Traceability Standards

Clearly visible

GS1 has developed Global Traceability Standards that are accepted by consumers, businesses and governments worldwide These standards enhance supply chain visibility and help organisations in many countries be more efficiently and cost effectively.

Traceability requires a holistic view of the supply chain.  The GS1 System, with its acceptance around the world, is uniquely positioned to develop and deliver traceability. Our standards in this area help organisations meet regulatory requirements and business imperatives for efficient trace back and track forward from each point in a supply chain, no matter the number of trading partners and processes involved or their international nature.

The European Union has made food traceability mandatory (EU Regulation 178:2002). Food and animal feed suppliers to the EU must be able to, at the least, identify where their products originate and  steps taken in their processing and shipment . Customers can access all relevant information.

Traceability helps to:

• Ensure regulatory compliance
• Locate and recall defective or unsafe goods
• Validate particular product attributes, such as organic certification
• Strengthen inventory control
• Make supply chains more efficient 

GS1 New Zealand advises members on different traceability options and has customised traceability guidelines for many sectors.

Read more about the GS1 Traceability Standards.
Find out how traceability works in a New Zealand fresh food industry. See our Zespri case study. Also, find out how traceability using GS1 standards aids Food and Product Safety.