GS1 standards

The GS1 System is about identifying, capturing and sharing information

Our standards make the supply chain more efficient and effective.

GS1 Standards for identifying, capturing, and sharing information – about products, assets, services, people, locations and more – make it possible for companies to speak the same language, connect with each other, and enable true visibility in the supply chain.

Identify

GS1 standards for identification 

Used to uniquely distinguish all products (or "trade items"), logistic units, locations and assets across the supply chain from manufacturer to consumer.

Capture

GS1 standards for barcodes and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags

GS1 barcodes and EPC-enabled Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags carry information, including GS1 Identification Keys, about products and locations. They can also include more specific identification, such as batch/lot information and expiry dates for food traceability and safety.

Share

GS1 Standards for data exchange

Interoperability, made possible by identification standards, data capture standards and interface standards for electronic communication, allows product information to flow seamlessly through the supply chain. 

For technical information about GS1 standards visit our Standards Library.

Discover GS1 standards

Learn how GS1 standards can be used to benefit you and your business, and how they play a vital role in everyone's lives

Standards library

Need to know about the technical details behind the standards? The GS1 standards library gives you access to all our documentation