Global standards for object identification
GS1 identification numbers are unique worldwide. They identify objects of all kinds, services, companies, and locations. Mapped in data carriers or electronic messages, all partners can process the information without manual intervention.
Based on the identification number, article information, service type, addresses or details of the delivery address are retrieved from a database, transmitted and further processed. Automatic identification eliminates time-consuming and error-prone data entry processes.
The GS1 identification keys are the core element in the GS1 system. They consist of precisely defined character strings with a fixed length and thus enable unique referencing to physical units such as articles, trade units, transport units, returnable transport containers, locations, and service relationships.
The 13-digit Global Trade Item Number (GTIN, formerly EAN) is used to identify products and services without overlap. The GTIN serves as an access key to product and service data and is an important component of merchandise management systems. It is used regardless of industry.
The 13-digit Global Location Number (GLN) uniquely identifies companies and parts of companies such as sites, storage locations or delivery ramps worldwide.
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Your use at a glance
Precisely defined in length and structure
Precisely defined in length and structure
Globally unique
Suitable for any industry
How to get your GS1 identification keys
The basis of all GS1 identification keys is the GS1 basis number (GCP, GS1 Company Prefix). You can create any GS1 identification key with the basis number. In Switzerland and Principality of Liechtenstein, you have to be a member of GS1 Switzerland to obtain the GS1 basis number (GCP, GS1 Company Prefix).
| Identification keys | Area of application | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) | Articles and services | A chocolate bar, a kilo of flour, a litre of mineral water |
| Global Location Number (GLN) | Site and company | Branch, unloading ramp, external warehouse, invoicing address |
| Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) | Transport units | Pallets, packages, shipping units, consignments |
| Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI) | Load carriers | Reusable containers, pallets, boxes, beer barrels |
| Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI) | Fixed assets | Computers, railway carriages, ECG devices |
| Global Service Relation Number (GSRN) | Service provider and recipient relationships | Loyalty scheme members, doctors at a hospital, library members |
| Global Document Type Identifier (GDTI) | Documents | Tax returns, transport documents, driving licences |
| Global Identification Number for Consignment (GINC) | Consignments | Logistics units transported together in an ocean container |
| Global Shipment Identification Number (GSIN) | Shipments | Logistics units delivered to a customer together |
| Global Coupon Number (GCN) | Coupons | Discount vouchers on paper or in electronic format |
| Component/Part Identifier (CPID) | Components and parts | Vehicle parts (bogies, bolts) |
| Global Model Number (GMN) – Basic UDI-DI (BUDI-DI) |
Articles and services (basic specification of a product) Medical devices (classification key for registration in EUDAMED) |
Series of a T-Shirt
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