Most databases in the U.S. currently are set up for a 12-digit UPC, which does not accommodate the European Article Number found on European packaging to identify the country of origin. As more and more products are traded internationally, a truly universal product code that accommodates the European Article Number international system will be needed, said UCC Board Chairman Craig Schnuck. A formal announcement is pending as to the date when retailers and manufacturers must convert to a 13-digit numbering system, he said. As as long as packagers are redesigning their databases, the UCC hopes most will adopt the full 14-digit data structure to differentiate levels of packaging, such as unit packages, cases and pallets.
Global bar codes
The Uniform Code Council (UCC) is urging U.S. retailers and manufacturers to redesign their databases to accommodate at least a 13- and preferably a 14-digit Universal Product Code (UPC) found on product packages.
Oct 31, 1996
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