In general, there are three different types of coupons: manufacturer, retailer, and online printable. Companies with U.P.C. Company Prefixes greater than 6-digits can no longer be uniquely identified at coupon processing points by scanning the coupon. Until a new system is implemented, the cost and inaccuracy of redemption will continue to rise.

The U.S. Coupon Application Guideline, using GS1 DataBar barcodes, brings data integrity and efficiency to coupons:

• This draft solution proposes a new coupon format with a larger number of optional fields for specifying more complex coupons
• The new coupons will contain both the U.P.C. and GS1 DataBar barcodes
• The GS1 Company Prefix allows coupons to be globally accepted

Learn more

• View An Introduction to Coupons, a GS1 US presentation to members interested in understanding coupons
• Watch the video Getting Ready GS1 DataBar on Coupons, presented by P&G, Ahold USA, and the JICC
• Read the Business Case for GS1 DataBar (RSS) on Coupons
• Coupon Migration Path