Identification using GS1 Standards

Find out how to identify different items using GS1 Numbers

To identify something, you need to start with a unique number. GS1 calls these numbers keys. The GS1 key you need depends on what you want to identify, whether it’s a CD, a roll cage or a person.

GS1 identification numbers/keys can be used on their own to identify your product. This is common when selling online. But GS1 keys are often put into bar codes or RFID tags, or used in EDI messages or for GDSN.

Find out which GS1 identification number/key you need using the table below:

What you need to identify:	Examples:	The identification number key you need is:
Products	CDs to sell online or a cake to sell in a shop	GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
Parties and locations	Warehouses, factories, stores	GLN (Global Location Number)
Logistics units	Pallets, containers, roll cages	SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)
Returnable equipment used for transporting goods	Pallet bases, crates, totes	GRAI (Global Returnable Asset Identifier)
Assets such as important equipment	Medical equipment, manufacturing equipment, components	GIAI (Global Individual Asset Identifier)
People	Members of a customer loyalty scheme, patients, employees	GSRN (Global Service Relation Number)
Documents	Papers including tax demands, shipment forms, insurance policies, driving licences	GDTI (Global Document Type Identifier)
Freight consignment	Logistics units that comprise a single consignment	GINC (Global Identification Number for Consignment)
Imports or export processes	Customs authorities identify shipments going in and out of the country	GSIN (Global Shipment Identification Number)

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Learn More at one of our Bar Code Foundation Seminars

For more information about GS1 identification, please come along to one of our Bar Code Foundation Seminar. For more information and to register, click here.