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Did you know that each product variation you sell needs its own unique UPC code? Learning how to find UPC codes is a vital step to sell products in today's marketplace.

A t-shirt with three sizes and three colors needs 9 different product variations with 9 separate UPC codes. UPC barcodes work as unique product identifiers that streamline your sales process and inventory management.

Your first product launch or catalog expansion needs legitimate UPC codes without extra costs. Most businesses that make or sell physical goods will need UPC barcodes at some point. Many first-time sellers think they must buy directly from GS1, but that's not true.

This guide explains everything about getting UPC codes that work with retailers worldwide, including Amazon. You'll learn what UPC codes are, how to calculate your needs, where to find affordable options, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

What Are UPC Codes (and Why You Need Them to Sell Online)?

What Is a Universal Product Code (UPC)?

A Universal Product Code (UPC) is a standardized 12-digit identifier used to track products worldwide. Each UPC includes two parts: the machine-readable barcode and the human-readable number below it.

UPC vs EAN vs GTIN: What’s the Difference?

• GTIN: Global Trade Item Number—umbrella term covering all product identifiers.
• UPC: A 12-digit GTIN used mainly in North America.
• Barcode: The physical black-and-white bars that encode the GTIN/UPC.

Understanding the UPC Number Structure

• Number System Digit (industry type)
• Manufacturer/Company Prefix
• Product Item Number
• Check Digit

Each variation—size, color, style—requires its own UPC.

How to Get or Buy UPC Codes (Without GS1 Confusion)

How Do I Get a UPC Code for My Product?

You can get UPC codes through three main sources:

• Buy directly from GS1 (official standards organization)
• Purchase from a legitimate reseller like Bar Codes Talk
• Use marketplace-specific identifiers (in limited cases)

Do I Need to Buy UPC Codes from GS1?

No. Due to a 2002 class action settlement, authorized resellers can legally provide valid UPC codes originally issued by GS1/UCC. These work worldwide, including on Amazon.

How to Buy UPC Codes from Bar Codes Talk

1. Calculate how many UPCs you need
2. Add the quantity to your cart
3. Complete checkout

You receive an instant download after purchase.

Benefits of using Bar Codes Talk include:

• One-time payment
• No annual renewal fees
• Lifetime ownership
• Instant delivery
• Globally unique GS1-originated numbers

How Many UPC Codes Do You Really Need?

The rule is simple: Every product variation needs its own UPC.

Examples of variations:

• Color
• Size
• Packaging type
• Ingredients or formulation

Formula:

Number of UPCs = Number of products × Number of variations

It's smart to plan for future product updates and new variations.

How to Use, Print, and Verify Your UPC Barcodes

UPC Registration

You don’t usually need to register your UPC codes. Just assign them within your product catalog and maintain good internal records.

You or partners can confirm UPC data using GS1’s verification tools.

Printing & Placement Best Practices

• Use dark bars on a light background (black on white preferred)
• Maintain proper size ratios
• Place on flat, scannable areas

How to Verify Your Barcodes Work

• Scan with real barcode scanners
• Verify the printed number matches your assigned UPC
• Test from multiple angles

GS1’s database (formerly GEPIR) can confirm barcode accuracy.

How to Avoid Fake or Free UPC Codes

Amazon compares UPCs to the GS1 database. Invalid or fake codes may cause:

• Listing suppression
• Account flags
• Rejections for authenticity
• Expensive relabeling

Avoid sellers offering “free UPCs” or extremely cheap codes—they are almost always invalid or duplicated.

Why Bar Codes Talk Is a Safe Choice

Bar Codes Talk sells GS1-originated UPC codes issued before the 2002 GS1/UCC system update—these do not require renewal fees and remain compliant worldwide.

Get UPC Codes the Smart Way

Legitimate, GS1-issued UPCs don’t need to be expensive. Bar Codes Talk provides affordable, globally valid UPC codes without annual fees.

Start here: Bar Codes Talk Barcode Shop