Integrated Business Communications Alliance
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: U.P.C. Numbers Question: What is a U.P.C. Number? Answer: U.P.C. stands for the Universal Product Code. A U.P.C. number is used to identify a single product, and is twelve digits in length. These twelve digits consist of a 6 digit manufacturer identification number, followed by a five digit item number, followed by a one digit calculated check digit.  The manufacturer identification number is obtained by each manufacturer from the Uniform Code Council (UCC) in Dayton, Ohio. To apply for a manufacturer ID number, or to verify your existing number, contact the UCC directly at (800) 543-8137. Item numbers are assigned by each manufacturer to each unique product. These must be all-numeric (no alpha characters) and 5 digits in length. Some manufacturers choose to randomly assign these numbers, by starting at "00001" and incrementing by 1 for each item. Others prefer to assign some intelligence to the numbers, but this is not recommended. The calculated check digit is the twelfth and final digit in the U.P.C. code. It is calculated based on a specific algorithm, and is necessary to ensure that no errors exist in the bar code.
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IBCA Phone: 215.489.1722 Email: kelleyt@quadii.com |