GS1 Dictionary

Application Identifier (AI). Not to be confused with Artificial Intelligence. A GS1 marker consisting of 2-4 digits at the beginning of a barcode and RFID tag. Indicates the meaning and format of the subsequent digits and/or letters – e.g. batch number, serial number or expiry date.

Digital Product Passport (DPP) is an upcoming EU requirement for a digital ID for products that contains traceability and sustainability data to promote the circular economy. GS1 standards can be used as the foundation for identifying, e.g. via a QR code, and structuring this data, enabling secure sharing of information throughout the supply chain.

GS1 Digital Link is a GS1 standard that makes it possible to link a product's GS1 identifier (e.g., GTIN) to online information via a standardized web link. This could be online information about product data, user manuals, and traceability, for example. The standard is used to create a single code that can lead to updated digital resources for both consumers and businesses.

The European Article Number (EAN) – now often referred to as GTIN – is a global 13-digit standard barcode that uniquely identifies products and locations in the supply chain. GS1 is the organization that manages and issues these EAN numbers, ensuring that the barcodes are unique and can be scanned worldwide.

European Article Number 13 (EAN-13) is an internationally recognized 13-digit standard code primarily used in retail to identify products when scanned at the checkout. The barcode is administered globally by GS1, ensuring that each product number is unique and can be tracked throughout the supply chain.

European Article Number 8 (EAN-8) is a compact, 8-digit barcode from GS1, primarily used to identify small products where space is too limited for a standard EAN-13 code. It encodes a unique GTIN-8 number (Global Trade Item Number), which is also managed by GS1 to ensure global uniqueness when scanned in retail.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a method for structured, electronic exchange of business documents such as orders and invoices directly between companies' IT systems, eliminating manual entry. GS1 provides global standards and formats (such as GS1 XML or EANCOM) for this data, ensuring that companies speak the same digital language in the supply chain. Get started with GS1 Denmark's EDI solution here.

The Electronic Product Code (EPC) is a unique identification code embedded in RFID tags that enables real-time tracking of physical objects throughout the supply chain. As a central part of the GS1 standards, EPC builds on existing GS1 keys (such as GTIN) and standardizes data exchange between RFID tags and scanners.

Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) is a GS1 standard that enables companies to share detailed, real-time data about the movements and status of physical products in the supply chain. As part of the GS1 system, EPCIS works by structuring information about what happened to a product, when, where, and why, creating full traceability and transparency from manufacturer to consumer.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a business system that collects and manages a company's key processes and data, such as purchasing, inventory, production, sales, and finance. In the GS1 context, it is often the system that sends and receives standardized data via EDI, barcodes, and GS1 identification, for example.

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is an EU proposal that sets requirements for more sustainable products via Digital Product Passports (DPP) to promote the circular economy. GS1 standards can provide the necessary open infrastructure (such as GTIN and Digital Link/QR codes) to identify and share this product data throughout the supply chain, enabling compliance with ESPR requirements.

The European Database on Medical Devices (EUDAMED) is the EU's central database for medical devices. GS1 acts as an approved standardization organization, helping medical device manufacturers generate the unique device identifiers (UDIs) that must be reported to the EUDAMED database.

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a new EU regulation that prohibits the sale of goods such as coffee, cocoa, soy, and wood on the European market unless they are certified as deforestation-free after December 31, 2020. GS1 standards support this by offering a common data structure for traceability that enables the collection and sharing of the necessary geographic data on the origin of the product throughout the supply chain.

The Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) is a global, secure network that enables companies to automatically share updated product master data with their trading partners in real time. Developed and managed by GS1, the system ensures that product information complies with common international GS1 standards.

Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI) is a GS1 standard for uniquely identifying companies' fixed assets, such as IT equipment or tools, throughout their lifetime. As part of the GS1 system, GIAI ensures that these assets can be tracked globally using barcodes or RFID, optimizing inventory management and maintenance.

A Global Location Number (GLN) is a unique 13-digit number used to uniquely identify physical locations, functions, or legal entities (such as companies or departments) in the supply chain. It is a standard developed by GS1 that functions as a global digital address for e-invoices and EDI, ensuring that electronic documents reach the correct recipient. GLN has replaced the older "EAN location number" as the standard for identifying locations, which is why EAN and GLN are often confused. Technically, the 13 digits function in exactly the same way today.

Global Product Classification (GPC) is a global GS1 standard used to categorize products consistently across industries and national borders. GPC is an integral part of the GS1 system and a mandatory prerequisite for sharing master data via the global GDSN network.

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is an EU regulation that tightens product safety and traceability requirements for virtually all consumer products, both online and physical. GS1 standards (such as GTIN, GLN, and GS1Trade Sync) help companies comply with these requirements by ensuring unique identification and efficient sharing of product data throughout the supply chain.

The Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI) is an international GS1 standard used to uniquely identify, track, and manage reusable transport equipment and assets, such as pallets, containers, or roll cages. By encoding GRAI in a GS1 barcode or RFID tag, the physical asset is linked to digital data, effectively improving traceability and logistics throughout the supply chain.

GS1 DataBar is a family of compact, 1D barcodes that can hold more info than traditional barcodes—like batch numbers, expiration dates, and weight. As part of the GS1 standards, DataBar supports the global, unique identification of products and improves traceability in the supply chain.

GS1 DataMatrix is a compact, two-dimensional (2D) barcode that can contain large amounts of data, such as batch numbers and expiration dates, and is scanned using camera-based equipment. It is a standardized data carrier that encodes information structured via GS1 application identifiers (AI), ensuring traceability and unique identification of goods in global supply chains.

GS1ID is a unique identifier (prefix) from GS1 Denmark that gives companies access to generate globally unique identification numbers (such as GTIN for products or GLN for locations).

GS1Trade Activate is a digital tool from GS1 Denmark that makes it easy for companies to create, manage, and generate barcodes (GTIN) and location numbers (GLN). The tool is directly connected to the GS1 Registry Platform and supports Verified by GS1, which ensures that your product data complies with global GS1 standards.

GS1 Trade Exact is a service from GS1 Denmark that physically checks and quality assures your product data (master data) against the actual product. Validated data is marked with a green quality stamp in GS1Trade Sync, which ensures correct data in the supply chain.

GS1Trade Image is a professional photo service from GS1 Denmark that provides standardized, high-quality product images for use in retail and e-commerce. The images are integrated into the GS1Trade Sync product database, where they are automatically linked to the company's master data and made available to trading partners.

GS1 Trade Packaging is a digital solution from GS1 Denmark that makes it easy for companies to structure, calculate, and report packaging data in accordance with Danish environmental legislation. The system uses global standards for product identification, ensuring efficient data exchange and compliance with producer responsibility for packaging.

A single system for collecting, validating, and exchanging product data and images. Based on GDSN, which enables standardized product data to be shared and synchronized automatically between suppliers and trading partners.

GS1 Trade Transact is an EDI solution from GS1 Denmark that automates the exchange of trade documents such as orders and invoices between trading partners. It uses global identifiers (such as GLN) to ensure accurate and secure digital trade in the supply chain.

GS1-128 is a flexible barcode standard used to label shipments and pallets with detailed information such as item number (GTIN), batch number, expiration date, and serial number. It was developed by GS1 to ensure an efficient supply chain and is typically used when there is a need to encode more than just the identity of the item.

The Global Service Relation Number (GSRN) is a unique 18-digit identification code from GS1 that is used to identify specific services, subscriptions, or metering points (e.g., electricity and gas meters). It relates directly to GS1 by using the company's unique GS1ID (prefix), which ensures that the identification of the service is globally unique.

The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a unique, international product number that identifies a product in a barcode so that it can be tracked throughout the supply chain. It is administered by GS1, so each GTIN is unique and accepted by retailers worldwide.

Price variable GTIN-13. A special 13-digit GTIN structure used for products with variable prices, where the current sales price is included directly in the barcode. Typically used for goods where the price is set individually – e.g. special goods, selected delicatessen products or goods marked in the store.

Weight variable GTIN-13. A special 13-digit GTIN structure used for products with variable weights, where the actual weight is included directly in the barcode. Typically used for items such as meat, cheese, fruit, and vegetables, where the price is calculated based on the weight of the individual item at the time of sale. Quantity variable GTIN-13 makes it possible to identify both the product type and the specific weight in a single barcode, so that the item can be registered correctly at the checkout.

The Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) is the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database where all medical devices must be registered with a unique identification code. GS1 standards, specifically GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), are used as the primary unique device identifier (UDI) to meet the requirements for registering data in GUDID.

The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) is an internationally standardized system for naming ingredients in cosmetic products, ensuring transparency for consumers. These ingredient lists (INCI) can be structured and shared via GS1 standards (such as GTIN and GS1 Digital Link), making ingredients traceable and digitally accessible throughout the supply chain.

An INTRASTAT code (often referred to as a CN code/commodity code) is an 8-digit European statistical code used to report trade in goods between EU countries. GS1 standards, such as GTIN barcodes, are used to identify the specific product, and these can be linked to the commodity code to automate and ensure accurate reporting of trade data.

International identification numbers used to uniquely identify books, magazines, and periodicals. ISBNs are used for books, while ISSNs are used for periodicals and serial publications, so that publications can be properly registered, distributed, and sold.

The In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) is EU legislation that tightens the requirements for safety and traceability for laboratory diagnostic equipment, including requirements for a unique device identification number (UDI). GS1 provides the global standards and barcode technologies that enable manufacturers to meet these requirements by assigning UDIs and ensuring traceability throughout the supply chain.

Barcodes that are only used in closed environments for internal use within a company or chain. Used, for example, for store-produced goods or internal goods flows and are not intended for trade between companies. The following internal barcodes are available: EAN-13 Internal, EAN-13 Internal with price, EAN-13 Internal with quantity, and EAN-8 Internal.

A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional barcode that can be quickly scanned with a smartphone to provide access to much more information than a traditional (1D) barcode. GS1 uses QR codes to link physical products to digital data such as traceability and ingredients, connecting standardized product identifiers (GTINs) with web-based information.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves to automatically and wirelessly identify and track objects via small tags. GS1 standardizes the data on these tags (e.g., via EPC - Electronic Product Code), making it possible to track products uniquely and efficiently throughout the supply chain.

The Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) is an 18-digit, unique identification code used to track logistics units such as pallets and packages throughout the supply chain. As part of the GS1 standards, the SSCC is typically integrated into a GS1-128 barcode to ensure global traceability and efficient inventory management.

The Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUP Directive) is an EU initiative that bans or restricts a number of single-use plastic products in order to reduce plastic pollution in the marine environment and promote the circular economy. GS1 standards and databases (e.g., GS1Trade Sync) relate to this by enabling companies to register, label, and share product data, including whether packaging is covered by SUP legislation, which facilitates compliance with producer responsibility.

Swissdamed is the Swiss counterpart to the EU's EUDAMED database, which is used to register medical devices and operators to ensure traceability. GS1 standards such as UDI (Unique Device Identification) are used to format and deliver the necessary data to Swissdamed, automating reporting via solutions such as GS1 UDI Link.

2D barcodes are two-dimensional codes (like QR codes) that can hold way more data than traditional barcodes, including batch numbers and expiration dates. GS1 standards (like DataMatrix) make sure these codes are global, unique, and traceable throughout the supply chain.

GTIN-12 (often called UPC-A) is a unique 12-digit identification number primarily used in North America to scan and track retail products via a barcode. It is part of the GS1 family of standards, which means that GS1 issues and manages these numbers to ensure that product codes are unique and global Universal Product Codes.

Unique Device Identification (UDI) is a legal requirement in the EU for unique labeling of medical devices to improve traceability and patient safety. GS1 standards provide the global identification numbers (GTIN) and barcode technologies that enable compliance with UDI requirements and ensure accurate registration.

Unique Device Identification - Device Identifier (UDI-DI) is the fixed part of a unique barcode on medical devices that identifies the specific product and its manufacturer in regulatory databases. GS1 standards are used as the primary system for generating these IDs, ensuring compliance with legal requirements (such as EU MDR) via global standards for data exchange.

The United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) is an international, hierarchical classification system used to categorize goods and services, particularly in connection with public procurement and e-commerce. The system is operated globally by GS1 US, and GS1 Denmark manages the Danish version, ensuring a standardized structure for product grouping.

The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a 12-digit barcode standard primarily used in North America. It corresponds to GTIN-12 and is used to identify retail products in commerce and logistics.