Barcode Standards & Identification Agencies
Barcoding has been adopted by numerous industries and each has standardized barcode and identification guidelines. In varying capacities, we work with each of the major standards agencies and industry associations. Whereas their roles are primarily limited to creating standards, licensing assignments, and education, our function is to enable all types of companies to implement barcodes correctly on their products.
GS1 is the global standards organization for UPC identification. We first began working with the US predecessor (Uniform Code Council) in the 1970s on the technical standards to create barcode images. Today, our team is an active participant on technical committees from the global office establishing new linear and 2D barcode standards. Click here to start the application for UPC barcoding
Identification for the book industry is based on a global standard called, International Standard Book Number (ISBN). Similar to GS1, there is a main international organization and local country offices. Bar Code Graphics is proud to have a unique partnership with the US ISBN Agency and we provide ISBN barcode identification services to publishers of all sizes. Visit www.isbn-us.com.
The Book Industry Study Group is a US-based association that provides guidelines for all facets of the book industry supply chain, including machine-readable barcodes. Since the 1990s, Bar Code Graphics has been working with BISG as one of the subject matter experts for barcode identification and marking.
Magazines and periodicals, particularly those in library environments, are identified with an 8-digit ISSN (International Standard Serial Number). In the US, the Library of Congress provides ISSN assignments to companies located in the United States. Our certified online digital barcode creation platform, www.createbarcodes.com, provides the EAN barcode version of the ISSN.
The Electronics Component Industry Association provides guidelines for all supply chain aspects in the global market. Bar Code Graphics is a subject matter expert for ECIA and helped facilitate 2D barcode labeling and CofC (Certificates of Conformance) guidelines. We also provide barcode testing for the industry.
Barcodes continue to play an essential role in coupon promotions in the United States. The Association of Coupon Professionals (ACP) provides guidance for the entire industry, including ever-changing barcode requirements. Bar Code Graphics is a member of this organization and subject matter expert.