UPC Number and UPC Barcode FAQ

6 questions

UPC Numbers

Do I need a UPC number?

If you sell products to a distributor or a retailer, you will typically need a UPC barcode.

How do I get a UPC number?

UPC codes are obtained through GS1 (formerly the Uniform Code Council). You can apply for a GS1 Company Prefix at gs1us.org.

How much does a UPC number cost?

GS1 US offers pricing tiers starting around $250 for an initial prefix, plus annual renewal fees.

What is a UPC barcode?

UPC stands for Universal Product Code. UPC-A barcodes are 12 digits long and are the standard format in North America.

Can I print my own UPC barcodes?

Yes. Once you have your UPC number, you will need barcode label design software to create and print labels.

How does a UPC number relate to a barcode?

A UPC number is the 12-digit identification number. The barcode is the visual representation that encodes that number so it can be scanned.

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