Solution for Small Companies: License GS1 Single GTINs
Up until recently, the GS1 global standards required every company to license their own UPC Company Prefix. Your company prefix essentially identifies you as the manufacturer throughout the entire product supply chain. Companies were required to automatically license a prefix for a minimum of 10 UPCs (GTINs). Smaller companies, with only a few products, were forced to pay a lot of money for UPCs they did not need. Consequently, GS1 finally offered a solution for small companies to license single GTINs which still reflect their company in the supply chain, without licensing a UPC Company Prefix.
- Economical Solution
Let’s chat about what you’re looking to build and see if our team is a good fit for the project. - No Renewal Fees!
We’ll take a look at all the details of your project and discuss how to split up the work on our team. - Immediate Delivery
We’ll work with you the entire way, from wireframes to walking you through live code previews. - Brand Identification in Global Databases
Both a brand and product description are identified in the GS1 Global Database so retailers/marketplaces, such as Amazon, can verify ownership..
UPCs with Company Prefix vs. GS1 Single UPCs
A unique GS1 (UPC) Company Prefix is the building block for most companies to assign UPCs to their products. Unlike arbitrarily assigned individual GS1 US UPCs (above), the UPCs available with licensed Company Prefix all begin with the same beginning numbers.
Unique UPC Company Prefix only identifies only your company
Carton and logistical packaging levels are associated with a Company Prefix
Both Company Prefix and GTINs designated in global databases
Certain industries, product types, trading partners, and applications require a brand licensed UPC Company Prefix and single GS1 US UPC barcodes should not be used. The following are a few examples;
- Medical devices and pharmaceutical products
- Variable measure products (i.e. produce, wholesale ingredients)
- Coupon Use – The GS1 Databar Coupon barcode requires brand-specific Company Prefix
- Products packed in mixed cases – Certain industries and retailers require suppliers to pack multiple product types in inner/outer packaging – Click Here For More Information
GS1 US UPC Barcodes- FAQs
What is the real significance of a GS1 Company Prefix?
The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) identification system is built on a foundation of unique company identifiers assigned to individual businesses. GS1 Global serves as the international standards organization responsible for overseeing the numbering protocols and guidelines for comprehensive product identification. GS1 maintains a network of local offices in more than 104 countries worldwide. These offices primarily function to license GS1 Company Prefixes to businesses operating within their respective territories. In the United States, this role is fulfilled by GS1 US. The distinctive nature of these brand-specific GS1 Company Prefixes ensures that products can be universally accepted and recognized throughout global markets and supply chains.
Can a company begin with single GS1 UPCs and later license a GS1 Company Prefix, if needed?
This is quite common and the new standards management portal enables companies to now mix different types of GTIN assignments. Your GS1 Barcode Consultant can assist with determining the most economical strategy to meet your company’s needs.
What is the process to obtain single GS1 GTIN barcodes?
After creating your GTIN.cloud account at BARCODE US, you will be directed to the specific licensing application for the GS1 GTIN. Upon checkout, you will be provided your assigned GTINs which you will then add to the GTIN.cloud UPC management portal. On this platform, you will enter the product description and data, plus create your print ready .eps barcode file. The digital barcode file should be then provided to your package or label printer.
Next Step: Enter Data & Create Barcodes on GTIN.cloud
Placing Barcodes on Products
UPC Tutorial Videos
