UPC Coupon Codes

The acceptance of coupons has become commonplace for many retailers.  To improve efficiency and accuracy, bar code symbols are included on the face of the coupon.  The information below discusses the most common symbol used by many world-wide retailers.  (There are some stores that utilize proprietary symbols, such as Sears and Blockbuster Video.)

Please note that there are new coupon requirements which begun to go into effect as of January 2008. For information on the new coupon barcode and structure, please click here.

The Basic Coupon Code
The U.P.C coupon code is comprised of five basic sections.

I. Number System Character (NSC) of 5
Most POS UPC symbols on products begin with either 0,3,6,7, however
regardless of the NSC used for the individual products, all coupons should have a NSC of 5.

II. Manufacturers Number
The Five digit Mfg. # will be identical to the mfg. # on the product itself.

III. Family Code
The next three digits after the mfg. # are the family code. The manufacturer assigns family codes to each of their products. This three digit number is completely different from the product number used on an item, since many coupons are redeemable on more than one size, color, or form of particular branded product. The family code is the key to validating that a consumer has purchased the couponed product.

IV. Value Code
The value code identifies the redemption value of the coupon. This two digit field follows the 3 digit family code.  The Value Code Table has recently been revised.   Please click here to view a table of all value codes.

V. Check Digit
The 12th digit of any UPC symbol is the check digit. This is a calculated number based on the eleven preceding digits. Bar Code Graphics, Inc. will always compute this number.   It is common for the five digit offer code to be printed above the bar code symbol.

GS1-128 Coupon Extended Code
In addition to the primary UPC coupon code, the FMI/GMA Coupon Scanning Subcommittee of the Joint Industry Coupon Committee has develop an additional bar code symbol to encode other important information. The presence of this new extended code will not affect the scanning importance of the UPC coupon code on current POS Systems.

Beginning January 1997, all coupons are to include an extended code. Many Manufactures are being urged to include this new additional symbol immediately. Manufacturers may include the following information in the extended symbol.

I. Number System Character (NSC)
Since it is conceivable that two companies might have the same manufacturers number, one with a NSC of 0 and the other with an NSC of 7, the NSC of the manufacturer is automatically included in the extended.

II. Offer Code
Five digit number issued by the manufacturer.

III. Expiration Date of Offer
Month/Year (i.e. 07/99)