This Singapore Standard specifies the requirements for the bar code symbology known as EAN/UPC. It specifies EAN/UPC symbology characteristics, data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions, tolerances, and a reference decoding algorithm.
The EAN/UPC bar code symbols are exclusively reserved for encoding identification numbers. The use of the symbology is restricted and subject to compliance with the International Article Numbering Association (EAN) and Uniform Code Council (UCC) rules and registration procedures.
The administration of the numbering system by EAN and UCC ensures that identification codes assigned to particular items are unique worldwide and are defined in a consistent way.
The major benefit for the users of the standard is to refer to uniquely defined identification codes in their trading transactions. This is particularly useful in open environments.