What do the first three codes in a product barcode represent?

The first three digits of a product barcode represent the country of origin of the product, specifically indicating the country in which the manufacturer is registered. This coding system is part of the EAN-13 (European Article Number) barcode standard, which stipulates that the initial segment is used to identify the country or area code. For example, a barcode starting with 000-019 typically indicates that the product is from the United States, whereas other prefixes correspond to different countries.

The understanding of these digits is essential for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike, as it provides information regarding the geographical location of the manufacturer. This can have implications for regulatory compliance, tariffs, and even consumer perception. Other options such as product type, manufacturer identification, or expiration date are represented elsewhere in the barcode or in accompanying information, rather than being indicated by the first three digits.