Aug

18

Authenticity, Bar Codes and Legitimate Sunglasses

Filed Under Authenticity 


A Universal Product Code, or a UPC is the barcode and number series located on nearly every retail product. A manufacturer must first apply to the Uniform Code Council (UCC) in order to enter the UPC system. Once in the system, the UCC assigns each manufacturer an identification number that is six digits in length. On any given bar code there are 12 numbers, the first six therefore represent the manufacturer’s identification code. For the remainder of this article I will use a barcode from the Luxottica Group, which owns 8 house brands and 17 licensed brands of prescription and protection glasses, including such large names as Bvlgari, Chanel, Colce & Gabbana, Prade, Versace and Polo. Notice above the barcode the name of the Luxottica Group.

Each manufacturing company employees personal to manage their UPC data, the UPC team can range from one person in a small company, to hundreds in a corporation. The UPC team assigns specific numbers to specific products that are five digits in length. Each product has its own number, and the number can never be reused with the same manufacturer ID number. For example, the image above shows that Luxottica Group’s ID number is 715799, or- the first six digits on the barcode. The next five digits represent the product specific code, so 13739 is this product’s code.

Finally, the last number is the check digit, which is calculated by the UPC team as a measure to ensure product legitimacy and accuracy, as well as to help the UPC team keep track of their numerous products.

The processing for creating the check digit is as follows:

  • Add the value of all digits in odd positions, ie- the first, third, firth, seventh, ninth and eleventh digits. (7,5,9,1,7,9 in our example above, =38)
  • Multiply the number from step one by the check digit (38 X 3 = 114)
  • Add the value of all digits in even positions, ie- the second, fourth, sixth, eighth and tenth digits. (1,7,9,3,3 = 23)
  • Add the total from step three to the value in step two. (23 + 114= 137)
  • Determine what number is required to make the sum of step four a multiple of ten, that number should be the same as the check digit. (137 + 3 = 140) Therefore, three is the correct check digit.

There is additional information on most legitimate barcode stickers, which delivers more specific information about the product in question. See the example here from the Bvlgari sunglasses packaging, the same barcode used above. The first set up code, OBV 653B represents the product code (not to be confused with the product specific bar code number). This code is used as a product number with clients, and internally as an organizational and labelling tool. The number directly below it, in this case 939/87 is the colour code, indicating which tint the frames are. The number below that is the prescription code, if any, in this case 01/40. Moving to the right in the image above you’ll notice a market of *3N which is a sunglasses specific code meaning category three tinting on the lenses.

If you are worried about the legitimacy of your recently purchased glasses or sunglasses, checking out the barcode is one way to ensure that the product actually came from the company you ordered it from, or is a licensed distributor for the company. If you receive a package without a barcode sticker, it is a good indication that you’ve recently purchased a fake. Be aware that the barcode may be on the packaging, as in the image above, and ensure when ordering your glasses that it be packaged in original wrapping.

Comments

  • Lora Aroy

    Each manufacturing company employees personal to
    manage their UPC data, the UPC team can range from one person in a small
    company, to hundreds in a corporation. The UPC team assigns specific
    numbers to specific products that are five digits in length. 
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  • Anonymous

    It is an interesting post. UPC barcode was the first bar code symbology widely adopted. The Universal Product Code is a bar code system which are mostly used in America.

    buy upc code

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