• Product Identification Standards
• Automated Data Capture
• E-Commerce
• Data Synchronization
• Traceability

Technology & Standards: Product Identification Standards

The following numbers are used in the produce industry to identify items, cases, pallets and locations.

PLU number

The PLU number is a 4- or 5-digit number that is primarily used on fresh produce items and will typically appear on a small sticker that is applied to the individual piece of fresh produce. The PLU number identifies produce items based upon the commodity, the variety and the size group. These numbers are assigned by PMA through the Produce Electronic Identification Board (PEIB). The mission of the PEIB is to guide the produce industry on effective product identification at POS while considering new technologies, standards, regulations, mandates and/or new business practices. PMA serves as the General Secretariat of the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) in an effort to use the PLU number globally. Additional information and a listing of PLU numbers can be found by accessing www.plucodes.com.

PEIB UPC number

The PEIB UPC number (Universal Product Code) uses a generic company prefix (033383) along with an item number assigned by the PEIB to serve as a UPC number for packaged produce items. This number is used by companies that do not have their own company prefix assigned by GS1 US. Access to thousands of standardized, generic UPCs for fruits and vegetables is available via online subscription. Please refer to How to Format a Generic UPC for additional information.

Universal Product Code (UPC)

The UPC number is a 12-digit number that has three primary components: a UPC Company Prefix assigned by GS1, an Item Reference assigned by the owner of the Company Prefix, and a Check Digit. Please refer to How to Format a UPC for additional information.

Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)

The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a 14-digit number that is used to identify a CASE or, for the purposes of identifying an item, the number that is used when using the DataBar. It has the same three primary components of a UPC, with the exception that the first two digits of a GTIN when identifying a CASE is "10" and the first two digits of a GTIN when identifying an ITEM is "00". Please refer to How to Format a GTIN for additional information.

GS1 DataBar (formerly known as Reduced Space Symbology (RSS))

A new set of symbologies has emerged called GS1 DataBar. GS1 DataBar is a family of barcodes designed for items that have very little space in which to place the barcode.

Global Location Number (GLN)

The Global Location Number is a 13-digit number used to identify locations (e.g., ship to, ship from, billing office, etc.) when trading electronic commerce transactions (e.g. EDI). The GLN has the same three primary components as the UPC and GTIN, with the exception that the first digit is a "0". Please refer to How to Format a GLN for additional information.

Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC)

The SSCC is an 18-digit number used to identify pallets. This number has the same three primary components as a UPC, GTIN and GLN. The reference portion of this number is a serial number that uniquely identifies the pallet for the purpose of tracking similar pallets separately. It is typically used along with the Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN). Please refer to How to Format a SSCC for additional information.

Related Documents (PDF)

Floral GTIN Implementation Guide   -  10/24/2008
Companies that buy, sell, pack, and distribute floral products have reached a crossroads in the way they conduct business. After increasing consolidation and expansion, companies are now finding that they must rely on boosting the efficiency and effectiveness of their supply chains to help drive continued growth.

PLU Application   -  05/19/2008
Apply for a new PLU code for fresh produce

UPC Application for Produce   -  02/01/2008
Apply for a new UPC for fresh produce

UPC Application for Floral   -  02/01/2008
Apply for a new UPC for floral

Random Weight Number Assignments For Perishables   -  09/11/2006
This list includes both contact information for perishables associations and a complete list of random weight assignments.