The Uniform Code Council, Inc. (UCC) has announced the development of an initial set of EAN-UCC XML schemas which constitutes "first steps in a global solution that will reduce costs and bring greater clarity and functionality to Internet-based e-business processes. The UCC and EAN International will make XML the cornerstone of an open, global electronic commerce standard that bridges legacy EDI systems with Internet-based users and enables all companies to maximize their e-business opportunities." The XML schemas have been developed together with EAN International based upon input from some of the world's largest companies. This first suite of XML standards is "based on a core set of schemas that are shared across all industries. The standards include Item, Party, Purchase Order, Despatch Advice, Invoice, Charges, and Payments. Their development was based on Simple e-Business (Simpl-eb), a growing global business practice that involves a common definition of e-Business data and processes across the value chain. Each XML schema has an extensible, modular design to enable multi- industry adoption and implementation, as well as industry-specific customization. When fully implemented, these standards will expand the global user base for electronic commerce and enable companies of any industry, size, or geography to streamline their e-business processes via improved interoperability and efficient data transmission. The EAN-UCC System is recognized as one of the most important innovations in the history of commerce, enabling nearly one million member companies in 23 major industries to conduct efficient business in more than 141 countries around the world. Both organizations share a history that is user-driven and consensus based, ensuring that standards and solutions seamlessly cross over industries and national borders."

A separate announcement of June 22, 2001 ("The UCC and Drake Certivo Provide EAN-UCC XML Education Using EAN-UCC System Schemas") describes a partnership between UCC and Drake Certivo for education: "Drake Certivo, a global provider of standards education, certification and interoperability compliance, and the Uniform Code Council (UCC) have partnered to provide EAN-UCC XML education programs with EAN-UCC System schemas, which comply with W3C XML guidelines. Certivo's blended learning environment with online and instructor-led training marks a milestone for the UCC, bringing a rapid adoption of the EAN-UCC System standards within their global membership. The EAN-UCC XML education program benefits both individuals and organizations by providing Education and Certification programs based on the EAN-UCC System standards. These educational opportunities are for beginners to advanced professionals and are offered in basic, intermediate and advanced levels with EAN-UCC XML Certification... Today, nearly 1 million member companies in more than 140 countries use EAN-UCC System standards as part of their daily business communications, representing more than 5 billion scanning transactions a day. The UCC's vision of one global system of standards has generated a great demand for XML education based on the standards of the EAN-UCC System."