How to Register a UPC Code (2024)

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In today’s global marketplace, most retailers and wholesalers require a unique identifier be assigned for every product.

Unlike a supplier’s proprietary part number, the required identifier needs to be globally unique and adhere to a world wide standard. In the United States , this product identifier is the UPC number.

A UPC number consists of two components: a Company Prefix and a Product Number. The Company Prefix is assigned by a not-for-profit organization, GS1 US (formerly the Uniform Code Council.)

Aside from managing the database of company prefixes, the GS1 is responsible for the establishment and implementation of global commerce standards for markings and communication.

UPC Code Registration Steps

Step One: Apply for a company prefix.

Step Two: Assign a unique product number.

Step Three: Determine how your product will display barcode.

Step Four: Order your barcodes.

Clickhereto get started.

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How to Register a UPC Code (2024)

FAQs

How to Register a UPC Code? ›

We recommend after purchasing you register your UPC codes at the vendor you first plan to sell. For example, with Amazon, you can do so following the instructions here.

How much does it cost to register an UPC? ›

How much do the UPC codes cost?
Number of Items in Need of UPC CodeInitial FeeYearly Renewal Fee
1$30None
10$250$50
100$750$150
1,000$2500$500
3 more rows

Do UPC codes have to be registered? ›

We recommend after purchasing you register your UPC codes at the vendor you first plan to sell. For example, with Amazon, you can do so following the instructions here.

How do I create my own UPC code? ›

Visit GS1 US Data Hub® at dh.gs1us.org, then click “Product,” then “Add New Product”:
  1. Enter Product Data: Follow the steps on the screen. ...
  2. Assign a GTIN: After you click Save and Continue, you can click Let Us Assign Your GTIN. ...
  3. Download the Barcode: Click View Barcode to generate the UPC-A barcode image.

How do I apply for a UPC code? ›

Step 1: Estimate how many barcodes your company needs. Step 2: Apply at www.barcode-us.com & license a U.P.C Company Prefix /GTINs. Step 3: Utilize your GTIN. cloud® account to assign unique product numbers.

Can I just make up a UPC? ›

It's a "universal" product code, used to identify the same, identical item, all around the world. If an item that you wish to sell does not have a UPC, there is no advantage to adding your own made-up UPC number, unless you have previously registered that UPC number with the proper registration authorities.

Do UPC codes expire? ›

No, when GS1 assigns UPC codes, they stay yours for life. However, the same code cannot be used for different items, so when a product is discontinued, so should be its UPC code. If a manufacturer does not pay GS1 renewal fees, retailers may run into problems when checking the validity of the codes.

Can you sell a product without a UPC? ›

If the product you want to sell is your own private label brand, a generic no-brand name product, or a handmade product, you can apply for a GTIN exemption. If you are selling another brands product that does not have a UPC, you may also apply, with the brands approval.

Can 2 products have the same UPC? ›

No, each product or item should have a unique barcode assigned to it. A barcode is a unique identifier that is used to track and identify products in a retail or inventory management system. Barcodes are designed to be unique for each product to ensure accurate tracking, inventory management, and sales data collection.

How long is UPC code valid? ›

You can generate a Unique Porting Code (UPC) by sending an SMS: PORT(Space)Mobile Number to 1900. You will receive the code via SMS from 1901. Please note that the code is valid only for 4 days.

Can I print my own UPC labels? ›

Create UPCs, EANs, and more for your business instantly with our online barcode generator. Download and print your barcode image on a desktop or thermal label printer. Enter your barcode data, and we'll do the rest! This tool is great for generating individual barcode images.

Do I need an UPC to sell on Amazon? ›

While Amazon requires a UPC (or other product identifiers) to create a listing, technically, you don't need to have the UPC barcode printed on your product packaging to sell it on Amazon.

What is the difference between a UPC and a barcode? ›

The UPC on a product typically appears adjacent to its bar code, the machine-readable representation of the UPC. A barcode (also bar code) is an optical machine-readable representation of the UPC 12-digit number that can be reproduced onto merchandise and retail products.

How much does it cost to register a UPC? ›

GS1 US Identifier Pricing Schedule
Number of items needing a barcodeInitial feeAnnual renewal fee
1 – 10$250$50
1 – 100$750$150
1 – 1,000$2,500$500
1 – 10,000$6,500$1,300
2 more rows
Feb 3, 2021

Are UPC codes free? ›

UPC Barcodes and UPC Numbers require registration with the UCC, (Uniform Code Council). There is a fee to register your UPC code and the UCC provides these numbers. They cannot be made at random. For help finding any barcode software application, contact sales@barcodefactory.com.

Can I get an UPC code for free? ›

The Internet UPC Database is a storehouse of free UPC codes for a wide variety of products. It's a useful resource for locating hard-to-find codes. There are some caveats, however: Not all codes are included.

How much does it cost to put a barcode on a product? ›

The most cost-effective tier for a GS1 US GTIN is $30 for one barcode, with no renewal fee. This is a good option for businesses with just a handful of products. However, a few categories of products aren't eligible, so make sure to read the GS1 US GTIN page in full before purchasing.

What are the requirements for a UPC? ›

UPC Sizing Requirements

The nominal size of a UPC is 100% magnification factor or 1.469 inches wide (from the far left-hand side number to the far right-hand side number) by 1.02 inches tall (from the top of the bar code to the bottom of the human-readable numbers).

Can you sell on Amazon without an UPC? ›

Do I need a UPC to sell on Amazon? The short answer is no. The long answer is it depends on the brand you want to sell or the category you want to sell in. If you sell a private-label or handmade product, you may be eligible for what's called a GTIN exemption.

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