UPC (Universal Product Code)

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UPC (Universal Product Code)

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UPC-A

UPC-A + EAN 2

UPC-A + EAN 5

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BCT_UPCA

BCT_UPCA_2

BCT_UPCA_5

 

UPC-E

UPC-E + EAN 2

UPC-E + EAN 5

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BCT_UPCE

BCT_UPCE_2

BCT_UPCE_5

 

Field of Application

Similar to the EAN-Codes the UPC codes are used for the unambiguous identification of articles with a country-wide uniquely article number, the Universal Product Code. Though its use is almost restricted to the USA, sometimes you will find products labeled with UPC codes in Europe.

The UPC-A Code is the normal 12-digit version of the UPC-Codes and is similar to the EAN-13 Code.

The UPC-E Code is the smaller 8-digit variation and is similar to the EAN-8 code. The UPC-E code only offers 6 usable digits, since the first digit is always a zero.

 

Charset / Number of Characters

The charset for all UPC barcodes is limited to the digits 0..9. The number of digits is fixed:

UPC-A: 11 digits + 1 checkdigit

UPC-E: 1 system digit '0' + 6 digits + 1 checkdigit

 

Checkdigit

A checkdigit is required and is also included in the label. The barcode library can generate it automatically.

 

Special Rules

•Labels are required and contain the checkdigit. The label's font has to be OCR-B. Such a font is not shipped with Windows, nor with VPE.

•In no case UPC-Barcodes may be used on product packages without being officially assigned. For other internal purposes you can use the intended prefix (see below).

 

Notes

The UPC Numbering System

Prefix Codes: the first digit of the UPC-A code is a prefix to identify the meaning of the remaining digits:

Prefix Codes for UPC-A

0

Regular UPC-Article Number

1

Reserved (possibly for later use)

2

Products, which are charged for by weight, e.g. meat or natural products.
The barcode is created immediately in the shop and the product is labeled with it.

3

National Drug Code (NDC) and National Health Related Items Code (HRI)

4

UPC Code, which may be used without format restrictions

5

Coupon

6

Regular UPC-Article Number

7

Regular UPC-Article Number

8

Reserved (possibly for later use)

9

Reserved (possibly for later use)

 

 

Structure of the UPC Article Number

1

Prefix Code

2 - 6

Manufacturer of the product (UPC ID Number).
The ID-Numbers are assigned by the
Uniform Code Council (UUC)
7051 Corporate Way - Suite 201
Dayton, OH 45359-4292
USA

7 - 11

Article Number assigned by manufacturer

12

Checkdigit