FAQ

The cost of a GS1 membership is based on your company’s worldwide annual turnover.

As a non-profit organisation, we believe that a fee structure based on company size is the fairest approach.

Your GTINs/barcodes are licensed annually as part of your GS1 membership. To continue using your GTINs, you will receive an annual invoice to renew your licence.

You can find the membership fees here.

In addition to the annual membership fee, there is a one-time fee for the GS1 Company Prefix (GCP), depending on the number of GTINs/barcodes you require:

Basically, every product sold in retail or on marketplaces such as Amazon requires a GTIN/barcode.
If products have several variants (e.g. different colours or sizes), each variant usually requires its own GTIN/barcode in order to distinguish them. You can find a guide here.

We offer different package sizes. You have the following options to choose from:

To apply for GTINs/barcodes, please complete the appropriate application form or place your order directly online:

GS1 Membership: Apply now

Starterkit 10: Apply now

Single GTIN: Order now

The license costs for firstbase depend on the selected service (e.g. data supplier “firstbase Delivery”, data recipient “firstbase Receive”, firstbase UDI Connector “UDI Connect double”) as well as on the company’s turnover category.

The inclusive package “UDI Connect double” covers the use of the GDSN® as a data supplier and two UDI connections to databases such as EUDAMED and swissdamed. Additional connections to other UDI databases can be added individually depending on needs and availability. To the registration.

Access is granted after submitting a request via an online form. Once signed, the application is processed within approximately three days.

firstbase is GS1 Switzerland’s central platform for the electronic exchange of product master data and also a certified GDSN® data pool. Companies can select the appropriate service on the firstbase website in just a few steps, depending on their role as a data supplier (firstbase Delivery), data recipient (firstbase Receive), or in both roles (firstbase Complete).

For manufacturers of medical devices, the additional extension package firstbase UDI Connector is available.

A prerequisite for using firstbase is membership with GS1 Switzerland. To register.

Depending on the product selected, you will receive your GTINs/barcodes either immediately after placing your order or following an internal review. Usually, the allocation takes place within 48 hours.

firstbase is available in German, English, French and Italian. The web interface, including all attributes, code lists and validation rules, is fully available in these languages for the Swiss target market. Most documentation (e.g. profile overviews and manuals) is available in the three national languages as well as in English and can be downloaded directly from our website.

The firstbase UDI Connector is not a standalone solution but a fully integrated, GDSN®‑enabled system with direct access to regulatory UDI databases and the commercial healthcare sector.

Your advantages at a glance:

- End‑to‑end process for efficient data maintenance and transmission
- Standardised data quality with real‑time validation
- Regulatory and commercial data exchange from a central source
- Self‑service tool “Authority Onboarding” for easy access to the relevant UDI databases
- Expertise and co‑development by GS1 member organisations and partners

With the firstbase UDI Connector, companies benefit from a unified and reliable solution that combines regulatory and commercial requirements within a single platform.

Yes. Upon request, our team provides a live demo showcasing the transmission of data from firstbase to UDI databases (e.g., EUDAMED). In addition, a recording of this short demo is planned and will soon be made available to interested users. This will give you an initial insight into the solution.

The contract for firstbase can be concluded at any time. If the contract begins during the year, billing is prorated for the remaining quarters until the end of the calendar year.

The contract term always corresponds to the calendar year. If no termination is submitted with a notice period of three months before the end of the calendar year, the contract is automatically extended for another calendar year. The new contract year begins on 1 January and is invoiced accordingly.

The firstbase UDI Connector is aimed at companies in the MedTech sector and their regulatory roles (economic operators) that are required to register in UDI databases.

This includes, among others:

- Manufacturers (MF)
- Producers (PR)
- Authorised Representatives (AR)
- Importers (IM)
- Labelers (DUNS)

The firstbase UDI Connector enables the transmission of product master data to international UDI databases such as EUDAMED (EU), swissdamed (CH) or GUDID (USA).

IFPI Schweiz (Branchenverband der Schweizer Musiklabels)

Schweizerischer Musik- und Medien-Verband

Yes, the firstbase UDI Connector is an integral part of GS1 Switzerland’s firstbase master data service. Transmission to UDI databases takes place directly from firstbase, based on structured and standardised product data that is automatically validated before being sent.

A key advantage of firstbase is that UDI data can be maintained not only via the WebUI input mask (editor), but also via Excel import through the WebUI or via various M2M interfaces; ideal for efficiently processing large volumes of products.

With the inclusive package “UDI Connect double”, companies also receive the use of the GDSN® as a data supplier as well as two UDI connections to databases such as EUDAMED and swissdamed. Additional UDI database connections can be added flexibly if required.

No. trustbox is a fixed component of the firstbase product family. When you register for firstbase, you receive firstbase healthcare, firstbase consumer goods and trustbox included, at no additional cost.

Existing trustbox contracts are automatically replaced when registering for firstbase. This allows you to benefit from a unified solution from a single source while saving the trustbox fees.

There are various GTIN providers on the market:

Illegal sellers
The GTINs offered by illegal sellers are copies that have been taken from existing products. This can lead to confusion and disruptions in the marketplace.

Other sellers (so-called resellers)
Some resellers possess large quantities of GTINs due to historical agreements with GS1 US. Customers purchasing these GTINs receive a GTIN-12 and are not listed as the owner in Verified by GS1, which can be a disadvantage in the marketplace.

Officially licensed provider
GS1 is the world's only official authority for the allocation of GTINs. GTINs issued by GS1 ensure that your company is recognised as the legitimate owner and can be verified through Verified by GS1.

firstbase is the central data exchange platform of GS1 Switzerland and at the same time the GDSN®‑certified data pool. firstbase combines various industry catalogues in one solution, currently firstbase consumer goods (FMCG) and firstbase healthcare, and enables standardised, global data exchange according to the principles “from the source” and “once only”, including data transmission to trustbox.

trustbox is the original data exchange solution of GS1 Switzerland for declaratory information on pre‑packaged food (consumer unit) in the Swiss market. At the beginning of 2023, trustbox was migrated to a new technology, with a modernised web UI and even more intuitive operation. The scope of services remains unchanged.

In short: firstbase = the central, future‑proof GDSN® data pool of GS1 Switzerland for standardised data exchange (national & international) trustbox = the well‑known Swiss solution for food declarations

Please feel free to contact us. We will show you how to use firstbase optimally and support you in the transition.

firstbase is the GDSN®‑certified data pool of GS1 Switzerland and enables standardised, international exchange of product master data according to the principles “from the source” and “once only”. With firstbase, the requirements of various industries – particularly consumer goods/FMCG and healthcare – are combined in one central solution.

Switching from trustbox to firstbase offers, among other things, the following advantages:
- Worldwide master data exchange based on the GDSN® standard with all connected companies across different industries
- Support for all consumer goods and FMCG assortments, e.g. food, pet food, detergents, cleaning products and personal care items
- Mapping of the entire item hierarchy, including logistic units (outer packaging, pallets etc.) as well as assortments and mixed displays
- Flexible publication of data by target markets or recipient groups (similar to the trustbox catalogue principle)
- Option to publish to trustbox
- Support for private labels with 1:1 publication to recipients

GS1 Switzerland supports companies in switching from trustbox to firstbase and assists with planning and implementing the migration. Register for firstbase now.

Trustbox is a GS1 Switzerland platform for the exchange of reliable, up-to-date and comprehensive product data on pre-packaged foodstuffs in Switzerland. It stands out for its accessibility, intuitive web interface and compliance with GS1 standards (GTIN, validation rules). What is Trustbox? | Trustbox.

The firstbase UDI Connector is a GDSN®-enabled solution for the automated and validated transmission of product master data from firstbase to international UDI databases such as EUDAMED or swissdamed.

Product data is captured only once and then forwarded seamlessly to multiple UDI databases. This ensures efficiency, data consistency and regulatory compliance.

The limitations per product can be viewed here.

Cancelling your membership ends your right to use the GTINs/barcodes. Any further use is no longer permitted after that.

No, the membership cannot be paused.

The Starterkit 10 can be cancelled at the end of a contract year. The cancellation must be submitted in writing and must be received by GS1 Switzerland no later than three months before the end of the contract year.

Changes to your turnover category must be reported via the contact form by the end of the year at the latest so that they can be taken into account for the next billing period

The customer is responsible for notifying us on time.

You can download invoices at any time from your MyGS1 account.

After you have completed the application forms online, the contract details are recorded by our Customer Care Team.
Usually, you will receive a confirmation within 48 hours or we will contact you.

If you do not hear from us within this time, please contact us by phone, as an error may have occurred when submitting the application.

The notice period for firstbase is three months at the end of the calendar year. The termination must be submitted in writing.

For new purchases, the invoice is usually sent by email 2–3 days after confirmation.

The annual invoices are issued in January or February.

Starterkit 10 are automatically renewed (unless cancelled) and invoiced upon contract renewal.

If you require a different billing address or email address for invoices, please let us know via the contact form.

In MyRegistry, under MyGTIN in the overview list, add the desired GTINs to the download selection:

Then click on “Barcodes” in the download section and download the required barcodes.

As the company administrator (the registered GS1 primary contact), you can find the “My Team” section under “My Profile”.

There, you can view all active employees as well as all pending access requests.

After creating your personal login, you can search for your company under “Add Company Profile” and connect to it.

If you are not the company administrator, you will gain access to the company data once the corresponding access rights have been granted to you.

If you register a new company with GS1, you will automatically be assigned as the company administrator.

If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it by selecting “Forgot password” on the relevant login page:

MyRegistry

MyGS1

Single GTIN

Thanks to MyRegistry:

• you always know which GTIN/GLN has been assigned to which product/location
• the next available GTIN/GLN is automatically assigned to a new product or location
• there is no need to calculate the check digit
• you receive the correct barcode in the best quality

In your MyGS1 account, under “My Barcodes & Services” in “MyRegistry”, you can create new GLNs and assign them to your locations, etc.

In practice, an existing GTIN (e.g. a GTIN-13) is often used, and a packaging indicator (e.g. 1–8) is added to the front. The check digit is then recalculated.

Indicator 9 is reserved exclusively for constructing a GTIN-14 that identifies a variable-measure trade item.

A value of 0 is added when a GTIN-13 is encoded in a symbology that supports only a 14-digit format, such as GS1-128 or ITF-14.

A leading 0 is also commonly added in master data exchange to convert a GTIN-13 into a 14-digit format.

For books, the Swiss ISBN Agency (under the umbrella of the Swiss Booksellers and Publishers Association SBVV) is responsible.

A GTIN-14 is primarily used to identify trade items such as outer packs, display units, or other packaging hierarchies. It is not intended for point-of-sale (POS) scanning.

However, trade items can also be identified using a GTIN-13.

EAN/UPC barcodes require so-called quiet zones, also known as light margins, on both the left and right sides of the bars. The minimum width of these zones is usually indicated on the left by the first digit and on the right by an angle bracket. Moving the first digit to the left and using the angle bracket is not mandatory.

To implement UDI, you need a GS1 Company Prefix (GCP). You can obtain this either through a membership with system usage or with Starterkit 10.

However, we recommend taking out a membership, as Starterkit 10 does not include entitlement to free consultation and the number of GTINs/barcodes included is often insufficient due to packaging hierarchy levels.

The ITF-14 (Interleaved Two of Five) barcode is a special variant of the ITF barcode symbology. It is primarily used when print quality is limited, for example when printing directly onto corrugated cardboard.

The ITF-14 should only be used to encode a GTIN-13 with a leading zero and is mainly used for trade items such as cartons.

Important: The ITF-14 is not suitable for point-of-sale (POS) checkout scanners.

The Basic UDI-DI is a higher-level identifier used to group medical devices that have the same intended purpose, risk class, and similar design and manufacturing characteristics. It is used for certificates, declarations of conformity, and registration in regulatory databases, but it does not appear on the product or its packaging.

2D codes are two-dimensional barcodes that store information both horizontally and vertically. In contrast, traditional one-dimensional barcodes can only encode information horizontally. As a result, 2D codes offer significantly greater data capacity within a smaller space.

According to the GS1 Standard, the recommended minimum dimensions for products that are intended to be scanned at a retail checkout are:

Width: 30 mm (including quiet zones)

Barcode width: 25 mm

Height: 21 mm

The MDR and IVDR do not define a fixed list of UDI-PIs by risk class. Instead, a principle-based approach applies, derived from the UDI requirements of the respective regulation; the binding interpretation is provided by the competent authorities.

Article mapping:

• MDR: Art. 27 (UDI system), Annex VI Part C (UDI-PI elements)
• IVDR: Art. 24 (UDI system), Annex VI Part C (UDI-PI elements)

Basic principle: All variable production information that appears on the label must also be part of the UDI-PI, regardless of the risk class. Depending on the product, this includes batch or lot number, serial number, manufacturing or expiry date and, where applicable, software identification.

It ensures that the information produced is always:

• Complete and accurate,

• Compliant with GS1 standards,

• Shared via a single platform from the source.

Yes. All adjustments to the data profiles relevant for Switzerland as part of GDSN® releases are communicated transparently – both on our website and via newsletter. This ensures that you are always informed and can keep your processes up to date.

firstbase enables the exchange of product master data in the Swiss market as well as with all companies worldwide that are registered in the GDSN®, both as data suppliers and as data recipients. This also includes providing data to trustbox®.

The connected companies can be identified and selected within the firstbase application by name or GLN (Global Location Number). A structured overview of recipient groups ensures transparency regarding which companies receive product data via firstbase. More information about the data ecosystem can be found here.

Yes. With firstbase, images and other digital assets such as safety data sheets, declarations of conformity, certificates, instructions for use, etc. can be exchanged.

For each product record, corresponding attributes (e.g. file type, URL) can be stored that point to a public media server. In addition, firstbase offers integrated asset management to manage and store media directly within the platform.

Successful UDI submissions require that the economic operator subject to registration is familiar with the regulatory requirements of the competent authorities as well as the UDI requirements and is accordingly prepared.

With the firstbase UDI Connector, GS1 Switzerland supports the entire process. A practice‑oriented guideline is available for each connected UDI database. The recommended procedure includes the following steps:

1. Onboarding: Configuration of accesses and setup of the access point (test)
2. GDSN® attribute analysis: Analysis of the required attributes per UDI device type
3. Test phase: Learning, testing and performing initial UDI submissions in the test environment
4. Go‑live: Data entry in the production environment and activation of the access point (prod)
5. Live transmission: Transmission of the data including monitoring and error handling

This ensures that UDI submissions are compliant, efficient and sustainable. For the GS1 Guidelines EUDAMED.

firstbase supports you with the “once only” principle: product data is recorded once centrally and can then be provided to all relevant customers, retailers, service providers, or other partners. This creates clear added value for suppliers and increases their willingness to maintain data completely and correctly.

Thanks to industry‑wide harmonized data models, manufacturers know exactly which information is expected. The distribution of the data takes place independently of the desired target format or the location of the recipients: nationally as well as internationally via GS1 GDSN®. More information about the Swiss GDSN model can be found here.

The firstbase UDI Connector is integrated directly into firstbase as an extension. Medical device data is maintained and published in firstbase as usual. Attribute guidelines and validation rules ensure data quality and completeness.

After publication, the relevant regulatory attributes are automatically mapped and transmitted to the respective UDI databases according to the target market.

For each UDI submission, the Connector provides a response message, which is processed in firstbase as a CIC (Catalogue Item Confirmation). In case of error messages, the data can be adjusted and republished.

After the relevant economic operators have successfully registered in the respective UDI database and after subscribing to the firstbase UDI Connector, commissioning can be carried out independently.

GS1 Switzerland provides all required access links and login credentials for both the test and production environments.

The process is supported by a GS1 Switzerland guideline as well as the web‑based Authority Onboarding application. This enables the connection to the respective UDI database (access point) to be set up in a structured manner and completed successfully.

The firstbase UDI Connector supports the submission and registration of UDI data in EUDAMED in accordance with MDR and IVDR requirements.

The firstbase UDI Connector automatically validates data based on the GS1 GDSN® standard. Both technical and content‑related validation rules are applied, derived from the respective UDI database — for example, the EUDAMED Business Rules. The checks include mandatory fields, attribute logic, structured references such as the Basic UDI‑DI, as well as compliance with non‑updatable attributes after successful registration. In this way, the firstbase UDI Connector ensures compliant, consistent and high‑quality data transmission.

The DPP data will be made accessible a) physically on the product by means of a data carrier (e.g. a QR code) with two clicks and b) digitally (machine-to-machine communication) by means of a GS1 Digital Link. The DPP contains a globally unique product identification. The implementation of the DPP is based on global standards, such as ISO/IEC 15459, which also covers the GS1 Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).

firstbase is actively supported by a steering committee made up of leading industry organisations, including Swiss Medtech, H+, refdata and GS1 Switzerland. GS1 Switzerland works closely with manufacturers, suppliers and healthcare providers and provides targeted information through various channels – for example through specialist events, webinars and industry events. We are also happy to support you in presenting firstbase to your partners or using it as a platform for a presentation.

In firstbase, product data can be updated at any time, whether for new products, changes in the product lifecycle or products being withdrawn from the market. Products with market withdrawal are marked with an end‑of‑life date, while new products are recorded and published with a new GTIN.

Synchronization via the GDSN® takes place automatically as soon as recipients have subscribed to the published data and no errors occur upon receipt. Each update or new publication is passed on directly to the recipients.

For UDI databases, the firstbase UDI Connector supports the updating of data for medical devices, taking into account that certain attributes in the respective UDI database cannot be updated, thereby ensuring continuous, standardised data maintenance.

1. Via GDSN

   1. Trustbox supports data exchange via the Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN), which allows standardised product records to be synchronised with trading partners worldwide.

   2. This mode is particularly useful for ‘structural’ data exchanges (product attributes, logistics, GS1 classification).

2. Via the Trustbox API

   1. Trustbox offers a REST API (JSON/XML) interface for sending or retrieving product data automatically.

   2. This is useful for PIM/ERP integrations, regular updates or automated synchronisations.

3. Via Xyxle

   1. Xyxle is a product data platform based on the GDSN standard, but offering additional flexibility (‘flex fields’) that is not always available in classic GDSN.

firstbase ensures data quality through integrated control functions: users are supported during data entry by validation rules, default values, checklists and guidance, allowing errors to be detected and corrected at an early stage. 

Errors and warnings are clearly displayed in the web UI and can be resolved quickly, saving time and making workflows more efficient. 

Validation also applies automatically when importing data via Excel or when using one of the available interfaces, providing immediate feedback so that data can be delivered reliably, consistently and in line with standards.

Yes. firstbase supports different target markets, initiatives and industries, including international healthcare requirements such as the Dutch Implant Register (LIR). Depending on the use case, firstbase provides suitable data models, guides users through the required mandatory attributes and thus supports the maintenance of compliant product master data – also for specialised areas such as laboratory products or diagnostics.

Yes. firstbase supports the ECLASS classification according to the requirements of the Swiss healthcare sector (version 11.0 or higher). When maintaining products in the web UI, an intuitive selection tree is available, allowing ECLASS classifications to be easily selected and correctly assigned to products.

No, the digital product passport does not only apply to companies based in the EU. All products in the affected product categories that enter the EU market or are produced in the EU must have a corresponding DPP. Swiss companies that export to the EU or have products manufactured there are therefore also affected by this regulation. For toys and construction products, the DPP requirement will also apply to products placed on the Swiss market with a slight delay.

GS1 is a not‑for‑profit organisation and consistently thinks in value‑creation networks. Accordingly, we are generally open to cooperation. As soon as a coordinated offering is available, we will communicate it through our official channels. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date.

Yes. Data suppliers can deliver and maintain product master data in firstbase via an API connection. Data recipients (e.g. retailers or hospitals) can retrieve and integrate product master data from firstbase through an API. 

The documentation for the REST API is available in the M2M quick guide via the linked Swagger UI. To the M2M quick guide.

When extending firstbase with the UDI Connector, data entry continues to take place in the familiar firstbase environment. Only the specific requirements of the respective UDI database are added.

GS1 Switzerland provides a separate test environment (UAT) for the firstbase UDI Connector, which is decoupled from the production environment and recommended as a central preparation step.

Many UDI databases (e.g., EUDAMED or GUDID) require an appropriate test verification when connecting via a service provider. The firstbase UDI Connector supports this process through a digitalised Authority Onboarding.

Access to the test environment is available after the licence has been activated. An individual demo can be provided beforehand. If you are interested, please contact us via the contact form.

Yes. GS1 Switzerland continuously monitors the releases and updates of EUDAMED, swissdamed and other UDI databases.

As soon as new versions are announced and documented — especially when adjustments become available early in the test environments (playgrounds) — they are implemented in firstbase and the connected interfaces in collaboration with solution providers. This ensures that all changes are fully implemented and tested before going live.

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is being introduced as part of the EU Green Deal and the revised Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). It is intended to support sustainable decisions, promote the circular economy and increase transparency in the supply chain.

According to the European Commission, the Digital Product Passport is a combination of

• a unique product identifier,
• data collected about the product by various actors in the value chain, and
• a physical link (e.g. tagging) between the product and the associated data.

The DPP enables consumers, economic actors and supervisory authorities to obtain reliable information about products (e.g. their sustainability, durability, reparability and disposal options). In this way, it contributes to reducing environmental impacts while creating economic benefits through more efficient use of resources.

Thanks to the use of international GS1 standards, product information can be shared, understood and processed digitally, automatically and across industries and countries. The DPP thus creates a uniform database along the entire value chain.

The key advantage is that the data in firstbase is provided directly by the data owner (“from the source”). Any changes are updated immediately in firstbase and are available there in the valid and released version. This ensures that users always work with current, consistent, and reliable data.

The digital product pass, DPP for short, is a product-specific data set that bundles relevant product information and makes it accessible via a data carrier (e.g. QR code with GS1 Digital Link).

Since early 2023, Trustbox has been migrated to firstbase technology. The interface is more intuitive, but the features remain largely unchanged firstbase - FAQ | Firstbase.

GS1 standards form the basis for globally unique identification and standardised data exchange in the digital product passport.

They enable product information to be understood across systems, companies, industries and countries, right down to the consumer.

Examples:

• GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) for unique product identification
• GS1 Digital Link for connecting physical products with digital information (via QR code)
• EPCIS (Electronic Product Code Information Services) for the exchange of event data along the supply chain

EU Rep (EUDAMED): An authorised representative (EU Rep) assigned to a non‑EU manufacturer generally does not carry out product registration in EUDAMED independently, unless this task has been delegated to them as a LUA User (Local User Administrator) on behalf of the manufacturer. The legal responsibility for the correctness and up‑to‑dateness of the data remains in all cases with the manufacturer or producer.

CH Rep (swissdamed): An authorised representative (CH Rep) assigned in swissdamed to both a Swiss and a non‑Swiss manufacturer is generally responsible for their own product registration. However, the operational execution of the registration can be delegated to the manufacturer by granting the appropriate user rights.

At launch, the UDI databases EUDAMED, swissdamed and GUDID (planned from Q1 2026) are supported. The connection to swissdamed will be enabled as soon as the required M2M interface is provided by Swissmedic.

Additional UDI databases can be added modularly, depending on market access requirements and their respective development status, ensuring that firstbase remains flexible and future‑proof.

Depending on the product category, the DPP contains relevant product- and material-related information on technical specifications, sustainability and recyclability, details of ingredients, and recycling and reuse options. The specific requirements for the product categories concerned are laid down in EU delegated acts for each product category.

The EU Ecodesign Regulation, together with other legislative acts such as the Battery Regulation and the revised Toy Regulation, provides the framework for the introduction of digital product passports in various categories. The first product groups include energy-related products (phased introduction from 2026 to 2030), batteries (> 2kWh), textiles, iron and steel (DPP requirement from late 2027/early 2028), tyres, aluminium (DPP requirement from late 2028/early 2029), as well as furniture, mattresses and toys. Further categories will follow gradually. (see also image above)

The use of globally standardised and established data structures is crucial for the implementation of the DPP.

The main technical components are:

• GS1 Digital Link – connects physical products with digital information sources via QR codes.
• Structured product data management – e.g. in PIM, ERP or PLM systems.
• Access to interoperable data platforms – to share information securely and keep it up to date.

The UDI module of EUDAMED was officially launched with its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) on 27 November 2025. Six months after this publication, the UDI module becomes mandatory as of 28 May 2026.

From this point on, the affected economic operators have a further six months to fulfil their obligations for UDI registration according to MDR/IVDR for products already placed on the market.

If UDI registration is not completed within the deadline, the affected medical device is considered non‑compliant and may no longer be placed on the EU market or distributed.

Current and binding information on the deadlines is provided by the European Commission on the official EUDAMED website.

firstbase is a cloud‑based platform that can be used without any local installation. Access is provided conveniently via a standard web browser, so no additional software is required. 

For data senders and data recipients, firstbase offers an intuitive web interface (Web UI). Features such as copy options, templates and other tools simplify product data maintenance and support efficient workflows. 

For larger data volumes, bulk operations via Excel import and export are available, allowing multiple records to be uploaded or downloaded simultaneously. 

In addition, firstbase enables full system integration (M2M) through interfaces:

• FTP or AS2 in the BMS XML format
• REST API in the JSON format 

This allows product data to be automatically transferred from existing source systems (e.g. ERP or PIM), ensuring efficient, secure and reliable data provisioning. More information can be found here.

The combination of firstbase and the firstbase UDI Connector follows the “once only” principle: medical device data is maintained once centrally and then transmitted via GDSN® in a standardized and validated manner both to commercial partners such as hospitals and purchasing groups and to regulatory UDI databases (e.g., EUDAMED, swissdamed).

For suppliers, this means maximum efficiency, higher data quality, and minimized maintenance effort, since identical data no longer needs to be provided and kept up to date separately through different channels. Regulatory and commercial requirements are thus met easily, reliably, and in a future‑proof way within one integrated solution.

1. Support for the GDSN standard

2. Coverage extended to all consumer goods (food, pet food, cleaning products, personal care products, etc.)

3. Management of the entire packaging hierarchy (consumer units, pallets, etc.), assortments, own brands, etc.

4. Data exchange with GS1 networks internationally

firstbase is continuously being further developed, with the needs and requirements of its users at the center. GS1 Switzerland works together with other GS1 member organizations within the network of the provider Trade Connectors on a collaborative, innovation‑driven advancement.

As a GS1 member, you can actively participate in our committees and help shape the further development of firstbase. The goal is to create an open ecosystem for standardized master data exchange in which all relevant market participants are integrated.

Trade Connectors (TC) is the technology partner behind firstbase and provides the underlying GDSN® platform solution. TC is a non‑profit organization with the goal of collaboratively developing and further enhancing software solutions exclusively for GS1 organizations and their customers.

In addition to GS1 Switzerland, members of numerous other GS1 member organizations also use this platform solution, including Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, and Hungary.

In firstbase, product master data can generally be provided by different economic operators, e.g. by the manufacturer, the CH‑REP, or the importer. The unique identification of a product is done via the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) or, in the context of medical devices, via the UDI‑DI. The respective data owner is uniquely identified via the GLN (Global Location Number). Together, these two keys define a data record.

Therefore, it may occur that multiple data records for a product are available in firstbase from different data suppliers. The data recipient decides which data record they use.

• Producers and importers: manually enter or automatically transmit product data (nutritional values, allergens, images, etc.) via API.

• Distributors, online retailers, wholesalers: can access a reliable catalogue, search or download data (Excel, JSON, XML) via a web interface or REST API.

• Consumers and advice centres: benefit from free, neutral, ad-free public access to easily consult data via smartphone or web platform.

The GS1 Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN®) is a worldwide network for the standardized exchange of high‑quality and reliable product master data between data suppliers and data recipients. It is based on GS1 standards and connects around 50 GS1‑certified data pools worldwide.

Yes, firstbase is the GS1‑certified GDSN data pool operated by GS1 Switzerland. As part of the GS1 GDSN®, firstbase is integrated into the world’s largest network for product master data and enables international data exchange according to GS1 standards. More information can be found here.

Yes, GS1 Switzerland regularly offers webinars for both interested parties and existing users of firstbase, in order to facilitate onboarding and ensure optimal use of the platform. Information on current dates and offerings can be found at any time on our website.

For companies that require individual training or company‑specific sessions, we are happy to organise customised trainings. Please contact us directly to plan the appropriate solution for your team.

The API Hub from GS1 Switzerland is based on Azure API Management and is set up in the “Switzerland North” region.

GS1 Switzerland supports companies on their way to the Digital Product Passport (DPP) with expertise in the form of member support or events, training courses, pilot implementations and, in general, with the further development of practice-oriented GS1 standards. We help you to exchange product data in a structured, interoperable and secure manner based on globally recognised GS1 standards.

We also promote exchange between industries, authorities and technology partners to ensure uniform, cost-optimised and future-proof implementation in Switzerland.

If you have questions or uncertainties regarding the use of firstbase, our team is available to provide competent support. Please contact us via the contact form.

In addition to technical support, additional consulting services can also be provided, such as attribute analysis or assistance with implementation and system integration. This ensures that you receive the appropriate support to use firstbase efficiently and optimally.

firstbase actively supports data recipients in winning their suppliers for data delivery via the platform. For this purpose, we provide communication materials, such as one‑pagers, to inform suppliers in a targeted and efficient manner. In addition, our team supports you and your suppliers through newsletters, webinars and information events.

For a structured supplier onboarding, we recommend the following three steps:
- Check GDSN® partners in firstbase
- Contact data suppliers, e.g. with the one‑pager healthcare hospitals
- Inform distribution@gs1.ch for follow‑up, so that our team can support you in the follow‑up

We are always available to provide individual onboarding support for your suppliers. Please contact us, we are happy to help.

The switch to firstbase is carried out through a planned data migration: your existing product data is securely and completely transferred to the firstbase data pool. A new data entry is not required, as the data is taken over directly and correctly assigned.

GS1 Switzerland coordinates closely with your current data pool and manages the transition. We support you before, during and after the migration and, if needed, also assist with communication to customers and suppliers. This ensures that the switch is smooth, efficient and without any data loss.

Companies should check at an early stage which product information is already available in digital form and which needs to be supplemented or standardised.

Recommended steps:

1. Inventory of product data – What information exists, and in which systems?
2. Identification with GS1 standards – introduction or harmonisation of GTIN, GLN, GS1 Digital Link, etc.
3. Prepare for data exchange – Create processes and interfaces for structured data communication (e.g. via EPCIS).
4. Optimise information management – define clear responsibilities for data quality and timeliness.

Yes, the technical API documentation is available on the API Hub. Prerequisite: Access to the API Hub (at least for the “Try” product).

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.

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).

You can reach us via our contact form Your request will be forwarded to the appropriate person and your questions will be answered promptly.

Access and onboarding are explained here.

All relevant information about firstbase, its functions and benefits is available centrally on our website. Under the menu item “Support”, you will find comprehensive manuals, tutorials, GDSN® industry knowledge as well as further documentation that facilitate your onboarding and support the efficient use of firstbase.

This gives you access at any time to everything you need to know in order to manage your product data professionally and in a standardised manner.

• Profiles Overview (data models for the Swiss market)

• GDSN Compendium

• Document Interface (API, formats)

• User Manuals

• GDSN Release Notes

Our team provides competent support for all questions relating to data migration, M2M interface implementation and system integration. If desired, we provide individual recommendations on implementation options and, if necessary, connect you with qualified implementation or integration partners to ensure that the integration is efficient and smooth.

GS1 Switzerland provides firstbase as a standardised platform for the exchange of product master data via various transmission channels. The implementation, system integration and adaptation of interfaces are the responsibility of the customer. firstbase provides the necessary specifications and technical documentation to ensure smooth connectivity. To the M2M quick guide.

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.