When most people inquire about how to get a barcode, they are referring to the UPC barcode commonly used on retail trade items. There are many different types of barcodes and identification standards. The UPC barcode is a globally unique identifier, which enables products to be tracked and sold worldwide.

BARCODE US (www.barcode-us.com) is the US authority for implementing UPC barcode identification. UPC standards and numbering are administered by the GS1 agency. Their role is to both create the global guidelines and manage the company prefixes assigned to companies to build the UPC data string.

Access to the GTIN.cloud portal is included in the GS1 Barcode Service, and companies use this tool to manage their UPC product data and create digital .eps barcode files. GS1 barcode consultants are assigned to members to help with assignments and validate entered product data.

---

Buyer Beware: Not All UPCs Available Online Are The Same

Please be advised that there are third-party companies on the internet that offer to sell single UPC bar codes for discount rates. Most of the main retailers will not accept their numbers since their supply chains are dependent on unique GS1 company prefixes. Quite simply, buying “upc barcodes” from any organization that does not license the UPCs in your company’s name, puts you at risk for acceptance by retailers. There may be smaller retailers and online marketplaces that do not require a unique GS1 company prefix. However, if you plan on someday selling to any larger retailer in the future, you do not want to have your products marked with UPC barcodes that may not be accepted.

Most retailers have a formal policy regarding accepting UPC barcodes that are directly licensed from GS1. The following list is just a small sampling of retailers who will only accept products with UPC barcodes and GS1 Company Prefixes assigned directly by GS1.

*The retailers listed have explicit instructions or guidelines on their supplier requirements. Most other retailers (small and large) simply request suppliers follow GS1 guidelines, and they are not aware of the damaging reseller market.

If you solely need a UPC for an online store (i.e.your website) and do not fully understand the benefit of using UPC barcodes with a unique GS1 Company Prefix, please call Bar Code Graphics at 800-662-0701 to discuss your options.