GTIN
In common parlance, many people know the GTIN as a barcode, but technically the GTIN is the number below the barcode symbol itself, and can therefore also be used for other technologies such as 2D barcodes and RFID tags.
In common parlance, many people know the GTIN as a barcode, but technically the GTIN is the number below the barcode symbol itself, and can therefore also be used for other technologies such as 2D barcodes and RFID tags.
You will receive two invoices because we invoice membership and services separately.
Yes, both invoices must be paid as they cover different services.
GS1 membership is your access to GS1 and the use of all our standards and services.
Membership includes:
A GLN (Global Location Number) is used to identify your company or a location in digital trading processes.
It is typically used for electronic exchange of, for example:
via EDI or OIOUBL.
AGS1ID subscription provides you with a number series that you can use to generate, among other things:
Please note: As a rule, we cannot see whether or how the number series is being used.
GS1Trade Transact is GS1's EDI solution for digital document exchange.
EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange. WithGS1Trade Transact, you can, for example:
Read more aboutGS1Trade Transact here.
GS1Trade Sync is our service for exchanging product data with relevant trading partners.
GS1Trade Sync is part of the GDSN (Global Data Synchronisation Network), which is the world's largest network for standardized sharing of product information between companies.
GS1Trade Packaging is our packaging data service used to register, structure, and share packaging data with relevant parties.
You can always add/change the PO number and other relevant information to your invoice
You can easily do this via My GS1 under 'Invoice and payment'.
Yes. You can change your contact person, address and other relevant information about your company via My GS1 under 'Company information'.
Yes, you can. It takes place in the following two steps:
There is an administration fee of DKK 155.00 for issuing a new invoice.
You can terminate your GS1 membership or stop using a GS1 service at any time. You can do so by completing this termination form.
IMPORTANT! Before you cancel your GS1 membership, it is important that you make sure that your GS1 subscription is not linked to electronic invoicing, registration of a location or anything else that you had not thought would be affected by your GS1 membership. If you are in doubt about anything, please contact us to be sure before you cancel your membership.
According to GS1's terms and conditions, there is a notice period of three months prior to the end of the calendar year. Your membership of GS1 and your GS1 services are paid in advance as an annual subscription and are automatically renewed at the beginning of the year.
If you wish to terminate your GS1 membership (and thus also all associated GS1 services), you must terminate your membership no later than on the 30th of September of that year. You must use the following termination form for correct termination.
You can transfer your GS1 membership at any time. You do this by filling out and submitting the following transfer form.
For a login to My GS1, which is also valid for GS1Trade Activate, please contact us via our contact form.
There can be several reasons why the price on your invoice is different from last year:
You can always find the current prices on our subscription prices page.
What is a 2D barcode?
A2D barcode is a barcode that can contain both a unique identification number (GTIN) and additional data, such as a batch number, expiration date, or a digital link. Unlike most traditional 1D barcodes, which contain only a number, 2D barcodes can hold more information. Examples include QR codes and DataMatrix.
What is the difference between 1D and 2D barcodes?
1D barcodes (the classic barcodes) typically contain only a product identification number. 2D barcodes can contain multiple types of data—such as a batch number, expiration date, or a digital link to a website.
What types of 2D barcodes are there?
The most commonly used are QR codes and DataMatrix. Both can be used with GS1 standards depending on your needs and industry.
Is a QR code a barcode?
Yes, a QR code—as it is often called—is a type of 2D barcode, even though it does not consist of lines.
Are 2D barcodes a replacement for current barcodes?
In the long term, 2D barcodes are expected to supplement and gradually replace traditional barcodes—especially in the retail sector.
What is the difference between a standard QR code and a GS1 QR code?
Astandard QR code is typically just a link. A GS1 Digital Link QR code, on the other hand, contains structured GS1 data, so that point-of-sale systems, supply chain systems, and consumers can all use it.
What can 2D barcodes be used for?
They can be used both for product identification at the checkout (scanning) and to give consumers online access to information such as ingredients, instructions for use, or promotions.
Can a single code be used for both in-store scanning and by consumers?
Yes, with GS1 Digital Link, a single 2D barcode can be used for both point-of-sale systems and consumers’ smartphones.
What kind of information can be encoded in a 2D barcode?
For example, GTIN (product number), batch/lot, serial number, expiration date, or a link to online information.
Can the information in a 2D barcode be updated?
Yes, if the barcode contains a link (e.g., GS1 Digital Link), the digital content behind it can be updated without changing the actual code on the packaging.
What are the benefits of 2D barcodes for businesses?
They offer improved traceability, the ability to include more product information, and new ways to engage consumers—all in a single code.
How can 2D barcodes add value to the supply chain?
By including information such as batch numbers and expiration dates, companies can improve inventory management, reduce food waste, and handle product recalls more efficiently.
Can 2D barcodes contribute to data management and data quality?
Yes, 2D barcodes can improve data consistency across markets and systems, thereby enhancing your knowledge base and strengthening your value chain compliance framework.
How can they be used in relation to consumers?
Businesses can provide access to product information, storytelling, campaigns, and digital services directly from the packaging.
Are 2D barcodes relevant for all industries?
Yes, but the retail, food, healthcare, and pharmaceutical sectors in particular see great value in them—both in terms of traceability and consumer information.
How do you get started with 2D barcodes?
Start by identifying your needs (e.g., traceability, data flow, or consumer information), and then contact GS1 to select the right solution and standard.
Do you need a GS1 number to use 2D barcodes?
Yes, if the barcode is to be used for product identification in retail, it must be based on GS1 standards such as GTIN.
Does it require new systems or technology?
It depends on your setup, but many can get started without major changes—especially if the focus is on consumer-facing use.
Can existing packaging be used?
In some cases, yes, but often the packaging needs to be updated to ensure proper scanning.
What is GS1 Digital Link?
GS1 Digital Link is a standard that makes it possible to link a barcode to online information via a link.
How does GS1 Digital Link work?
The barcode contains a digital link that can be scanned to access relevant information—such as a product page, user manual, or promotional campaign.
How does GS1 Digital Link relate to 2D barcodes?
GS1 Digital Link is used in 2D barcodes to enable the combination of in-store scanning with access to online information.
What is the difference between GS1 Digital Link and other QR codes?
GS1 Digital Link follows a standard that makes it possible to structure data and use the barcode in both retail systems and for consumers.
What kind of information can be shared via GS1 Digital Link?
For example, product information, ingredients, instructions for use, traceability data, or promotional campaigns.
Can you change the content behind a GS1 Digital Link?
Yes, for example, the destination, campaign, etc., can be updated without changing the code on the product.
Do you need a GS1 number to use GS1 Digital Link?
Yes, a GTIN is typically used as part of the link to ensure unique identification of the product.
Is GS1 Digital Link only relevant for the retail sector?
No, it can be used across various industries—such as food, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing.
What is GS1 Digital Link?
GS1 Digital Link is a GS1 standard that enables a 2D barcode to be linked to online information while also being used in retail systems.
Will 2D barcodes replace the existing EAN barcode?
Not necessarily yet. During the transition period leading up to Sunrise 2027, many products will feature both a traditional 1D barcode and a 2D code. In the long term, the 2D code could potentially replace the 1D code.
When will 2D barcodes become standard in retail?
The retail industry is working globally toward a rollout by the end of 2027, when 2D barcodes are expected to be widely supported in point-of-sale systems.
Should we switch over now?
It’s a good idea to start preparing now so you’re ready when retailers really start demanding it.
Why should you use GS1 2D barcodes?
Because they are based on global standards that ensure your products can be identified and scanned correctly throughout the entire value chain.
What is the biggest advantage of GS1 standards?
That everyone uses the same “language,” which makes data and products compatible across companies and systems.
How does the 2D barcode enhance security?
The 2D barcode can contain batch/lot numbers, serial numbers, and expiration dates, allowing products that have expired or been recalled to be automatically flagged at the checkout when scanned. Serialization protects against counterfeit goods, as each individual product has a unique ID.
How do 2D barcodes based on GS1 standards add value to the supply chain?
They enable the sharing of precise product data, such as batch numbers and expiration dates, which improves traceability and efficiency.
How do 2D barcodes based on GS1 standards differ from regular QR codes?
2D barcodes from GS1 follow a standard that makes them usable in both retail systems and consumer experiences—not just as a link.
Can GS1’s 2D barcodes be used in existing point-of-sale systems?
Yes, they are designed to work in retail environments and can be implemented as systems are upgraded.
What do 2D barcodes mean for international trade?
That your products can be understood and handled correctly across countries and markets without any adjustments.
Can GS1’s 2D barcodes reduce complexity?
Yes, a single standardized code can replace multiple different solutions and address both logistics and marketing needs.
Is it possible to have both a traditional barcode and a 2D barcode on the same product?
Yes. As POS systems and scanners are updated, there will be a need to be able to scan 1D barcodes until the transition to 2D is complete.
See the price for GS1 membership here. As part of your membership, you will receive one GLN number and access to GS1Trade Activate.
In principle, yes. However, we recommend that you first and foremost look at GS1Trade Sync and then connect the services that create the most value for your business.
Please note that several services require that you have purchased either GLN or GTIN.
You can find all prices and subscriptions here or on My GS1. Prices depend on how many products you want to connect to a given service and are calculated per month in the current year.
Yes, in some cases, but not if you only need GTIN and/or a GLN. GS1Trade Sync is the backbone of our services, but you can also make use of GS1Trade Transact and GS1Trade Activate without using GS1Trade Sync.
Standards are the global set of rules GS1 has set for labeling your products, while our services are services that link to master data on your products.
Yes, you must, as it is a regulatory requirement from the US.
This is a question that all GS1 Denmark members with a GS1ID must answer - not just members with medical devices.
Many companies are facing a lot of work to get an overview of their packaging as a result of the packaging producer responsibility legislation that comes into full effect in October 2025.
With GS1Trade Packaging you get a system that can help you collect, structure and declare your packaging data.
The system gathers your packaging data in one place and makes it easier to comply with legislation. It can handle data for environmental grading and new requirements at both Danish and European level.
You can also use the system to exchange data with others such as your customers and your group scheme.
Read more about GS1Trade Packaging
Unfortunately, it is not possible to delete data in GS1Trade Packaging at this time. Instead, we recommend marking the device as inactive. It will then automatically disappear from the overview. You can also always edit the device and turn it into a new device.
Secondary and tertiary packaging is automatically linked to the product when it is part of a packaging system together with the primary packaging unit.
Not sure how to create and link packaging systems? You can find guidance on this and many other things on My GS1 (requires login).
We can advise on whether data is filled in correctly in the system. We cannot advise on whether your packaging data is correct. If you are unsure how a packaging component should be classified, we recommend contacting your collective scheme.
Book a free online meeting via Teams and get help
The template to import your packaging data can be downloaded inside GS1Trade Packaging. Select 'Import' in the top right corner and then click 'Get template'. Not sure how to import data with the template?
Read instructions for importing packaging data with Excel template in GS1Trade Packaging
When you share a product from GS1Trade Packaging that does not exist in GS1Trade Sync, it is automatically created in GS1Trade Sync with limited information.
You can then open GS1Trade Sync, add your desired data recipients to the product and publish the product. See the guide: Changing products from 'private to public' or vice versa in GS1Trade Sync.
Note: Products created automatically from GS1Trade Packaging to GS1Trade Sync do not count as new products in GS1Trade Sync and are therefore not invoiced.
Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to export data from GS1Trade Packaging to Excel.
GS1Trade Packaging is initially designed for companies to declare directly in the platform. We know that there is a great desire to be able to export to Excel, and we are therefore working to make this possible.
Remember, you can always find information about upcoming features on the GS1Trade Packaging service page.
Here is a list of the most common error sources. If you've checked all of them and it still fails, feel free to contact Member Services. We will do our best to help you.
Typical sources of error.
Inside GS1Trade Packaging you can download an import template. In the 'Lookup' tab you will find a list of all element types and material categories.
Not sure how to download the import template?
Read instructions for importing packaging data with Excel template in GS1Trade Packaging
With GS1Trade Transact, you can enter all information online or integrate the solution with fully automated EDI to your financial system.
You can then send invoices via NemHandel and customize invoices and electronic delivery notes to the customer before delivery.
Yes. GS1Trade Transact is a reliable and proven EDI solution that you can use quickly and easily.
The solution ensures that you send exactly the information the customer wants and ensures that your invoice goes through the first time.
You choose whether you want to enter data in GS1Trade Transact online or integrate it to your financial/ERP system. By integrating to the financial system, data will automatically be transferred without you having to enter in GS1Trade Transact.
You can easily integrate GS1Trade Transact with E-conomic, Tracezilla and Visma.net via plugin. You can also send and receive messages via SFTP to create your own integration
Depending on the type of packaging, our standard image package includes up to 9 exposed packshots jpg and png from different angles and 6-8 planogram images in png. However, we have several image packages to cover different needs.
GS1TradeImage is a sister service to our product database, GS1TradeSync, and because standardized photos linked to product data is a requirement in today's trade, we have chosen to kill two birds with one stone and make it possible to combine the two services.
You have. Our professional photographers take care of all the technical stuff, and afterwards you should not think about photo credit or other rights issues.
Copyright belongs to the photographer according to Danish law
Yes, it is possible to upload images in GS1TradeSync yourself. However, please note that retailers only receive images from approved photographers and they choose not to use them for marketing purposes or planograms unless you become certified yourself.
Want to learn more about how to get certified or how to upload images?
Contact GS1Trade Image for more information
In our GS1Trade Image guide you will find an overview of the different image packages. Here you can see, for example, which file formats, dimensions and angles we deliver, and which special requirements apply depending on product type and packaging.
Product creation: We create your products in GS1Trade Sync with quality control of the product.
Quality check: We make sure that your physical product matches the master data found in GS1Trade Sync and sign off with a quality stamp in GS1Trade Sync.
Label Check: We check the updated label information of your previously quality checked products.*
*does not require submission of physical products.
When launching new products, your trading partners need to know selected product data before the product goes on sale. Therefore, contact your customer first to find out about requirements and deadlines.
Logistics information such as dimensions and weight ensure correct handling in warehouses, ingredients and allergens help your customers comply with legislation, and planogram images ensure the best possible in-store presentation. If you also want product images, you can use our GS1Trade Image service.
When you book an appointment for GS1Trade Exact, you choose what to do with your products after the data quality check is complete.
Returns*: We will arrange returns, but you pay for the shipping yourself.
Destroy: We take care of destroying your products. Refrigerated & frozen products are always destroyed and cannot be donated/returned.
Donate: We make sure to pass on your products to charitable causes such as Mødrehjælpen and Project Homeless.
*When orders are completed, an email notification will be sent that samples are ready to be picked up. In cases where GS1Trade Exact does not hear from you within 10 business days, samples will be donated.
With our GS1Trade Image service, we take product images, planogram photos and environmental images.
GS1Trade Image is located at the same physical address as GS1Trade Exact, which makes it easy and convenient to let us handle the images at the same time.
We perform the quality check within 10 business days of receipt. It is possible to order express handling, which halves the processing time. Express costs 100% on top of the selected service.
With GS1Trade Activate, you can keep track of how many GTINs from your company prefix you have used and what they have been used for.
You can also keep track of whether GTINs already in use are still active. GS1Trade Activate automatically generates the next available GTIN in accordance with the GS1 standard, and you can generate barcodes based on the GTINs you have registered in the tool.
You can also use the system to create your barcodes for products and pallets, for example.
For GTIN, it's also worth mentioning that GS1Trade Activate is connected to the GS1 Registry Platform and supports Verified by GS1.
The latter is basically a global directory of who owns the rights to a GTIN. If you fill in product information such as product text, brand name and net content, this information will also appear in the overview.
Read more about Verified by GS1
You can also keep track of your GLNs with the GS1Trade Activate platform, so you have an overview of what your GLNs are used for. As with your GTINs, you can also update whether your GLNs are active or not.
If GS1Trade Activate sounds like something for you, please contact our Member Service to get started. We also have regular free online courses in the tool that you can sign up for.
Sign up for a basic course in GS1Trade Activate
Access to GS1Trade Activate is included in your GS1 membership. If you are not a member yet, you can purchase the membership on My GS1.
No, there are no restrictions on how many numbers you can have with us. However, it is only possible to create numbers based on your own prefixes in GS1Trade Activate.
This is where GS1Trade Activate really can be an efficient tool. You simply log in to the system and get an overview of your prefixes, GTINs and GLNs. You can then create all the GTINs you've used, and when you need to create new GTINs, the system can automatically give you the next available GTIN based on your prefix.
A GTIN is a globally unique product number used to identify your online or physical products, no matter what industry or sector you represent.
Many people know the GTIN as a barcode, but technically a GTIN is the number found under the barcode symbol itself.
To create GTINs for your products, you need to purchase a GS1ID subscription in My GS1. After making your purchase, you will receive a unique company prefix with which you can create GTINs and other identification numbers.
A GTIN is the number below a barcode, so technically a GTIN is not a whole barcode, but only a part of it.
However, many of our members use the term GTIN when referring to barcodes. For this reason we often also use the term GTIN on our website when referring to barcodes to avoid confusion.
On My GS1 you can choose a variety of packages that contain different numbers of identification numbers. How many you need depends on how many products you have.
A product needs a new GTIN when:
- Change of functionality or recipe, e.g. ingredients
- Change in net content
- Change of dimensions or gross weight by more than 20%
- Addition or deletion of certification mark, e.g. kosher or CE
- Change of primary brand, i.e. the brand known to the consumer
- A time-bound or promotional product
- Change the number of units in the package/box
- Changing a predefined combination, for example in a package of two or more consumer units that are combined and sold as one consumer unit
- Modification of a price printed on the packaging
- Launching a brand new product
Not sure whether a new GTIN should be assigned to your product?
To avoid using barcodes you no longer subscribe to or using someone else's company prefix, keep the following in mind when your company constellation changes:
Transfer prefixes to the company that will continue to exist if the products are to continue with the same barcode numbers.
Prefixes used on the covered brands must be transferred from the selling company to the buying company. If this is not possible, new barcodes must be assigned and labeled, which the buying company is entitled to use. Note that only the entire prefix can be transferred, not individual GTINs.
If a company is sold, the buyer must either take over the prefix from the seller (and thus take over the subscription with GS1 Denmark), or relabel the products with new barcodes. You can order your own prefix for barcodes on My GS1.
You receive one GLN as part of your GS1 membership. Not a member or want to purchase more GLNs? Then you can buy them on My GS1 with a GS1ID subscription.
With a Global Location Number (GLN), you can uniquely and uniquely identify physical, functional, legal, or digital entities. That is, a sender, recipient, buyer, seller, supplier, manufacturer, place of delivery, place of payment, store, internal department, etc. Yes, even a specific shelf can have a GLN to identify this particular physical device.
GLNs are used to identify the WHO and WHERE in various relations involving trade or exchange of information. WHO are legal and functional entities, WHERE are physical and operational (digital) locations.
When you as a public or private company acquire a GLN, it is to get a unique electronic address associated with a number that contains information about where and how an electronic invoice should be delivered. In principle, you buy a unique electronic mailbox, which itself acknowledges the sender for receiving documents.
A GLN is structured with a fixed length of 13 digits. A GLN issued by GS1 Denmark starts with the number structure 57.
Yes, a GLN can be used in a barcode to identify a physical delivery address, or to provide relevant delivery or billing information.
You must be in possession of a GLN if you connect to GS1Trade Sync and GS1Trade Transact.
If the location of a physical location changes and GLN does not change, deliveries will go to the "old" address that exists.
It is therefore important that you as soon as possible inform trading partners of a new GLN or changes associated with a GLN.
Please note that there are different rules for when to change the GLN depending on what the number is used for - legal, functional, physical or digital locations. Contact our advisors if you are unsure which category you belong to.
Whether you're a beginner or need help with more advanced features, we're here to help. In addition to our support, we have many tutorials available on our website, and your membership also gives you access to free online courses and webinars with our trainers who specialize in GS1Trade Sync.
The entire Danish retail and foodservice sector receives product data via GS1Trade Sync. The data recipients include Coop Danmark, Matas, Salling Group, Dagrofa, Dansk Cater, Hørkram and Rema 1000.
See the list of data recipients
You do this by reviewing your products in GS1Trade Sync and deleting the ones you no longer need. This ensures that you only pay for the product data you need. Read more in this guide.
Yes, we do. In fact, several of our services require that you have created your products in GS1Trade Sync.
If you do, you can also benefit from GS1Trade Exact and GS1Trade Image, which can save you time and money on quality assurance of product data and product images. That way you get the most out of your membership.
First and foremost, you need to make sure that you are a member of GS1 Denmark. You become a member by purchasing a GS1 membership. Get started here.
Once you've done that, you can purchase a GS1ID subscription to generate your GTINs and other identification numbers.
See the price for GS1 membership here. Membership includes one GLN number and access toGS1Trade Activate. You can subsequently purchase our other services and pay for them as you go.
Seeour prices and subscriptions
With a GS1ID subscription, you can create identification numbers such as GTINs for your products and GLN numbers for your locations.
With GTINs, you can identify your goods across all borders and platforms and create physical barcodes.
With a GLN (EAN) you are identified as a trading partner and can uniquely and unambiguously identify physical, functional, legal or digital entities. This means a sender, receiver, buyer, seller, supplier, manufacturer, delivery point, payment point, store and internal department.
Once you have selected and purchased a GS1ID subscription, you will receive a company prefix that uniquely identifies your company worldwide.
From the company prefix, you can create your GTINs, which you use to identify your sales units, package units and possibly pallets. You can then express a GTIN in a barcode symbol if you need a physical barcode.
As part of your GS1 membership, you get access to GS1Trade Activate, where you can create your GTINs and generate barcodes. The system makes it easy to create correct barcodes for your products and pallets - and download them with a click, ready to use.
You can easily check this in GS1Trade Activate, which is included in your membership. Simply log in to the system, where you have an overview of your prefixes and can register used GTINs and GLN numbers.
A GTIN is the number below a barcode, so technically a GTIN is not a whole barcode, but only a part of it.
However, many of our members use the term GTIN when referring to barcodes. For this reason we often also use the term GTIN on our website when referring to barcodes to avoid confusion.
Not sure how to order a GS1ID subscription to get a GLN or create a barcode?
Then contact our member service who are ready to guide you through the process.
