Floral Universal Product Codes

Floral Universal Product Codes or floral UPCs are barcodes used for point-of-sale identification of floral products. A floral UPC barcode is encoded with a 12-digit identification number or GTIN. UPC barcodes are scanned at the front end in order to obtain the price of the item. Floral UPCs identify the following attributes: commodity, type, description, min and max diameter, pot size and package type.

There are two types of floral UPCs: the generic UPC and company-specific UPCs. Both are encoded with the 12-digit GTIN. The generic UPC begins with a GS1 assigned generic prefix, '033383' and identifies only the item. The company-specific UPC begins with a unique GS1-assigned UPC company prefix, which identifies both the item and the brand owner or supplier of the item.

Generic Universal Product Code (UPC)

The Generic UPC, which is encoded with a 12-digit GTIN called GTIN-12, is basically made up of three parts: the generic GS1 UPC Company Prefix ('033383'), Item Reference Number and Check Digit.

• The GS1 UPC Company Prefix, '033383', identifies that the product is generic; i.e., no specific brand owner tied to the product. The prefix '033383' is licensed by IFPA from GS1 US to be used to assign generic UPCs.
• The Item Reference Number identifies the item by commodity, type, description, min and max diameter, pot size and package type. It is 5 digits in length for a generic UPC and is assigned by IFPA.
• The Check Digit is always the last digit of a GTIN. The check digit is calculated from all the other numbers in the barcode and ensures the integrity of your GTIN. It is calculated using the GS1 Check Digit Calculator.

This type of barcode is used by companies that do not have their own unique company prefix assigned by GS1.

Company-Specific Universal Product Code (UPC)

The Company-Specific UPC which encodes a 12-digit GTIN (GTIN-12) also has three primary components: a GS1 UPC Company Prefix, Item Reference Number, and Check Digit. The Company-Specific UPC identifies the brand owner of the product; thus providing unique identification for the item. In order to obtain a GS1 UPC Company Prefix, you must purchase it from GS1.

• The GS1 UPC Company Prefix varies in length from 6 to 10 digits and is licensed by the brand owner of the product from GS1.
• The Item Reference Number varies in length from 1 to 5 digits and is also assigned by the brand owner. It identifies the item by commodity, type, description, min and max diameter, pot size and package type. It is suggested not to build any intelligence into the number.
• The Check Digit is always the last digit of a GTIN. The check digit is calculated from all the other numbers in the barcode and ensures the integrity of your GTIN. GS1 has a check digit calculator to assist with this assignment.

Floral UPC Online

The Floral UPC database identifies over 3,800 generic floral UPC numbers for the commodity, type, description, min and max diameter, pot size and package type. Types of floral products include bedding plants, flowering plants, foliage plants and fresh flowers. While IFPA recommends the use of company-specific UPCs, you can download the list of generic UPCs for floral below.

Download generic UPCs for floral

Generic UPCs beginning with the prefix '033383' are included in the Floral UPC Online database. To find a floral UPC beginning with a prefix other than '033383', you must contact GS1.

When an existing generic number does not satisfy your needs, you can use a Retailer Assigned Floral UPC or you can apply for a new generic floral UPC. To apply for a new UPC, please submit a Floral UPC application to upc@freshproduce.com or via fax at 302-731-2409. The fee for processing is $150 per application and takes approximately 1 to 2 weeks to process.

Label manufacturers are available to assist with printing of your floral UPCs.

Retailer-Assigned Universal Product Codes

There are specific number ranges in the database that are designated 'Retailer/System Assignment'. These ranges are meant for use as Retailer-Assigned codes. Retailer-Assigned Codes allow retailers to designate their own numbers for items that do not have standard floral UPC numbers assigned. After a supplier makes specific arrangements with all retailers that will receive the item, a retailer-assigned number may be used. Shippers must not use these numbers without the prior agreement of all retailer customers intending to receive this item.