Three steps to the solution you want
- Select the desired API product
Select the appropriate product and fill out the corresponding application form. After review, you will receive confirmation and an invitation to access the API Hub.
2. Register on API Hub after receiving access
Once you have successfully logged into the hub, you will find your products, product descriptions and interface documentation.
3. Create subscription and retrieve data
Then create a subscription for your product. You can then start using the product. Each product can be tested using the ‘Try it’ function on the API Hub.
Overview of API products
You search by....
Licensee
Name, address, website, licence key (GPC), issuing authority for licence key
7 basic attributes and image
GTIN, brand name, product description, product image URL, global product classification, net content, country of sale from GTIN registry
Digital link
to stored targets
The GTIN and related information provided by the licensee are available.
GS1:CH API VbG
Licensee
Name, address, website, license key (GPC), issuing authority License key
GLN Information from the GLN Registry
The GTIN and related information provided by the licensee are available.
GS1:CH API VbG
Licensee
Name, address, website, license key (GPC), issuing authority License key
GLN Information from the GLN Registry
GLN and information provided by the licensee only
GS1:CH API VbG
Licensee
Name, address, website, license key (GPC), issuing authority for license key
None
GS1:CH API VbG
n/a
Inputs per request:
1 ID-Key
Requests* per 60 sec.:
-
Requests per 30 days:
-
Limitations wen inquiry (WebUI):
900 (30 requests per 24h and IP-adress)
Membership not required
No cancelation period
CHF 0.00 / 365 days
Inputs per request:
1 ID-Key
Requests* per 60 sec.:
2
Requests per 30 days:
100
Limitations web inquiry (WebUI):
n/a
Membership required
No cancelation period
CHF 5’500 / 365 days
Inputs per request:
50 ID-Keys
Requests* per 60 Sec.:
60
Requests per 30 days:
500'000
Limitations web inquiry (WebUI):
n/a
Membership required
3 months' notice before expiry
CHF 9'900 / 365 days
Inputs per request:
100 ID-Keys
Requests* per 60 Sec.:
100
Requests per 30 days:
1.5 Mio.
Limitations web inquiry (WebUI):
n/a
Membership required
3 months' notice before expiry
How do you gain access to the GS1 Switzerland API Hub?
Are you interested in one of our API products? Then fill out the application form and you will receive access to the GS1 Switzerland API Hub.
Once you have successfully logged into the hub, you will find your products, product descriptions, and interface documentation there.
You then create an API subscription* for your product. You can then start using the product. Each product can be tested using the “Try it” function on the API Hub.
*The API subscription for paid products will only be activated once a contract has been concluded.
Portal users
We recommend applying for an account with a generic email address (e.g., gs1-api-hub@musterag.ch). There is one account per company. This account provides access to the GS1 Switzerland API Hub for all API products and their endpoints. The generic account also ensures that it remains in place in the event of personnel changes, thus maintaining functionality in accordance with the contract term.
Information for the customer's IT department
We recommend technical integration with the following variables:
Variable | Source | Notes |
API-Key 1 | GS1 API Management Portal ➔ Customer account | You can obtain the key in the API portal with your company account and after creating the subscription. |
| API-Key 2 | GS1 API Management Portal ➔ Customer account | You can obtain the key in the API portal with your company account and after creating the subscription. |
| API-Gateway-URL | GS1 API Management Portal ➔ Customer account | You can find the API request URL in the API product under API in the description. This URL begins with https://api.gs1.ch |
| API-Endpoint-Name | GS1 API Management Portal ➔ Customer account | Certain APIs will receive additional endpoints in the future. Current and future endpoints must be adaptable if necessary. This is not planned at this time. |
| API-Endpoint-Version | GS1 API Management Portal ➔ Customer account | Take the version of the API endpoint into account in your development to prevent “breaks” when changing versions. It must be assumed that newer versions of the API will be released over time (v2, v3, ...). |
Restriction 1 “Number of inputs per request” | Product description | This variable allows you to develop the structure of the request to suit the product and prevent HTTP errors due to limitations. Details can be found in the section Limitations of API products. |
Restriction 2 “Number of requests per 60 seconds” | Product description | With this variable, you can develop the request dispatch to suit the product and prevent HTTP errors due to the limitation. Of course, you can also respond to the HTTP error after reaching the limit via code (retry). The limitation applies on a rolling basis for the last 60 seconds. Details can be found in the Limitations of API Products section. |
Restriction 3 “Number of requests per 30 days” | Product description | With this variable, you can develop the request dispatch to suit the product and prevent HTTP errors due to the limitation. Of course, you can also respond to the HTTP error after reaching the limit via code (retry). The limitation applies on a rolling basis for the last 60 seconds. Details can be found in the section |
Notes for development
API keys 1 and 2 function identically.
The idea behind using two keys is that one key can be customized while the processes continue to function via the other key. We recommend implementing a fallback function from Key 1 to Key 2 or Key 2 to Key 1 if one or the other key does not fit between the customer's integration and the GS1 API Management Portal.
Each API product has individual specifications in the above variables.
By switching to another API product of the same type (e.g., when switching from “Try” to ‘Basic’ or “Business”), only the above variables would need to be adjusted. Your development team only has to work on the API integration once and can simply adjust the variables when switching, without changing the code or the output.
Report information
You can obtain status information with the API Management Account at https://gs1-ch.developer.azure-api.net/ under Reports.
API product restrictions
The API products have the following restrictions for differentiation
Restriction | Background |
Restrictions 1 o “Number of inputs per request” | This limitation defines the number of inputs per request. The API products have individual limits. With “Limit = 1,” the GS1-APIM only accepts one request with one input. With “Limit = 50,” a minimum of one and a maximum of 50 inputs per request are allowed. |
Restrictions 2 o Number of requests per 60 seconds | This limitation defines the number of requests per 60 seconds. The API products have individual limits. The specified maximum number of requests can be executed. It is a rolling limitation. After 60 seconds, new requests are possible (auto-renewal up to limitation 3). |
Restrictions 3 o “Number of requests per 30 days” | This limit defines the maximum number of inputs within 30 days. The API products have individual limits. This limit is rolling from the first request. After 30 days: auto-renewal. Start of the period according to the welcome email for the API product from the GS1 API Hub. |
Example request and response
With a valid API product, you can interactively display the results using your own data via the user interface in the GS1 API Hub. In terms of content, you will receive the same information as with a manual search via our website https://vbg.gs1.ch
In the API Hub, you will find further details and examples for HTTP codes, among other things, at the respective API endpoints, or you can perform queries in different programming languages. Please note that these queries are counted toward the limit of the respective API product.
Example "POST Get Verified GTINs"
1.POST https://gs1-ch.azure-api.net/vbg-prod/gtins/verified HTTP/1.1
2
3 Content-Type: application/json
4 Cache-Control: no-cache
5 Ocp-Apim-Subscription-Key: SECRET-KEY
6
7 ["09506000134352"]
8Response: 200 OK (Sample)
1 HTTP/1.1 200 OK
2
3 content-type: application/json; charset=utf-8
4 date: Thu, 15 May 2025 12:02:25 GMT
5 request-context: appId=APP-ID
6 strict-transport-security: max-age=MAX-AGE; includeSubDomains
7 transfer-encoding: chunked
8 x-azure-ref: AZURE-REF
9 x-cache: CONFIG_NOCACHE
10
11 [{
12 "gtin": "09506000134352",
13 "gtinRecordStatus": "OK",
14 "gpcCategoryCode": "50193800",
15 "brandName": [{
16 "language": "en-GB",
17 "value": "Dal Giardino"
18 }],
19 "productDescription": [{
20 "language": "en-GB",
21 "value": "Dal Giardino Risotto Rice with Mushrooms 411g"
22 }],
23 "productImageUrl": [{
24 "language": "en-GB",
25 "value": "https://www.gs1.org/standards/Mobile-Ready-Hero-Image/Dal_Giardino_Risotto_Rice_With_Ne
26 }],
27 "netContent": [{
28 "unitCode": "GRM",
29 "value": "411"
30 }],
31 "countryOfSaleCode": [{
32 "numeric": "826",
33 "alpha2": "GB",
34 "alpha3": "GBR"
35 }],
36 "dateCreated": "2025-02-14T13:14:01.590815Z",
37 "dateUpdated": "2025-03-17T18:16:41.2071058Z",
38 "gs1Licence": {
39 "licenceKey": "95060001343",
40 "licenceType": "GCP",
GS1 Switzerland | Monbijoustrasse 68 | CH-3007 Bern | www.gs1.ch | info@gs1.ch
41 "licenseeName": "GS1 Global Office",
42 "licensingMO": {
43 "moName": "GS1 Global Office"
44 },
45 "address": {
46 "addressLocality": {
47 "language": "en",
48 "value": "Brussels"
49 },
50 "countryCode": "BE",
51 "streetAddress": {
52 "language": "en",
53 "value": "Avenue Louise 523"
54 },
55 "addressRegion": {
56 "language": "en",
57 "value": "Brussels-Capital Region"
58 },
59 "countrySubdivisionCode": "BE-BRU",
60 "postalCode": "B-1050"
61 },
62 "dateCreated": "2018-09-20T13:43:33Z",
63 "dateUpdated": "2025-01-07T11:21:13.9730405Z"
64 },
65 "isComplete": true,
66 "linkset": {
67 "anchor": "https://id.gs1.org/01/09506000134352",
68 "itemDescription": "Dal Giardino Risotto Rice with Mushrooms 411 gr",
69 "https://gs1.org/voc/hasRetailers": [{
70 "href": "https://dalgiardino.com/where-to-buy/index.html.es",
71 "title": "Donde comprar Dal Giardino",
72 "fwqs": true,
73 "public": true,
74 "type": "text/html",
75 "hreflang": [
76 "es"
77 ],
78 "context": [
79 "es"
80 ]
81 },
82 {
83 "href": "https://dalgiardino.com/where-to-buy/",
84 "title": "Where to buy",
85 "fwqs": true,
86 "public": true,
87 "type": "text/html",
88 "hreflang": [
89 "en"
90 ],
91 "context": [
92 "us"
93 ]
94 },
95 {
96 "href": "https://dalgiardino.com/where-to-buy/index.html.vi",
97 "title": "Nơi bán",
98 "fwqs": true,
GS1 Switzerland | Monbijoustrasse 68 | CH-3007 Bern | www.gs1.ch | info@gs1.ch
99 "public": true,
100 "type": "text/html",
101 "hreflang": [
102 "vi"
103 ],
104 "context": [
105 "vn"
106 ]
107 }
108 ],
109 "https://gs1.org/voc/pip": [{
110 "href": "https://dalgiardino.com/risotto-rice-with-mushrooms/index.html.es",
111 "title": "Información del Producto",
112 "fwqs": true,
113 "public": true,
114 "type": "text/html",
115 "hreflang": [
116 "es"
117 ],
118 "context": [
119 "es"
120 ]
121 },
122 {
123 "href": "https://dalgiardino.com/risotto-rice-with-mushrooms/index.html.ja",
124 "title": "Product information",
125 "fwqs": true,
126 "public": true,
127 "type": "text/html",
128 "hreflang": [
129 "ja"
130 ],
131 "context": [
132 "jp"
133 ]
134 },
135 {
136 "href": "https://dalgiardino.com/risotto-rice-with-mushrooms/",
137 "title": "Product information",
138 "fwqs": true,
139 "public": true,
140 "type": "text/html",
141 "hreflang": [
142 "en-US"
143 ],
144 "context": [
145 "us"
146 ]
147 },
148 {
149 "href": "https://dalgiardino.com/risotto-rice-with-mushrooms/index.html.vi",
150 "title": "Trang thông tin sản phẩm",
151 "fwqs": true,
152 "public": true,
153 "type": "text/html",
154 "hreflang": [
155 "vi"
156 ],
GS1 Switzerland | Monbijoustrasse 68 | CH-3007 Bern | www.gs1.ch | info@gs1.ch
157 "context": [
158 "vn"
159 ]
160 }
161 ],
162 "https://gs1.org/voc/productSustainabilityInfo": [{
163 "href": "https://dalgiardino.com/about/index.html.vi",
164 "title": "Phát triển bền vững và t IN STAGE TEST 1",
165 "fwqs": true,
166 "public": true,
167 "type": "text/html",
168 "hreflang": [
169 "vi"
170 ],
171 "context": [
172 "vn"
173 ]
174 }],
175 "https://gs1.org/voc/recipeInfo": [{
176 "href": "https://dalgiardino.com/mushroom-squash-risotto/index.html.es",
177 "title": "Recetas",
178 "fwqs": true,
179 "public": true,
180 "type": "text/html",
181 "hreflang": [
182 "es"
183 ],
184 "context": [
185 "es"
186 ]
187 },
188 {
189 "href": "https://dalgiardino.com/mushroom-squash-risotto/index.html.ja",
190 "title": "キノコと砕いたバターナッツ入りのリゾット",
191 "fwqs": true,
192 "public": true,
193 "type": "text/html",
194 "hreflang": [
195 "ja"
196 ],
197 "context": [
198 "jp"
199 ]
200 },
201 {
202 "href": "https://dalgiardino.com/mushroom-squash-risotto/",
203 "title": "Wild Mushroom And Butternut Squash Risotto",
204 "fwqs": true,
205 "public": true,
206 "type": "text/html",
207 "hreflang": [
208 "en"
209 ],
210 "context": [
211 "us"
212 ]
213 }
214 ],
GS1 Switzerland | Monbijoustrasse 68 | CH-3007 Bern | www.gs1.ch | info@gs1.ch
215 "https://gs1.org/voc/sustainabilityInfo": [{
216 "href": "https://dalgiardino.com/about/index.html.es",
217 "title": "Sobre Dal Giardino",
218 "fwqs": true,
219 "public": true,
220 "type": "text/html",
221 "hreflang": [
222 "es"
223 ],
224 "context": [
225 "es"
226 ]
227 },
228 {
229 "href": "https://dalgiardino.com/about/",
230 "title": "About Dal Giardino",
231 "fwqs": true,
232 "public": true,
233 "type": "text/html",
234 "hreflang": [
235 "en"
236 ],
237 "context": [
238 "us"
239 ]
240 },
241 {
242 "href": "https://dalgiardino.com/about/index.html.vi",
243 "title": "Phát triển bền vững và t",
244 "fwqs": true,
245 "public": true,
246 "type": "text/html",
247 "hreflang": [
248 "vi"
249 ],
250 "context": [
251 "vn"
252 ]
253 }
254 ]
255 }
256 }]
GS1 Switzerland | Monbijoustrasse 68 | CH-3007 Bern | www.gs1.ch | info@gs1.chFrequently asked questions
What are the requirements for this product?
The requirements for this product are active membership of GS1 Switzerland and a contract for this product.
Can I try the API for free?
Yes, we offer a free, limited product version GS1:CH API VbG TRY to try out the functionality. This product version is not intended for productive use.
What API Hub products are already available?
We currently offer three products, and you can search for information according to the product list
Are there any restrictions on queries?
The limitations per product can be viewed here
What happens when I reach the maximum limit?
When you have reached the maximum limit, you will receive a message.
You then have two options:
- You can wait until your time limit has expired.
- You can upgrade to a product with a higher limit.
Wie werden die Requests berechnet?
Each request is counted when the HTTP status 200 is returned successfully.
How do I gain access to the GS1 Switzerland API Hub?
Access and onboarding are explained here
Is there any API documentation?
Yes, the technical API documentation is available on the API Hub. Prerequisite: Access to the API Hub (at least for the “Try” product).
What is the technical basis on which the API Hub is implemented?
The API Hub from GS1 Switzerland is based on Azure API Management and is set up in the “Switzerland North” region.
Is there an SLA for the API Hub?
These API products are a new development. As we do not yet have sufficient experience with them, we are unable to offer an SLA at this time. We monitor the API hub regularly to ensure the best possible availability.
How do I contact support?
You can reach us via our contact form Your request will be forwarded to the appropriate person and your questions will be answered promptly.
Onboarding and support
Are there any requirements regarding the account? (Generic or personal account)
We recommend using a generic account for the API Hub. This ensures that you will continue to have access to the API even if there are personnel changes.
In addition, a subscription will be created for this account, which is technically required for the use of the API.
Is there an SSO login for the API Hub?
In the current phase, users log in with a username and password. SSO is currently not scheduled for later development.
Wir möchten das Passwort für den Accout ändern. Wie gehen wir vor?
Log in with your current login details and click on the “My Profile” menu. There you can change your password yourself.
We have forgotten our password. What should we do?
Please contact us for more information.
We would like to change the email address for the account. Is that possible?
NO. This is not possible at this time. Please contact us for more information. In this case, a new account must be created and a new subscription with new API keys must be set up.
We have requested a subscription in the API Hub and cannot see any API keys.
All paid products must be approved by GS1 Switzerland. Before approval, we check whether the appropriate contract for the requested subscription is available.
The subscription in the API Hub has two keys. Why?
Integrating both keys into the customer installation allows one key to be replaced if necessary while still ensuring uninterrupted operation. We therefore recommend integration with fallback logic (if key A fails, key B is used, and vice versa). Functionally, there is no difference between the two keys.
Are there any requirements for entering a GTIN?
Yes, when searching for a GTIN, it must always be entered as a 14-digit number.
By prefixing a 13-digit GTIN with a 0, you will obtain a 14-digit GTIN. This method does not change the last digit, the check digit.
Can I switch to a larger or smaller API product?
Yes. However, this change requires that a suitable contract is in place and that a subscription is created for the new product in the API Hub. The changed access must be integrated into the customer's technical integration. See specifications for the customer's IT system.
Please contact us if you need to change products.
How are the limitations of the products measured?
The limits used in the API products are an integrated standard feature of Azure API Management. In the limit, we have set the measurement to be based on the subscription and to measure successful requests (HTTP status 2xx).
We have checked our own products or information using the API endpoint. The information is incorrect or does not exist. What can we do?
If the information about your company is incorrect, please contact us.
If the information about an ID key (GTIN, GLN) is incorrect, please correct it in the GTIN registry or GLN search. Your company's GS1 main contact has the necessary access.
If the information for your own ID key is not available, please create this data in the MyRegistry or the GLN Registry. Your company's GS1 main contact has the appropriate access.
The processes may differ for ID keys from other countries (not CH, FL).
We have queried the ID key for a product (GTIN) or a location (GLN) and no details are available. What can we do?
The maintenance and publication of details relating to GTIN and GLN is the prerogative and responsibility of the respective owners of the number ranges. If information is missing from the query, please ask these licensees to provide the data in the GTIN registry or GLN search.
The processes may differ for ID keys from other countries (not CH, FL).
Are my queries and responses recorded?
We are in the process of recording the contents of queries made on a random basis. The aim behind this is to measure the success rate of queries and to obtain a qualified basis for approaching licensees with missing information in the GTIN Registry or GLN Search.
The connection to the query or the customer is irrelevant. The procedure is as data-minimizing as possible.
Contract term and termination
Is there a minimum contract term?
The minimum contract term is 365 days from the start of the contract and is automatically extended by 365 days in each case.
Is there a notice period?
The notice period is 3 months to the end of the contract term. You must terminate your contract in writing.
Will my contract be terminated if I delete the account in API Management or cancel the subscription?
NO. Contract management and accounts are not currently linked. After the cancellation period has expired, GS1 will remove access to the API product. We will keep the account active for other API products or a new contract.
Can I delete the account in the API Management Portal?
Yes, deletion is possible, but it has no effect on a contract (you must terminate this separately). By deleting the account in API Management, you will lose the API keys and will no longer be able to use the products.