GS1 Identification Keys
GS1 Identification Keys are used to identify trade items, logistic units, locations, legal entities, assets, service relationships, consignment, shipments and more. Any identification number that combines GS1 company identifiers (GS1 Company Prefix) with standards based rules for allocating reference numbers is a key.
GTIN, SSCC and GLN are the most widely used GS1 ID Keys. The following pages provide detailed information on each GS1 ID Key.
To be able to create your own GS1 Identification Keys, your company needs to be a member of GS1 Switzerland.
Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)
A GTIN is used to identify any item (product or service) upon which there is a need to retrieve pre-defined information and that may be priced, or ordered, or invoiced at any point in any supply chain.Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)
Global Location Number (GLN)
A Global Location Number (GLN) is used to identify any location (physical or legal) that needs to be uniquely identified for use in the supply chain.Global Location Number (GLN)
Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC)
Logistic units are identified with the SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code). The SSCC ensures that logistic units are identified with a number that is unique worldwide.Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC)
Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI)
The GS1 Identification Key used to identify Returnable Assets.Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI)
Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI)
Der GIAI wird zur Identifikation von individuellen Objekten verwendet.Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI)
Global Service Relation Number (GSRN)
The Global Service Relation Number (GSRN) is used to identify the recipient of services in the context of a service relationship.Global Service Relation Number (GSRN)
Global Document Type Identifier (GDTI)
The GDTI is used to indetify documents.Global Document Type Identifier (GDTI)
- Any other GS1 data element that derives from a GS1 Company Prefix (e.g., consignment number or shipment number)
- GS1 ID Keys are not only bar coded but are also used in electronic data exchange messages to unambiguously identify the traded items.