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UPC Barcodes

Everything you need to know!

What is a UPC Barcode?

UPC stands for Universal Product Code. It is a 12 digit identifier for any trade item which can be purchased and sold. Each variation of a trade item, including additional sizes and colors, requires a unique UPC.

UPC Number

12 digit number assigned in accordance with Section 4.2 GS1 General Specifications.

UPC Symbol

The graphic representation of a UPC Number formatted with different size black and white lines. (Section 5.2 GS1 General Specifications)

Check Digit

Last digit is calculated value referred to as the Check Digit.

Common UPC Uses

UPC Barcodes enable global commerce by serving as a common language for all types of trade items, used by different companies, in a variety of ways.

Retailers

Retailers scan UPC Symbols at check-out to lookup current price, and to deduct the item from inventory when purchased.

Distributors and 3PL

Distributors and 3rd party logistic providers (3PL) use GTINs to manage packaging hierarchy within their Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

E-Commerce Platforms

E-Commerce platforms such as; Amazon, eBay, iTunes, Shopify, Square use UPC Numbers to index and maintain Item/Product Catalogs.

How to Obtain a UPC Number

UPC Numbers can be obtained directly from the GS1 US or assigned internally.
Use table below to choose the best option.

UPC used for: GS1-US Internally Assigned
Items being sold by large national retailer such as; Walmart, Kroger, The Home Depot, Amazon, Target and JC Penney.
UPCs to be used by Amazon Vendor Central or Amazon Seller Central.
UPC Number registered with the GS1 US and available to retailers and trading partners via Verified by GS1.
Items being sold by local stores and small regional retailers.
Items being sold to a distributor.
iTunes, CDs or music titles.
Items being sold on your own website, or used internally to support accounting or internal POS system (QBO, Square, Shopify).
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Global Standards Organization (GS1 US)

The GS1 US is a not-for-profit Standards Organization that maintains Global Barcode Specifications and provides unique identifiers. The GS1 US offers single UPC barcodes and blocks of UPCs depending on how many are needed.

Benefits of using Global Standards Organization (GS1 US)

  • UPC Numbers obtained directly from the GS1 US are acceptable at any retailer in the world.
  • UPCs issued by GS1 US are registered to your company and cannot be used by anyone else.
  • UPCs assigned and maintained by the GS1 are available for ownership authentication using Verified by GS1.
  • Your company is a member of the GS1 and will be notified of changes to barcode standards which may impact the use of your barcodes.

Internally Assigned UPC Numbers

UPC-12 Numbers with a 4 as the first digit, are internally assigned, and can only be used internally within the organization that assigned it. Some retailers such as Costco assign UPCs which begin with a 4 for their own private brand items such as Kirkwood which is exclusively sold by Costco.

Internally assigned UPC Numbers can only be used within an organization's own supply chain.

Benefits of using Internally Assigned UPC Numbers

  • Zero Cost which means you can assign UPCs for all SKUs

Disadvantages of using Internally Assigned UPC Numbers

  • They are only valid for use within your own supply chain, and cannot be used by other stores, or distributors. Do not use internally assigned UPCs outside of your organization

We’re always here to help!

Order Barcodes has been working with barcode standards since 1990 and has helped thousands of companies and organizations with selecting the best source to obtain UPC numbers for their needs. Our team includes certified Barcode Consultants and Standards Professionals with extensive experience.

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What's the Difference Between a GTIN and a UPC?

The term Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) refers to a Family of GTIN Data Structures used to identify a trade item, or case of trade items. The term was introduced as part of the Sunrise 2005 GTIN Initiative.

Timeline & Background

  • 1974

    The Uniform Code Council (UCC) started issuing 12 digit UPC barcode numbers to companies in the United States for use in retail stores. The UCC was located in Dayton, OH.

  • 1976

    The European Article Numbering Organization (EAN) started issuing 13 digit EAN barcodes numbers to 12 founding member countries outside of the USA. The EAN HQ was located in Brussels, Belgium.

  • 2004

    The UCC and EAN worked together launch the Global Data Synchronization Initiative (GDSN) which enabled UPC/EAN barcodes to work globally.

  • Current

    GS1 Global currently headquartered in Brussels, Belgium with 116 local member organizations and more than 2 million user companies.

Sunrise 2005 GTIN Initiative: Key Changes

Introduced Universal Terms

  • Trade Item - Any product or service upon which there is a need to retrieve pre-defined information and that may be priced or ordered or invoiced at any point in any supply chain
  • Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) was the new term for the 14-digit data structure to uniquely identify trade items within the EAN\UCC system. This was a new term only, not a standards change.

Global Standards updated to represent a GTIN in a 14-digit database field:

  • A common database length was necessary to support global commerce and different levels of packaging.
  • Create 14 digits by adding zeroes to the front of GTIN data structures which contain only 8-digits, 12-digits or 13-digits. See example.

Variable length GS1 Company Prefixes became available (7 - 11 digits).

  • The Uniform Code Council initially issued all members a six digit UPC Company Prefix Number which would serve as their own prefix to their UPC.
  • Expanding to multiple length prefixes exponentially increased the number of available GTINs which can be assigned.
Example & Review
  • UPC-12
  • =
  • GTIN-12

GTINs are 14 digit when stored in a database. To store a UPC in a GTIN data field, add 00 to beginning of UPC-12 to make 14 digits.

To learn more, download the GTIN Review Deck from Uniform Code Council, Inc.

DOWNLOAD

Contact us for assistance with all your UPC barcoding needs.
We are barcode standards experts!

What's the best label size for a UPC barcode?

The best label size is determined by the size and shape of item, and who requires the UPC barcode on each item.

Retailers and distributors use UPC barcodes to support their own scanning needs, consequently we suggest checking with your trading partners to determine if they have specific UPC sizing requirements. 

  • Ideal UPC Label Size

    1.625" x 1.25"

    This label size accommodates a 100% size UPC symbol accepted by all retailers globally who embrace the GS1 General Specifications.

    Labels Printed on Rolls
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  • Most Popular UPC Label Size

    1.5" x 1.0"

    This label size accommodates an 80% size UPC symbol and is accepted by most retailers.

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  • Smallest UPC Label Size

    1.25" x 0.5"

    The smallest size UPC label which adheres to the GS1 General Specifications.

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All UPC labels offered by Order Barcodes, Inc. adhere to the GS1 General Specifications.
Looking for more label sizes and material options?
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Placing an Order for Labels

No Artwork or barcode file needed!

To place an order for UPC labels from Order Barcodes, Inc., only a UPC Number is required. Our digital printing systems eliminate the need for barcode artwork, and generates perfect barcode images during the print production process.

3 Steps to place an online order

  • Select Your Label Options

    Select label size, material type, and layout options. Start your order now

  • Provide Necessary Label Data

    Enter UPC number and confirm last (check) character (far right) matches. Enter label quantity and. description/s.

  • Go Thru Checkout Process

    Calculate freight and delivery options, provide contact information, enter payment information and Confirm Order!

After order is placed, a press ready proof will be created for approval prior to printing.

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