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What Is a Company Prefix?

A company prefix is a unique sequence of digits assigned to a brand by GS1 (or legacy UCC) that forms the beginning of every UPC or EAN barcode created by that brand. It identifies who registered the barcode sequence in global trade databases.

Real example

In a 12-digit UPC like 012345678905, the first 6-9 digits (e.g. 012345) represent the company prefix. The manufacturer assigns the remaining digits to their individual products.

How a Company Prefix is used in e-commerce

  • GS1 database checks verify whether a GTIN's company prefix exists in active global registries.
  • Legacy company prefixes assigned by the Uniform Code Council before August 28, 2002 carry legal rights allowing prefix owners to subdivide and sell individual barcodes without ongoing renewal fees.

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GS1UPC codeGTIN