Question #1: What is a U.P.C. (Universal Product Code) number ?
The Universal Product Code number is a unique 12 digit number. Three distinct groups of numbers comprise the 12 digit U.P.C.:
Company Prefix - the Uniform Code Council (Uniform Code Council)is responsible for the accurate assignment and annual licensure of a 6 or 8 digit Company Prefix. This Prefix is for the exclusive use of the company to whom it is assigned.
The Item Reference Number – the next group of numbers is assigned and managed by the Company Prefix holder to uniquely identify each product or service
The Check Digit – a single digit needed by the scanner to ensure that the complete number has been correctly composed.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Databases will be required to house 14-digit product codes beginning January 1, 2005
Question #2:What is a U.P.C. bar code ?
A Bar Code, or U.P.C. symbol is a precise arrangement of parallel lines (bars) and spaces that vary in width to represent data. The number represented by the bar code symbol consists of three parts: Company Prefix, Item Reference Number and Check Digit.
Question #3:Can I use my U.P.C. outside North America ?
Yes. The U.P.C. number is part of the worldwide EAN/UCC numbering system. The EAN 13 digit data structure can accommodate a North American 12 digit U.P.C. by right justifying t he number and filling the leading position with a zero. Effective January 1, 2005, EAN numbers will also conform to the new 14-digit data structure.
Question #4:Does the U.P.C. number identify the country of origin of a product ?
No. The UPC number does not identify the country of origin of a product. The Company Prefix portion of a U.P.C. can identify which EAN/UCC member country as assigned the number for use.
Question #5:What is the nominal size of a U.P.C. bar code ?
The nominal size of a U.P.C. version A barcode is 100% with dimensions of 1.020" high and 1.469" wide.
Question #6:My product has an EAN bar code, can it be used in North America ?
North American retailers/distributors with scanners that can read a 13-digit EAN code, and have databases that can accommodate a 13-digit product code would be able to transact both EAN-coded and U.P.C.-coded products with equal ease.
The introduction of the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) superset will encompass all existing product code structures in the universally compliant 14-digit numbering schema. All databases around the world will need to house 14-digit codes by January 1, 2005.
For more information contact the Uniform Code Council
Question #7: UPC labels are used on a wide variety of multicolored packages and labels. What color combinations can be used for successful scanning of UPC codes, other than black and white?
Successful barcode scanning relies on contrast between the bars and spaces, to be successfully detected by the barcode scanner. One example is shown below:
A broad array of acceptable combinations as well as unacceptable combinations may be viewed at Color SChemes for Barcode Labels.
It is very important to remember that these color schemes are primarily applicable for VISIBLE LIGHT scanners. The use of IR SCANNERS may change these combinations somewhat, particularly when a high carbon black ink is used, such as in TTR printing. The carbon black absorbs heavily in the IR range, allowing even "black on black" labels. For more information click on Security Labels.
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