Universal Product Codes, or UPCs, are the 12-digit numbers that appear under the barcodes on many products. Master Tape Printers can print UPC barcodes, but only after you have already obtained the code.
Obtaining a UPC
UPCs are given out by GS1 US, a nonprofit group that sets standards for international business. You can obtain a UPC by becoming a member of the group.
GS1 membership requires an initial fee, as well as an annual renewal fee. The cost is determined by the number of different products for which you will need barcodes. GS1 US includes a downloadable Barcode Estimator to help you determine the number of barcodes that you will need and the cost of your membership.
After a company joins GS1 US, they are given a unique company prefix number, which is licensed only for your company’s use. This number will appear as the first part of the UPC.
The second part of the UPC barcode is known as the “Item Reference Number” and is assigned by the manufacturer. Each unique item must have its own reference number.
The last number in the UPC is the “Check Digit.” It is calculated from the company prefix number and the item reference number. During checkout, scanners use the check digit to determine if the item was scanned correctly.