UPC Code Frequently Asked Questions

UPC stands for Universal Product Code and is a standardized identifier. Technically, the term UPC Code is redundant, but it is commonly used when describing the UPC barcode on a product. A UPC consists of three components: a UPC prefix licensed to individual brands, an item number, and a calculated check digit (12th digit). As the name implies, a UPC is accepted by retailers and marketplaces around the globe. The UPC is part of the GS1 global standard of identification.

A barcode is simply a non-human-readable symbol used to convey data.

GTIN describes a family of GS1 (formerly EAN.UCC) global data structures that employ 14 digits and can be encoded into various types of data carriers. For additional information, visit GTIN.info.

Although many companies, and even GS1, use the term “barcode” as synonymous with UPC, they are completely separate. A barcode is graphic symbol made up of bar and space patterns. There are numerous types of barcode languages (symbologies) . A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a standardized 12-digit numeric identifier to represent items (products). The UPC data is technically encoded in a barcode language called, UPC-A. The barcode is essentially a data carrier and UPC is a formatted data string used to represent trade items.

A QR Code is a 2-dimensional symbol that can encode variable types of information. Aside from basic alphanumeric data, web addresses and formatted data can also be represented by a QR Code. A UPC barcode is a linear barcode image encoding a 12-digit UPC (GTIN)..

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. Although there are unscrupulous companies advertising discounted UPCs (i.e. $5 each), companies should get UPCs (GTINs) licensed directly from the GS1 standards agency. To correctly obtain the license and actual barcodes, please visit www.barcode-us.com .

There are many free online barcode generators that can create low-resolution files IF you already have a licensed GTIN. Companies need to license their own company prefix and/or GTINs and there are GS1 licensing fees.

No. Companies should never assign their own UPC codes. Unique identification is the core principle of the GS1 system and assigning your own GTINs could overlap with another company’s licensed GTIN. This is exactly why Amazon and other retailers validate UPC company prefix ownership when onboarding suppliers.

If you are selling your products on your website or in direct-to-consumer environments, you may not need a UPC. Most online marketplaces and retailers require UPCs on their products.

Most online marketplaces require UPC ()GTIN) identifiers. Even though they may not scan physical barcodes. their systems rely on the unique identifiers for efficient supply chain and delivery processes.

UPC (GTIN) identification is used by a variety of industries and in some cases there may be minor alterations and requirements associated with barcode marking. For example, certain states have specific requirements for expanded product data for CBD products.

The company prefix uniquely identifies your company and is used in other barcode marking and communication requirements for most retailers. Every company using the UPC system should use its own prefix to avoid compliance fees from retailers.

Every unique item requires an individual item number. GS1 recommends that companies do not put logic into their number assignment but rather use serial numbers to guarantee uniqueness.

It is very common for companies to license additional Company Prefixes when they need additional GTINs. There is an option during the GS1 application process where companies can request to license an additional Company Prefix.

The 12th digit of a GTIN-12 (UPC-12) is called a check digit. This is a mathematically calculated (mod 10) number based on the preceding 11 digits. The purpose of the UPC check digit is to prevent substitution errors. Since unique identification is the cornerstone to the GS1 system, it would be better to have a barcode not scan than scan an incorrect number. The check digit is a safeguard to prevent a misread of data.

Aside from assigning company prefixes, the GS1 creates global standards for item and logistical barcoding. The GS1 General Specification covers all the rules for allocating numbers. As of January 2019, GS1 guidelines do not allow for UPC (GTIN) reuse. Click Here To Learn More.

GTIN.cloud is the online resource in which manufacturers upload and manage their UPC product data and images. The GTIN management function enables companies to assign and activate their GS1 GTINs, associate product data attributes, upload images, and create digital .eps barcode files. All entered UPC product data is personally validated by an assigned GS1 barcode consultant before UPC is published. UPC product data can be exported to other data resources, such as GS1 Data Hub, Amazon, and Google Merchant Center.

The Data Hub is a tool included with your GS1 membership and uses your GS1 Company Prefix (the number that uniquely identifies your company) to create GTINs to uniquely identify your products. For new members, GS1 US offers training webinars for the Data Hub for $79. Companies that use the GS1 Barcode Service are not required to purchase the webinar since UPC management and Data Hub uploads are included. Please call us at 800-662-0701 x250 or visit GS1 Barcode Service.

EPS is a file in vector format that has been designed to produce high-resolution graphics exclusively for print. EPS files essentially contain a series of instructions for how a printer should reproduce an image at the maximum resolution. These files are in the print industry standard format and can be imported or inserted with most graphic applications. Although they are the best format for barcode images to be printed, EPS files cannot be used for web graphics. Conversely, web graphics, such as PNG files, should not be used for print production. They are solely suited for online display and note that the Data Hub provides these file formats for reference only. For detailed information on various barcode file types, please visit Image File Formats.

Aside from assigning company prefixes, the GS1 creates the standards for item and logistical barcoding. The GS1 General Specification covers all the location guidelines for UPC/EAN marking. Access to this standard is included with your GS1 US membership.

The standard magnification for (100%) UPC symbols requires a total area of 1.46″ x 1.020″. UPC sizes can range between 80-200%. Symbols less than 80% (1.1875″ x .813″) may not be scannable by retailers.

Bar codes can be printed in colors other than black and white. The bars of a symbol should either be black or blue. Acceptable colors for space can be white, yellow, or red. Please refer to our Guidelines for Color Selection at UPC Color Guide.