UPC code confusion

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I sell products at farmer’s markets, where UPC codes aren’t required. However, as I start applying to retail stores, they need my labels to include UPC codes. I have a few questions:

  1. It is difficult to find a legitimate GS1 registration site, as many offer UPC code registration at exorbitant prices. Is www.gs1us.org the correct website for the US?
  2. I currently offer 8 products, with plans to expand to around 20 in the future. For this range, should I invest in a GS1 company prefix, or is it better to just register individual GTIN codes?
  3. Once the UPC codes are registered, how do I add them to my product labels? Do they provide an image of the UPC that I can insert into my labels using Illustrator/Photoshop/Express?
  4. Are there multiple registrars in the US? Could I end up registering UPCs with one registrar only to find that my retail partners use different ones?
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I’ve been using GS1 for over five years, and unfortunately, GS1US is the only legitimate source for codes. If you’re aiming for retail, it’s better to get the company prefix.

Once the codes are registered and active, you can download and print them on stickers, or incorporate them into your packaging design.

I strongly recommend going with GS1US from the start. Many small brands that try to save money by getting codes elsewhere end up coming back to GS1US because major retailers like Whole Foods and Target only accept codes from GS1US. It’s a hassle to pay upfront, but it’s worth it to avoid dealing with it again later.

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One thing I learned too late:

Depending on the number of products you have, you might not need to upgrade. We had about 15 products, and they offer pricing for 10 UPCs and 100 UPCs. You can actually choose the 10 UPC package and just add 5 individual UPCs without needing to upgrade to the 100 UPC package. Maybe I missed it, but it wasn’t very clear to me.

4

Since OP seems to be selling charcuterie items, including bacon, jams, sauces, and spices, do you have any advice on FDA label approvals, nutrition labeling requirements, minimum shelf life, disclaimers, expiration dates, and local state law compliance?

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I understand the confusion around UPCs. To get legitimate UPCs in the US, you should go through GS1 US at gs1us.org. Avoid resellers that offer UPCs at inflated prices, as many retailers may not accept them. For 8-20 products, it’s generally worth getting a GS1 company prefix to have the flexibility to add more products in the future. After registering, GS1 will provide you with your company prefix and instructions on how to generate unique UPCs for each product. They don’t provide the actual barcode images, but you can use their barcode generator tool or hire a graphic designer to create the barcodes in the proper format to include on your product labels. Following GS1’s guidelines ensures your UPCs are globally unique and accepted by retailers.