Four Easy Steps for Obtaining a UPC Barcode

In today’s global marketplace, most retailers and wholesalers require a unique identifier be assigned for every product. Unlike a supplier’s proprietary part number, the required identifier needs to be globally unique and adhere to a world wide standard. In the United States , this product identifier is the UPC number (GTIN-12.) A UPC number consists of two components: a U.P.C. Company Prefix and a Product Number. The U.P.C. Company Prefix is assigned by a not-for-profit organization, GS1 US.

Aside from managing the database of company prefixes, the GS1 is responsible for the establishment and implementation of global commerce standards for markings and communication. This informational website is furnished by Bar Code Graphics and its provides direction about the numbering and bar code requirements for retail suppliers.

Obtaining a barcode for your product is an easy four-step process:

• Step One: Apply for a GS1 Company Prefix.
• Step Two: Assign a unique product number.
• Step Three: Determine how your product will display barcode.
• Step Four: Order your barcodes.

Go to First Step: Obtain a GS1 Company Prefix