GS1 Standards

The number that sits beneath a barcode is called a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). This is a globally unique identifier for your product. The barcode is just a machine-readable version of this number. Below are different tools and resources you may use to ensure your organization creates quality Barcodes to use in your business processes.

• GS1 Canada's Barcode Generator (login required) (Login is required. Document link opens in new tab.)
  GS1 Canada's Barcode Generator provides a reliable source of barcode images that align with global standards and scan correctly every time. This system supports the following barcode formats UPC-A; EAN-13; ITF-14; GS1 DataBar; GS1-128.
• GS1 Barcode Chart (Document link opens in new tab.)
  The GS1 Barcode Chart provides a summary of all the different barcode symbologies and usage examples.
• Barcoding for Designers, Printers and Packagers (Document link opens in new tab.)
  This implementation guide provides an introduction to the standards used for barcode symbols on product packaging.
• GS1 Package and Product Measurement Standard (External link opens in new tab.)
  The GS1 Package and Product Measurement Standard sets the standard for an unambiguous nominal measurements used for retail and non-retail product packaging levels.
• Barcoding Basics for Shipping Containers (Document link opens in new tab.)
  Barcoding Basics for Shipping Containers is an introduction to the standards for creating and using shipping container codes.
• New! Symbol Placement Guidelines - What you need to know? (Document link opens in new tab.)
• Case Date Coding Initiative
  The Industry initiative for Case Date Coding is intended to optimize product freshness through clear communication of key dates on products cases.
• Case Date Coding Protocol (Document link opens in new tab.)
  The Industry Implementation Protocol for Case Date Coding provides detailed date codes for product cases, intended to optimize product freshness.

GS1 Allocation Standards provide rules industries standardize to. These are used to create practical business and consumer value, specifically when pre-defined information is established or changed. Some Allocation Standards / Rules are listed below:

• GS1 GTIN Management Standards Overview (Document link opens in new tab.)
  The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) Management Standard is designed to help industry make consistent decisions about the unique identification of trade items in open supply chains.
• GS1 GTIN Management Standard
  The GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) Management Standard define when GTIN changes are needed at the retail consumer trade item level (base unit) as well as on higher level trade items (e.g., case, pallet) that currently exist and are used in distribution processes.
• GS1 GTIN Allocation Rules for Healthcare
  Healthcare GTIN Allocation Rules GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) provides a unique identification solution for Healthcare Items. When linked with the item's batch number and expiration date, it can help provide traceability from production to patient delivery.
• GS1 GTIN Allocation Rules for Upstream
  Upstream Integration use the GS1 GTIN Allocation Rules to improve the processes by sharing information and improving visibility of demand, demand changes and inventory.
• GS1 GTIN Allocation Rules for Fresh Foods
  The GS1 Fresh Foods Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) Allocation Rules Standard are focused on the additional rules that may be needed when operating in these sectors. These are in addition to the GTIN Management Standard that are designed to help industry make consistent decisions about the unique identification of trade items in open supply chains, but are focused on their specific industries.
• GS1CA GTIN Management Standards - Canadian Grocery (Document link opens in new tab.)
  This specific Canadian Grocery Allocation Guideline is based on the GS1 GTIN Management Standard which provides rules for industries to standardize to and manage existing products or when a new product is introduced to the Canadian grocery marketplace.
• GS1CA GTIN Management Standards - Canadian General Merchandise & Hardlines (Document link opens in new tab.)
  This specific Canadian General Merchandise & Hardlines Allocation Guideline is based on the GS1 GTIN Management Standard which provides rules for industries to standardize to and manage existing products or when a new product is introduced to the Canadian grocery marketplace.
• GS1 GLN Allocation Rules Standard
  Global Location Number (GLN) Allocation & Management Standard can be used by companies to identify their locations, giving them complete flexibility to identify any type or level of location required.
• GS1 General Specifications (Document link opens in new tab.)
  The GS1 General Specifications is the core standards document of the GS1 system describing how GS1 barcodes and identification keys should be used.