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The Optical Product Code Council is the central management and information center for manufacturer's and users participating in the system. It is not a government agency, but an industry administrative council that exists specifically to control the issuing of codes, provide detailed information and coordinate the efforts of all participants.
Although involvement in the Optical Product Code Council is voluntary, payment of a fee is required prior to issuance of the manufacturer's identification number. The initial registration fee is 150 USD for the fist assigned number and 75 USD for each additional number. There is an annual renewal fee in the same amount. You may add more codes as necessary at anytime.
This code allows simpler more accurate product identification.
Because the OPC symbol must be read by optical scanning equipment, it is very important that it be printed properly and be in an appropriate position on a package. The information presented is an overview of the important points for printing and packaging.
DETERMINE the proper size of the OPC symbol: The size of the bar code and number is variable, but it is important that tolerances be exact. No reduction in symbol height beyond that stated in the specifications is acceptable. Such truncation or shortening of the bar height leads to distortion of the scanning ability.
DETERMINE the proper position of the OPC symbol: Variation in symbol placement can create difficulty for the user. Placement of the symbol on the product front is the best.
Package Printing: Any combination of colors that yield the proper reflectance and print contrast can be used. However light colors provide a good background and dark colors provide good bars for the OPC symbol. The scanner reads contrast between light and dark areas. Therefore, it is imperative that the colors on the bar code comply with the minimum requirements for contrast.
CONTACT
Optical Product Code
1700 Diagonal Road
Suite 500
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703.548.4560
Fax: 703-548-4580
Website: www.visionsite.org