Ideally, barcode number suppliers and users should be able to check numbers against a single global database of barcode number allocations.

However, such a database doesn’t exist, and would be very difficult to maintain.

How we assure barcode number uniqueness and validity:

We follow well-established industry standard procedures that include the following:

• We provide an audit trail of proof-of-purchase back to the original UCC member, from whom we purchase in batches of 100 000.
• We provide a legally-enforceable guarantee to our barcode number purchasers.
• Prior to sale we check every barcode number against usage in these comprehensive records: Gepir.org  |  Amazon
• We provide the means for our customers to prove the legitimacy of their barcodes. See How can I prove that my barcode is legitimate?