GS1 Barcodes Explained: The Global Language of Commerce
An introduction to the GS1 system — company prefixes, GTINs, application identifiers, and how 2 million+ companies use GS1 barcodes.
GS1 Barcodes Explained: The Global Language of Commerce
GS1 is the international organization that manages the standards behind the barcodes seen on virtually every product in retail commerce. Over 2 million companies in 116 countries use GS1 standards to identify, capture, and share product information.
The GS1 System
The GS1 system is built on three pillars:
- Identify: Assign unique numbers (GTINs) to products, locations (GLNs), and logistics units (SSCCs)
- Capture: Encode those numbers in barcodes that can be machine-read
- Share: Exchange product data through standards like GDSN and GS1 Digital Link
Company Prefix
Every company using GS1 barcodes starts by obtaining a GS1 Company Prefix from their local GS1 Member Organization. The prefix is a unique number (typically 7-10 digits in the US) that identifies the company. It forms the first part of every GTIN the company assigns.
Prefix length determines capacity: a 7-digit prefix allows 100,000 product numbers; a 10-digit prefix allows 100.
GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers)
A GTIN is the unique number assigned to each product. GTINs come in four lengths:
- GTIN-8: 8 digits, for very small packages (EAN-8)
- GTIN-12: 12 digits, encoded in UPC-A
- GTIN-13: 13 digits, encoded in EAN-13
- GTIN-14: 14 digits, for case/pallet identification (ITF-14)
Application Identifiers
Beyond basic product identification, the GS1 system uses Application Identifiers (AIs) to encode additional data in barcodes. Common AIs include:
- AI (01): GTIN
- AI (10): Batch/lot number
- AI (17): Expiration date
- AI (21): Serial number
- AI (00): SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)
AIs are used in GS1-128 and GS1 DataMatrix barcodes.
GS1 Barcode Types
| Barcode | Primary Use | Where Used |
|---|---|---|
| EAN-13 / UPC-A | Product identification at POS | On consumer products |
| GS1-128 | Logistics and supply chain | On shipping labels and cases |
| ITF-14 | Case identification | On outer shipping cases |
| GS1 DataBar | Fresh produce, coupons | At POS for variable items |
| GS1 DataMatrix | Healthcare, traceability | On medical devices and pharma |
Getting Started with GS1
To use GS1 barcodes, a company must join GS1 (annual fees based on revenue), receive a company prefix, assign GTINs to products, and then generate barcode artwork using certified software. See the Getting Your First Barcode guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.