a UPC (Universal Product Code) for your product

Many times getting started is always the most confusing, but these next few paragraphs will provide a good starting block for you to get UPC’s and barcodes for your products, whether you need it for a book, movie, technology product, or software.

In order to obtain a barcode for your product you must register with GS1, a U.S. implementation organization for standardization (The Uniform Code Council). To register visit their website and fill out the online application. They will supply you with a unique GS1 Company Prefix (formerly EAN.CC System), this is the company prefix that will be used to build your barcodes. The entire process normally takes up to five business days and once you receive your unique prefix you can begin printing UPC labels for your products.

What do the numbers mean?

Several prefixes to be familiar with:

The GS1 Company Prefix is a globally unique, seven- to eleven-digit number licensed to a company by GS1 US. Company Prefixes vary in length to meet the needs of GS1 members. The GS1 Company Prefix is used as a unique foundation to create the identification numbers of the GS1 System.

The Legal Entity GLN is automatically assigned to identify a company/organization by GS1 US. A Global Location Number (GLN) identifies legal entities (such as a company/organization, subsidiary, or division), functional entities (such as accounting departments or return departments), and physical locations (such as a store, hospital, or warehouse).

The U.P.C. Company Prefix is provided to support the creation of U.P.C. barcodes. A U.P.C. Company Prefix is a special representation of the assigned GS1 Company Prefix. The U.P.C. Company Prefix is created by removing the leading "0" digit from the GS1 Company Prefix. Only companies/organizations assigned GS1 Company Prefixes beginning with a "0" may create U.P.C.'s.

How much does being a member cost:

The cost of being a member is determined by the number of unique UPC’s required and gross sales revenue. The minimum cost is $750 per year, plus an annual license renewal of $150. For more information