UPC code is a commodity bar code formulated by the United States Uniform Coding Committee, which is mainly used in the United States and Canada. UPC code is the earliest large-scale bar code. Because of its wide application range, it is also called general bar code, which is widely used in international trade. UPC barcodes are also available in standard and shortened versions. The standard version consists of 12 digits, and the shortened version consists of 8 digits.

The coding structure of standard version UPC 12 is: system code (1 bit)+manufacturer code (5 bits)+commodity code (5 bits)+check code (1 bit).

2.EAN code (European commodity number)

EAN code is a commodity identification symbol based on UPC code. EAN code is a commercial bar code formulated by ean international (GS 1) and is widely used. The prefix interval assigned to China article coding center is 690-696, and then the enterprise code is uniformly assigned by China article coding center, and the product code is compiled by the manufacturer according to the regulations.

The coding structure of standard EAN 13 is: country code (2/3 digits)+manufacturer code (5/4 digits)+commodity code (5 digits)+check code (1 digit).

Because EAN code is formed on the basis of UPC code, technically, the photoelectric reader of EAN system can read the barcode of UPC system, but the photoelectric reader of UPC system can't read EAN code.

Extended data

In principle, UPC codes are applied by manufacturers to local coding centers to obtain unique codes. China's coding management organization is "China Article Coding Center". In addition, it can also be purchased through the BarCodesTalk website officially recommended by Amazon.

According to Amazon regulations, not all products need to submit UPC code. Only North American stations need UPC code, and European stations need EAN code. But even in the United States, not all products need to provide UPC codes. You need to use UPC code to add products. These categories are as follows:

Cameras and photos, electronic products, groceries, homes and gardens, offices? Products, pet products, software, video games.

Products and classifications that do not need to submit UPC codes mainly include: personal items, which are produced by factories of non-state registered companies; Small product parts and accessories with special functions; B2B retail goods in distribution stores; Custom-made goods. If you sell such products, you can apply to Amazon for exemption from uploading products using UPC code.

Although some special goods have UPC code exemption, basically all goods need UPC code to be put on the shelves. Whether a product needs to provide UPC code is subject to the existing regulations of Amazon website.