For new and independent magazines, BIPAD numbers are available only from and assigned only by BIPAD.

Publishers can obtain a BIPAD number(s) by applying to BIPAD. An application form (in PDF format) is available by clicking here, or by using the navigation button at the top on this page. The application can be mailed to BIPAD, with a check, or credit card information. There is also a Secure Online/email format, which may be accessed by clicking here, or by using the navigation button at the top on this page. The online application must be accompanied by a credit card information.

The email application routes are secure, dedicated lines.

A different BIPAD number must be used with each magazine title for which separate distribution records are to be maintained by wholesaler-distributors and/or retailers. It is not necessary to obtain a different BIPAD number for each issue.

The BIPAD number never changes. It is the permanent identification of a magazine title for the life of the magazine. The issue identifier changes, of course, with each new issue.

To expedite the application, fee should be paid by credit card, certified check, bank or postal money order. All checks must be made in US Dollars. We accept MasterCard (MC), VISA, American Express (AMEX). The credit card charge will appear on your statement under the name of HARRINGTON ASSOCIATES.

Please note that, if you pay with a personal or business check, your number assignment may be delayed until your check clears our bank, which could be up to 10 business days.

Once we receive the application and process it, we will notify you, via email if available, of your number(s) assignment. We will include technical information about how the number is encoded in the barcode and printed on the cover of your magazine. You will be notified not later than the end of the next business day, after we receive your application.

Please note that, if you pay with a personal or business check, your number assignment may be delayed until your check clears our bank, which could be up to 10 business days.

Please be advised that BIPAD manages the BIPAD numbering system, and assigns numbers to applicants. We do not provide the barcodes. Our barcode consultant is PIPS Inc. (Periodical Identification and Processing Systems), the largest supplier of barcodes to the publishing industry. Click here for a link to PIPS website, www.pips.com. You can also reach PIPS at 212-996-6000.
Once you are assigned a BIPAD number, contact PIPS, and they can deliver, electronically, a machine-readable magazine BIPAD-encoded barcode to you, for printing on your magazine cover, also by the end of the next business day. Their charge for a single barcode is under $30.

There are many other barcode providers and most of them can provide magazine distribution BIPAD encoded barcodes as well. In any event, you will need to first obtain a number(s) from BIPAD.

When changing cover prices, the company prefix, the first six digits ( 0 74470 in the sample), changes. If you do not have an alternate prefix, please call BIPAD and we will provide you with one. Remember, the BIPAD number itself never changes! After, you have your new complete 12-digit barcode number, with a new prefix and the same BIPAD, notify your wholesaler-distributors of your new number and the new price. If you are dealing directly with any retailers, you should notify them as well. These notifications should be accomplished before the issue with the new cover price goes on sale.