Q&A for How to Register a UPC Code

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Can I purchase a company UPC code and add my own product codes and reproduce the labels myself?

Jessi Dunbar

Community Answer

Yes, many people choose to do this. When acquiring codes through GS1, you will be given a company prefix. Then you are able to generate codes from that prefix and produce labels using a barcode label maker.

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Question

I purchased UPC codes, how do I register them?

Jessi Dunbar

Community Answer

You can register them on many online databases like DataKick or GTINlookup. However registration of the codes is not always necessary. What is important is that your codes are associated with your products in the systems used by your retailers.

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Question

Do I need a different barcode for each size?

Jessi Dunbar

Community Answer

Yes, you require a unique barcode for each SKU (this includes size variations).

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Question

We registered our codes back in 1995 with Product Code Council of Canada. We have been actively using them ever since. Is our registration still valid under our corporate company name?

Jessi Dunbar

Community Answer

Yes, if you purchased codes pre-2002 from the UCC, thn those codes are valid for use and yours forever without the need to pay licencing fees to GS1.

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Question

If I have UPC codes purchased through another non-GSI compliant vendor for UPC codes, is there a way to register those existing codes.?All our cans are pre-printed by the truckload, so changing UPC is a lot of work.

Jessi Dunbar

Community Answer

You cannot register with GS1 any code that was not acquired directly from GS1. However, in barcoding, registration is not a necessity.

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Question

How can I set the status to "in use" for a thousand products at once?

Humair Khan

Community Answer

You can set the status of a thousand products at once using bulk update tools in your platform, such as Excel or CSV import, or through an API if the platform supports it.

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Question

How can I associate a recycled UPC code, purchased from a company like Barcode Mania, with my product on Amazon?

Humair Khan

Community Answer

To associate a recycled UPC code with your product on Amazon, ensure the code is registered under your business name and includes product details. You may need to update the product information with Amazon, provide proof of ownership (such as a transfer of rights document), and contact Amazon support for assistance if you're facing issues.

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Question

I have a GS1 UPC code, but when I scan it, it doesn't link to my product online. What should I do?

Humair Khan

Community Answer

If your GS1 UPC code leads nowhere, ensure it is correctly registered with your business and linked to your product details in an online database. You may need to list your product on marketplaces like Amazon, update the product information, or create a product page on your website to ensure the UPC links to the correct product.

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Question

I bought 8 UPC codes in 2005, and I've discovered they are currently used by another company. Can I still use those codes?

Humair Khan

Community Answer

You cannot use those UPC codes if they are already assigned to another company. You should contact GS1 to resolve the issue and obtain new, unique codes for your products.

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