| Bar Code Information from the Uniform Code Council FAQs About UPC Bar Codes
My company needs to bar code its products, what do I need to do?
You will need to complete an application for Full Membership. The
application can be completed on our web site at
https://catalog.webec.uc-council.org/application/
How much is the Membership Fee?
The fee is determined by the information you provide about your company on
the online application. Two of the key factors that are considered are
gross sales volume/revenue and numbering capacity needs. We suggest you complete
the application to obtain your company's membership fee at
https://catalog.webec.uc-council.org/application/. You then have the choice
to continue with payment at that time, or use your ID and Password to
continue at a later date.
Is this an annual or one-time fee?
The initial fee covers the first year of membership in the Uniform Code
Council. The fee is due at the time that you submit your application. To
continue your UCC membership, payment of an annual membership renewal is
required. By maintaining your membership you will have authorization to
continue the use of the UCC Company Prefix and access to bar code and
electronic commerce standards and guidelines.
How much is the annual renewal fee?
The membership renewal fee is based on your company's numbering
requirements. We suggest you complete the online application to obtain your
company's renewal fee.
How long does it take to process my application?
Once we have the completed application and the appropriate fee, the normal
processing time is up to 5 business days. Your membership kit is then sent
to you.
Is there a way we can get the number faster?
There is an option on the application to request priority shipping. This
means your kit will ship overnight delivery once the application has been
processed. (See question above for processing time) To be fair to all
applicants, the UCC processes applications in the order they are received.
Do you also send me the bar codes?
The UCC does not produce bar codes. Once you receive the UCC Company Prefix
from us, you assign your Item Reference Numbers. You would then have the
bar codes produced by a bar code provider or compositor that has bar coding
software.
Does my company have to pay you a fee for each product?
No, the UCC Company Prefix you will receive will allow you to assign many
unique Item Reference Numbers for your different trade items (products).
The UCC only maintains the UCC Company Prefix portion of the UCC-12 (U.P.C.).
How do I assign my numbers (Item Reference)?
Each product is defined by a unique set of numbers, referred to as the Item
Reference Number. Do not use any logic or number patterns for the number
assignment.
Do I need to register my products with you?
No, the Item Reference Numbers that you assign are maintained within your
company. They are not registered with the UCC. You will need to
communicate
the information to your trading partners.
What is EDI? Should I apply for it now?
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is a method of sending and receiving
specific electronic message documents (such as invoices, purchase orders,
order adjustments, etc.) from one computer to another computer. If your
trading partner requests communication using EDI, they will advise you which
standards they would prefer you to use. You can always request an EDI
Communications Identification Number at a later date. For more information
on EDI, please visit our web site: http://www.uc-council.org/
Number Assignment Questions
How do I get the check digits on the outside of the bars?
Can I make them up?
Only the number on the far right side of the symbol is the check digit. It
is based on a mathematical formula. Generally the software that creates the
bar code will calculate the check digit. There is also a check digit
calculator on the UCC web site at http://www.uc-council.org/checkdig.htm
Can I change the numbers at any time?
Each company controls the assignment of UCC-12 numbers to its products. The
assigned numbers should not be arbitrarily changed, but changed in
accordance
with the UCC-12 Guidelines Manual. The UCC-12 Guidelines Manual provides
more
detail on number assignment and use and is available through the UCC
Solutions Center. Access to the online UCC Solutions Center is provided to
UCC members as a benefit of membership
General Questions
What colors can I use to print my bar codes?
We don't recommend printing the bar codes in any specific colors. However,
we do suggest that you print dark bars against a light background. The
goal
is to have as much contrast as possible between the bars and the
background.
This is why you will normally see black bars and a white background. It is
recommended not to use red bar codes (scanners cannot read red hues).
Membership Application
Applications for UPC Codes/UCC Membership must be done online.
https://catalog.webec.uc-council.org/application/
© 2002 Uniform Code Council, Inc.
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