بادئة شركة GS1: هويتك الفريدة للباركود
How to obtain and manage a GS1 Company Prefix — prefix lengths, annual fees, capacity planning, and assigning GTINs to your products.
GS1 Company Prefix: Your Unique Barcode Identity
A gs1-company-prefix/" class="glossary-term-link" data-term="GS1 Company Prefix" data-definition="Unique GS1-assigned number forming the start of product GTINs." data-category="GS1 Standards & Identifiers">GS1 Company Prefix is the foundation of every product barcode in the GS1 system. It is a unique numeric string assigned to your company that forms the first portion of every GTIN, SSCC, and GLN you create.
How to Obtain a Prefix
Contact your local GS1 Member Organization to apply. In the US, visit gs1us.org. The process involves:
- Complete an online application with company details
- Select a prefix capacity tier (determines how many products you can number)
- Pay the initial registration fee
- Receive your company prefix within 1-2 business days
Prefix Length and Capacity
GS1 Company Prefixes vary in length, which directly determines how many GTINs you can assign:
| Prefix Length (digits) | Item Reference Digits | Maximum GTINs |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 5 | 100,000 |
| 8 | 4 | 10,000 |
| 9 | 3 | 1,000 |
| 10 | 2 | 100 |
| 11 | 1 | 10 |
Remember, every variation (size, color, flavor, packaging) requires a separate GTIN. A company with 50 products in 3 sizes each needs 150 GTINs minimum.
Costs
GS1 US pricing (2024):
| Capacity | Initial Fee | Annual Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 GTINs | $250 | $50 |
| Up to 100 | $750 | $150 |
| Up to 1,000 | $2,500 | $500 |
| Up to 10,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 |
| Up to 100,000 | $10,500 | $2,100 |
Pricing varies by country and organization. Many GS1 Member Organizations base fees on company revenue.
Managing Your Prefix
Best practices for prefix management:
- Keep records: Maintain a spreadsheet or database of all GTIN assignments
- Never reuse: Wait at least 48 months after discontinuing a product before reassigning its GTIN
- Renew on time: If your GS1 membership lapses, your prefix may be reassigned
- Plan ahead: If you are approaching capacity, apply for additional prefix capacity before running out
- Use GS1 tools: Many GS1 organizations offer online GTIN management portals
GS1 Company Prefix vs Single GTINs
For companies with very few products (1-9), some GS1 organizations offer individual GTIN purchases instead of a company prefix. This is cheaper upfront but limits flexibility. If you plan to expand your product line, a company prefix is more economical long-term.
Using Your Prefix Across Barcode Types
Your GS1 Company Prefix appears in multiple barcode formats:
- EAN-13 / UPC-A: Prefix + item reference + check digit
- ITF-14: Indicator digit + prefix + item reference + check digit
- GS1-128: AI(01) + prefix + item reference + check digit (plus additional AIs)
- SSCC: Extension digit + prefix + serial reference + check digit