Overview
GPC is updated twice a year to keep product classifications accurate and reflect changes in products, markets and regulations. My Numberbank applies these updates annually in July/August, giving members a clear process for reviewing any products affected by GPC changes. If one of your products uses a deprecated Brick code, you will be prompted through the My Numberbank dashboard to review the affected GTINs and select the most appropriate current Brick code.
What is a GPC Brick?
A GPC Brick is the most detailed level of the Global Product Classification (GPC) hierarchy and is typically used to classify individual products. The hierarchy is structured from the broadest level to the most specific:
Each Brick represents a group of similar products and is identified by an eight-digit code.
Using the right Brick helps make product data easier to search, compare, validate and share. It also supports services such as Verified by GS1, where a GPC category code is required as part of a GTIN record.
Why does the GPC standard change?
Products, markets and regulations evolve over time. To keep product classifications accurate and relevant, GS1 updates the GPC standard twice a year, typically in May and November.
Updates may include:
New product categories
Clarified classifications
Merged categories
Replaced or retired Brick codes
What happens if a Brick code is deprecated?
A deprecated Brick code is a code that is no longer recommended for ongoing use because the GPC standard has changed. The code may have been replaced by a more accurate category, merged with another category, or updated to better reflect how products are classified today.
Your GTIN does not change when a Brick code is deprecated. Only the product classification needs to be reviewed and updated to reflect the current GPC standard.
How to update a deprecated GPC Brick Code in My Numberbank
Although GPC is updated twice a year, My Numberbank applies updates on an annual cycle in July/August each year. If any of your products are affected by a deprecated Brick code, you will see an alert in Items for Attention in your My Numberbank dashboard. The dashboard link will take you to the relevant list of GTINs that need to be reviewed.
To update affected products:
Log in to My GS1 and open My Numberbank
Go to dashboard and check Items for Attention
Open the list of affected GTINs
Review each product and choose the most suitable current GPC Brick code.
Save your changes
Member checklist for GPC updates
| Action | What to confirm | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check your My Numberbank dashboard during the July/August update period. | There are no new Items for Attention relating to GPC or deprecated Brick code values. | |||
| Open any Items for Attention relating to GPC or deprecated Brick code values. | You can see the affected GTINs that need to be reviewed. | |||
| Review each affected GTIN. | The product description, brand and product type are still correct. | |||
| Select the most appropriate current GPC Brick code for each affected product. | The selected Brick code accurately describes the product. | |||
| Check whether the GTIN needs to change. | The GTIN should not be changed unless there has been a separate product change that requires a new GTIN under the GS1 GTIN Management Standard. | |||
| Save each updated product record. | The item no longer appears as requiring attention. | |||
| If unsure, use the available GPC search and product details. | You have selected the closest accurate match before saving. |
Why keeping GPC up to date matters
Keeping GPC classifications up to date helps improve data quality and reduces confusion when product information is shared or checked. It supports better product discovery, more consistent reporting, and greater confidence for retailers, marketplaces and other trading partners who rely on accurate product data.
You do not need to check the GPC standard manually every six months. My Numberbank will highlight the products that need attention when the annual update is applied, helping you keep your product records aligned with the current GPC standard.