Everything you need to know!
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.
12 digit number assigned in accordance with Section 4.2 GS1 General Specifications.
The graphic representation of a UPC Number formatted with different size black and white lines. (Section 5.2 GS1 General Specifications)
Last digit is calculated value referred to as the Check Digit.
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 scan UPC Symbols at check-out to lookup current price, and to deduct the item from inventory when purchased.
Distributors and 3rd party logistic providers (3PL) use GTINs to manage packaging hierarchy within their Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
E-Commerce platforms such as; Amazon, eBay, iTunes, Shopify, Square use UPC Numbers to index and maintain Item/Product Catalogs.
Get UPC barcodes from Order Barcodes, Inc. through our partnership with GS1 US!
GS1 US is the only source for UPC numbers (GTINs) that are globally recognized across any store or online platform. GTINs obtained from GS1 US are registered to your company as the brand owner, along with product information, which is publicly accessible through Verified by GS1
Supports growing product lines
Uniquely identifies locations (GLN)
Uniquely identifies products
Supports mixed cases and pallets
Supports coupon creation
Identifies medical devices and pharmaceutical products
Not sure how many UPCs you need? Use the Estimating Tool to determine how many UPCs are needed.
Starting at $250
$30 each
The GS1 US is a not-for-profit Standards Organization that develops and maintains global barcode standards and provides unique identifiers. UPCs obtained directly from the GS1 US will work at any retail store or online selling platform.
To review UPC Company & Product Information use the Verified by GS1 Tool. It’s simple:
As a GS1 US Channel Partner, Order Barcodes, Inc. offers direct access to GS1 identifiers, including Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs). These identifiers are essential for marketplace product listings and the generation of UPC barcodes to accurately label your products. Visit our GS1 US Channel Partner Page for more info.
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.
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.
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.
The UCC and EAN worked together launch the Global Data Synchronization Initiative (GDSN) which enabled UPC/EAN barcodes to work globally.
GS1 Global currently headquartered in Brussels, Belgium with 116 local member organizations and more than 2 million user companies.
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.
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.
This label size accommodates a 100% size UPC symbol accepted by all retailers globally who embrace the GS1 General Specifications.
This label size accommodates an 80% size UPC symbol and is accepted by most retailers.
The smallest size UPC label which adheres to the GS1 General Specifications.
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.
Select label size, material type, and layout options. Start your order now
Enter UPC number and confirm last (check) character (far right) matches. Enter label quantity and. description/s.
Calculate freight and delivery options, provide contact information, enter payment information and Confirm Order!
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