Mike-

>Thank you for the correction about UPC bar codes being distinct from code 39 bar codes. UPC is primarily a numbering system but it also has its own bar code symbology, which I did not realize.

>UPC numbers are not completely controlled. The six digit manufacturer code portion is assigned by the Uniform Code Council to each manufacturer.

Right. It was that part to which I refer. Thanks for clarifying. FWIW, anyone can apply, as far as I can tell. Though, luckily, UPC's starting with "4" are considered internal store-use. Sort of like IP's that start with 192.

>The five digit product code portion is assigned by each individual
manufacturer.

Right.

>Beginning in 2005, U.S. manufacturers will use 13 digit UPC codes which are fully compatible with the European Article Number (EAN) standard.

Yes. For those policy wonks among us: http://www.uc-council.org/