What Are UPC/EAN Codes?

Ecommerce expressed in simple terms works for lay people. But the technical terms and aspects are crucial for those who want to get in the game and sell via the internet. The technical jargon varies from words to codes. But these are important for smooth business. Let’s look at UPC/ EAN codes.

What are UPC and EAN codes?

UPC or EAN are part of a barcode. They are unique identifiers for products. These codes are printed on most consumer goods, like electronics, clothing, accessories and other physical merchandise.

How are these significant for a product?

UPC/EAN codes help in distinguishing one product form others. These numbers are unique identification marks. They can represent details like:

• The type of product
• 1 Its various features – price, weight or color
• 2 Product manufacture
• 3 Country codes
• 4 Other product related data
• UPC/EAN codes are printed on products and/or their packaging. The bars of the code are scanned and read by a computer. If the barcode cannot be scanned properly, the UPC/EAN code can be manually entered into a computerized system to derive product specifications. This makes it easy for manufacturers, suppliers and sellers to:
• a. Search and find products and find products
• b. Verify whether the barcode was read properly
• c. Minimize human error during data entry and processi
• d. Eliminates decoding handwritten information and inconsistent labeling

• How do you register and obtain UPC/EAN codes? How are they generated?

• Manufacturers usually provide UPC/EAN codes. However, if a product lacks these codes from the manufacturer, an online seller has to acquire them from the GS1, or as it was formerly known EAN International. The GS1 is present in more than 100 countries around the globe. It is an official source for company prefixes required in the making of barcodes for identifying products in supply chains.

• Can goods be sold online without these codes?

• If you are selling online, UPC/EAN codes make your job easier. Almost every online retailer needs these to manage their products and execute online selling. But UPC/EAN codes are not a compulsory requirement. Marketplaces like Flipkart, Amazon and Snapdeal request sellers to enter these numbers when listing products.
• 

  What about products without UPC/EAN codes?

• Some products like handicrafts, art and similar goods do not have barcodes. Not having UPC/EAN codes does not mean you cannot sell through online marketplaces. There is a way around this. However, it is more cumbersome than buying barcodes.
• If you do not possess these codes you can apply for:

• – Brand Registry

• Brand registry is compulsory in case of selling on Amazon and Flipkart. The process requires legal documentation like trademark certificates. When you apply for brand registry it takes about 1-2 weeks to complete. Once it is done there is no need to renew the registration.

• – EAN/UPC exemption

• UPC/EAN exemption is the other alternative provided by Amazon. The process takes at least one month to complete. But, it is only valid for a period of one month once granted. It must to be re-applied for every month.

• Are UPC/EAN codes applicable to all product categories? Does it vary based on category?

• UPC/EAN codes are applicable to all products. The requirement does not vary based on category. However, as discussed above, these are not compulsory to sell online and categories that come without these codes can still be sold online.

• How may UPC/EAN codes should you get?

• The UPC/EAN code will vary depending on the features of your product. Example, you sell accessories. Based on the colors, patterns and styles you will need to decide the amount of unique UPC/EAN codes you will require. In case of apparel, you need to acquire barcodes based on color, pattern, size and other variations.