The Global Language of Business
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Ready to sell? Start with a GS1 barcode/GTIN

Every product sold online or in stores needs a unique identification number. GS1 provides the globally trusted barcodes used by retailers and marketplaces worldwide.

Who we work with – We work with organisations of every size. Over two million are part of GS1 – from international household names to small, local businesses. Designed by consensus, our standards are proven, open and benefit from collaboration with respected global companies.

Applying GS1 numbers and barcodes to our bottles has made international trading so much easier. We don't have to change the barcodes on our bottles or packaging at any point... This saves us a lot time and money and also gives out international customers so much more confidence. 

Andy Mofatt Head brewer, Redemption Brewing Company

The global standard for product identification

For over 50 years, businesses have relied on GS1 to identify their products and sell with confidence—knowing their barcodes are unique, trusted, and globally recognised. With GS1 barcodes you can: 

Comparison between scanner in the past and today

Sell products globally

GS1 barcodes are recognised and accepted around the world. 

List products faster with retailers and marketplaces

Standardised GS1 data helps you meet listing requirements more easily.

Ensure your product data is trusted and verified

GS1 helps your create accurate product information partners and platforms can rely on.

Barcodes are evolving

2D barcodes – such as QR codes powered by GS1 – link physical products to trusted digital information. Businesses can share richer product details, improve traceability, support regulatory requirements, and create better experiences for consumers and patients.

  1. Explore 2D barcodes

How does it work

GS1 is the only authorised provider of Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) for trading on Amazon and leading global retailers. Our numbers are always unique to your products, as well as searchable, verifiable and traceable on our global identifier database. If you need a barcode, GTIN, UPC or EAN, you’re in the right place. 

01

Find your local office GS1 operates through local organisations in over 120 countries. Select your location to get started.

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Become a member Your local office will help you register your business and assign your GS1 company prefix.

03

Create & manage your barcodes Once registered, you can generate GTINs and barcodes for your products.

GS1 is the only official provider of GS1 GTINs and EAN/UPC barcodes globally

We’ve been helping companies to identify their products since the very first barcode was used back in 1973. When you get your barcodes from GS1, you also get peace of mind that your numbers are unique and authentic within the GS1 system. 

  1. See all locations

  1. Do business globally

    As a global standards organisation, we ensure our GS1 barcodes work everywhere in the world.

  2. Manage your barcodes online

    Most GS1 offices provide a free online tool that makes it easy to accurately create and manage your product GTINs and barcodes.

  3. Free support by phone or online

    Our support team is here to help you on your journey as your business grows.

Ready for your barcode/GTIN?

We like to help you further on your local GS1 website, where you can.

Frequently asked questions

  1. How do I apply the barcodes to the products?

    There are several ways to apply a barcode to an item. You first need to convert the barcode numbers into a barcode image using software.

    Depending on your particular needs, you can then:

    • Integrate the barcode image into your packaging design and artwork
    • Use pre-printed labels
    • Print the barcodes on site directly onto the packaging

  2. Are all barcodes the same?

    All barcodes represent data in a machine readable format using patterns of different widths of dark bars and pale spaces, but the similarities end there. Some show the data only using the different widths of the bars, some have only two different widths of bars and spaces, some can only represent numbers, while others can show alphanumeric data.

    The barcodes used by the GS1 System have, in some cases, been specially designed for it, while others have been adapted to suit the requirements of the System’s users. All the barcodes used by the GS1 System have a standardized data content which means that they can be used by any company that has adopted the GS1 System. GS1 barcodes also have special features to ensure they are not confused with any other barcodes.

    The barcodes used by GS1 include EAN-13, UPC-A, EAN-8, UPC-E, GS1 DataBar family of symbols, GS1-128, ITF-14, GS1 DataMatrix, GS1 QR Code, and Composite Component.

    For more information please click here: http://www.gs1.org/barcodes

  3. Are the description and price of the item included in the barcode?

    Generally no. The barcode represents the number that simply identifies the item uniquely. All the information about a product is held in a computer database. By scanning the barcode, this information (including the description and price) may be retrieved from the database.

    The only exception is the specialist numbering system devised for Retail Variable Measure Trade Items and money-off coupon numbers that include the price of the item or value of the coupon.

  4. What is a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)?

    A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a unique number that identifies any pre-defined trade item (a product or service) that may be priced, ordered or invoiced at any point in any supply chain. Trade items include all services and products, from raw materials through to end user products.

    The Brand Owner, the organisation that owns the specifications of the trade item, regardless of where and by whom it is manufactured, is normally responsible for the allocation of the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).

    Different GTINs must be allocated to every different product that the Brand Owner is responsible for, and detailed rules have been developed to help companies allocate them correctly. For further information, please see GTIN Management Rules.

    See http://www.gs1.org/gtin for more information.

Useful links

  1. Access local resources and support
  2. 10 steps to GS1 barcodes
  3. Types of barcodes managed by GS1
  4. Next generation barcodes

Have questions or thinks we can help your business?

Our team can help you get started, find the right resources, or connect you with your local GS1 office.

  1. Contact us