What are UPC Codes?
As an Amazon seller, you must be already familiar with UPC codes for Amazon and their functions. Amazon requires its sellers to have UPC codes, which are unique product codes to list their products to sell. There is only one legitimate global UPC code manufacturer, which is GS1 or Global Standard 1. It is a non-profit organization that has set the global standards for supply chain barcodes. However, many people prefer to buy the codes for third parties due to affordability.
For those of you who are not familiar with UPC codes yet, here is everything you need to know about it.
The Definition of UPC Codes
UPC or Universal Product Code is widely used in the industry world, especially in Canada and the United States of America. Its standard line code is UPC-A that consists of a 1-digit system number at the beginning of the line code, 5-digit manufacturing number, 5-digit product number, and 1-digit check. The system number shows the use of one of the 10 system numbers that UPC have applied, which are:
∙ 0, 6, and 7 for regular UPC codes.
∙ 2 for products in stores.
∙ 3 for medicines and health equipment.
∙ 4 for items other than food.
∙ 5 for coupons and tickets.
∙ 1, 8, and 9 are still not used yet.
UPC codes are the original format for product barcodes. There are actually 2 major types of UPC codes, which are UPC-A and UPC-E. UPC-A is basically identical to UPC-E. However, UPC-E does not include 0s, which means you will not actually see the 0 in the barcode, only in the corresponding GTIN or Global Trade Item Number. Though other countries can scan and read UPC codes, most countries outside the US and Canada use EAN or European Article Numbers.
As supply and demand in Europe, Asia, and Australia increases, there is a need to differentiate each seller by location. GS1 then starts allocating custom prefixes to different GS1 member organizations. While certain prefixes identify GS1 branches where the prefixes are licensed, it does not necessarily have to determine where the products are manufactured. For example, there is a misconception that all barcode prefixes on American-made products will start with 0 or 1.
Where to Buy UPC Codes
As it is said before, GS1 is the only legitimate manufacturer for UPC codes for Amazon. But there are many third parties where you can buy cheaper UPC codes, such as Snap UPC. All codes that Snap UPC provides are from the GS1, making sure they are totally compliant with Amazon. They guarantee that all their codes will work on Amazon. They have helped thousands of businesses successfully sell on Amazon.
Snap UPC was founded back in the late 1990s before the UCC became the GS1. They became one of the earliest UPC sellers in the early 2000s since they had owned a lot of prefixes at that time. They promise to provide great services and great prices. If you want to purchase UPS codes for Amazon from Snap UPC, you can access their official website.
