GS1 Dictionary

Application Identifier. A GS1 prefix of 2–4 digits placed at the beginning of barcodes or RFID tags. It indicates the meaning and format of the data that follows, such as batch number, serial number, or expiry date.

A global GS1 standard that makes it possible to connect a product’s GS1 identifier (e.g., GTIN) to online information through a standardized web link. This allows a product to link to digital resources such as product data, user instructions, and traceability information. The standard enables the use of one code that can direct both consumers and businesses to up-to-date digital information. It is already used in sectors such as grocery retail, pharmacies, and healthcare.

Digital Product Passport. A digital “product identity” containing structured data about a physical product’s lifecycle - such as materials, origin, recycling, and repair. It enables manufacturers, authorities, and consumers to access reliable product data throughout the entire value chain.

A unique GS1 identification number that globally identifies products and forms the basis of the barcode on an item. It enables products to be registered, sold, and shared with consistent product data across systems and companies.

A 13-digit number used in a barcode to identify individual products sold in retail. It is the most widely used EAN type and the one consumers most commonly encounter on products in stores.

An 8-digit number used in a barcode for very small products where there is not enough space for an EAN-13 barcode. It still identifies a unique product but has fewer digits and therefore more limited numbering capacity.

Electronic Data Interchange. The electronic exchange of business documents in a standardized format - such as orders, order confirmations, and invoices - so that data can be sent directly between companies’ IT systems without manual entry. It automates trade processes and reduces errors.

Electronic Product Code. The global GS1 standard for RFID technology. It defines three key elements: how data is stored in an RFID tag, how the data is communicated to the reader, and how the reader communicates with the business system.

Electronic Product Code Information Services. A standard for sharing traceability data about products—such as what, where, when, and why. It is used to exchange event data about product movements and status across companies in the supply chain.

Enterprise Resource Planning. A business system that integrates and manages a company’s core processes and data - such as procurement, inventory, production, sales, and finance. In a GS1 context, it is often the system that sends and receives standardized data via technologies such as EDI, barcodes, and GS1 identification.

Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. An EU regulation that sets requirements for product design and documentation to make products more sustainable. It introduces the Digital Product Passport (DPP) as a key element for sharing standardized product data, such as information on durability, materials, and recyclability.

European Database on Medical Devices. The EU’s central database for medical devices, which collects information on products, manufacturers, certifications, and safety. The database supports traceability, market surveillance, and transparency across the EU

European Union Deforestation Regulation. An EU regulation that sets requirements for information about specific raw materials and products related to forestry and derived resources when they are traded or imported into the EU. Its purpose is to help reduce deforestation and protect the environment.

Global Data Synchronisation Network. A global GS1 network that enables companies to share and automatically synchronize consistent and up-to-date product data with trading partners.

Global Individual Asset Identifier. A GS1 identifier used to uniquely identify individual assets, such as machines, tools, or equipment, enabling them to be tracked and managed throughout their entire lifecycle.

Global Location Number. A GS1 identifier used to uniquely identify physical or legal locations, such as companies, departments, warehouses, or delivery addresses, in data exchange and supply chains.

Global Product Classification. A standard for classifying products in a shared global system, enabling goods to be categorized consistently across countries, industries, and IT systems.

General Product Safety Regulation. The EU’s new general product safety regulation, which requires that products sold in the EU are safe for consumers and that there is transparent product information and clearly responsible actors in the supply chain. It broadly applies to consumer products.

Global Returnable Asset Identifier. A GS1 identifier used to uniquely identify returnable assets such as pallets, crates, or containers. It enables these assets to be tracked and managed throughout their entire lifecycle.

A barcode that can contain both product identification (e.g., GTIN) and additional information such as batch number, serial number, expiry date, or weight. It is primarily used in logistics and B2B environments to support detailed product and shipment information.

A type of barcode that can contain more information than a traditional EAN or UPC barcode, such as batch number, serial number, expiry date, or variable weight. It is often used on small products or fresh foods to provide both product identification and additional data in a single barcode.

A two-dimensional (2D) barcode that can contain a large amount of information in a very small space, such as GTIN, batch number, serial number, or expiry date. It is often used on small products or packaging and is widely used in the healthcare sector.

A unique identifier issued by GS1 that is used to uniquely identify products, assets, locations, or entities in the supply chain. It ensures that all parties can share and understand data about the identified object across systems and countries.

Product Activation. A service that helps you get started with correct product identification and basic product data, enabling products to be shared and used in trade and business systems.

The checking and validation of your product data to ensure that information about products is accurate, complete, and compliant with GS1 standards and market requirements.

A service for managing and sharing product images, ensuring that trading partners have access to consistent, up-to-date, and correctly formatted images of products. You can also have product photos taken in the quality required by retail and foodservice.

A system for creating, maintaining, and sharing packaging data, including information about materials, quantities, and packaging structure. It supports compliance with legislation and sustainability requirements.

A system for collecting, validating, and exchanging product data and images. It is based on GDSN, enabling the automatic sharing and synchronization of standardized product data between suppliers and trading partners.

A system for the standardized electronic exchange of business documents such as orders, despatch advices, and invoices. It enables automated trade processes and helps reduce manual work and errors in data exchange between trading partners.

Global Service Relation Number. A GS1 identifier used to uniquely identify a service relationship, such as a subscription, a patient, a loyalty card, or another service entity. It enables services to be tracked and managed across different systems.

Global Trade Item Number. A globally unique GS1 number used to identify a trade item, such as a specific retail product. It forms the basis for barcodes like EAN-13, EAN-8, or DataMatrix, enabling products to be correctly registered, tracked, and shared between companies.

A special 13-digit GTIN structure used for products with a variable price, where the actual sales price is encoded directly in the barcode. It is typically used for items where the price is set individually - for example specialty items, selected delicatessen products, or products labeled in-store.

A special 13-digit GTIN structure used for products with variable weight, where the actual weight is encoded directly in the barcode. It is typically used for items such as meat, cheese, fruit, and vegetables, where the price is calculated based on the individual item’s weight at the time of sale. A variable-weight GTIN-13 makes it possible to identify both the product type and the specific weight within the same barcode, ensuring the item can be correctly registered at the checkout.

Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID). The U.S. FDA database for medical devices, where each product is registered with a unique identifier (UDI). It enables the tracking, monitoring, and sharing of information about medical devices across manufacturers, distributors, and the healthcare sector.

International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. An international standard for naming ingredients in cosmetic products. INCI names are used on ingredient lists so that the contents of cosmetic products can be identified and compared across countries.

Barcodes used only in closed environments for internal use within a company or retail chain. They are typically used for store-produced items or internal product flows and are not intended for trade between companies. The following types of internal barcodes exist: EAN-13 Internal, EAN-13 Internal with price, EAN-13 Internal with quantity, and EAN-8 Internal.

Intra (within the EU) State (Statistics). A code used to report trade in goods between EU countries for statistical purposes. It is based on product classification and enables authorities to collect harmonized trade data on imports and exports within the EU.

International identification numbers used to uniquely identify books, magazines, and journals. ISBN is used for books, while ISSN is used for journals and serial publications, ensuring that publications can be correctly registered, distributed, and sold.

In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR). An EU regulation that sets requirements for the safety, performance, and documentation of in vitro diagnostic medical devices, such as tests and analytical equipment. The purpose is to ensure high patient safety and harmonized rules across the EU.

Quick Response. A two-dimensional barcode that can contain more information than a traditional barcode and can be scanned with a smartphone. In a GS1 context, it is used, among other things, together with GS1 Digital Link to provide access to online product information.

Radio Frequency Identification. A technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify and track objects using tags and readers - without physical contact or a direct line of sight. In a GS1 context, it is used together with standards such as EPC to enable efficient tracking and data sharing across supply chains.

Serial Shipping Container Code. A GS1 identifier used to uniquely identify logistics units such as pallets and shipments. It enables the tracking and tracing of goods throughout the entire transport and delivery process.

Single-Use Plastics Directive. An EU directive aimed at reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastic products. The directive sets requirements for areas such as labeling, product information, and responsibilities across the value chain.

Switzerland’s national database for medical devices. A database where information about medical devices and manufacturers is registered to support traceability, market surveillance, and patient safety.

Two-dimensional symbols on packaging (typically QR codes and GS1 DataMatrix). They enable both traditional scanning at checkout and scanning with a mobile phone. This supports efficient communication throughout the logistics flow and directly with the end user of the product.

Universal Product Code (UPC). GTIN-12, often referred to as UPC. A 12-digit GS1 identifier used primarily in North America to identify retail products. It forms the basis for barcodes on items and ensures unique product identification in trade and logistics.

Unique Device Identification. A system for the unique identification of medical devices. It consists of a code that enables the identification and traceability of devices throughout their entire lifecycle and supports patient safety and regulatory oversight.

Device Identifier. The “fixed part” of a UDI that identifies the manufacturer and the specific device model. It is used, among other things, in registrations and databases such as EUDAMED to uniquely identify the device type.

United Nations Standard Products and Services Code. A global classification system for products and services used for procurement, analysis, and reporting across industries and countries.

Universal Product Code. A two-dimensional barcode that can contain more information than a traditional barcode and can be scanned with a smartphone. In a GS1 context, it is used, among other things, together with GS1 Digital Link to provide access to online product information.