The Retail industry typically uses a UCC-12 bar code, formally known as a UPC bar code. The UCC-12 is a member of a family of barcode sysmbols known as EAN/UPC. The UCC-12 Version A and UCC-12 Version E symbols, when scanned outside of North America, are scanned with an implicit leading 0 (zero). This makes the UCC-12 Version A and Version E symbols fully compatible with EAN/UCC symbols and scannable by scanners utilizing the EAN/UCC system. To learn more about the UCC-12 click here.
Version A, or the reuglar version, is used to encode a 12 digit number. Depending on the size and needs of your company your manufacturer's id may be longer than six digits. The extra digits are taken from the item number. Here's how the UCC-12 breaks down:
ex. 1 23456 78901 2 (Pictured above)
1 - Number System Character, which becomes part of the manufacturer ID number
123456 - Manufacturer ID Number
78901 - Item Number
2 - Check Digit
To obtain an UCC-12 call or write:
| Uniform Code Council, Inc.. 7887 Washington Village Dr, Suite 300 Dayton, OH 45459 |
Phone: | (937) 435-3870 | Fax: | (937) 435-7317 |
| or visit them at UC-Council.org | ||||
I have my U.P.C. Now what?
Swing Labels can turn your 12 digit UCC-12 number into a bar code. Once your UCC-12 bar code is calculated there are three ways to use your new bar code. Bar codes can be supplied as Labels, Digital Files and/or Film Negatives.
Labels - Labels are generally used when your product is complete and you need to have a barcode affixed to your item. Labels are supplied on a roll, 2" x 1", white, matte finish, permanent adhesive, 1 up on a 3" core.
Digital File - Files to be imported into an existing computer document for your product artwork and has yet to be sent to the printer. Files are generly EPS or TIF format. Files can either be sent by mail on a 3½" floppy diskette/CD-ROM and/or sent via e-mail.
Film Negative - Typically done when your product artwork is at the printers. This is a sheet (film) with a reverse image of your barcode. Any questions reguarding this process should be addressed to your printer.
Download a UCC-12 order form here.