What is a GS1 Company Prefix and Why It Matters for Trade

Anyone getting into product-based businesses knows what barcodes are. Not just any barcode, but those that follow GS1 standards are the ones that matter, especially if you plan to sell in retail or e-commerce.

Before anything else, you’ll need to register with your country’s GS1 Member Organization. Some, like those in the US, will let you buy individual barcodes for a one-time fee. That works well if you have a limited number of products.

But more often, you’ll be issued a GS1 Company Prefix. This prefix becomes the foundation of all your barcodes moving forward. 

Here’s how that works.

What is a GS1 company prefix?

A GS1 Company Prefix is a unique set of numbers assigned to a company by a GS1 Member Organization (MO). Think of it as your barcode fingerprint. It’s globally unique, tied to your company, and forms the starting point of every product identifier you create. It consists of two key components:

1. GS1 MO Prefix (identifies the issuing country/region) 

Example: 000–019, 030–039, and 060–139 for the US / 500–509 for the UK

Note: This prefix does not indicate the country where the product was made. It simply reflects which GS1 MO issued the prefix. So, if a product made in Mexico starts with 036, it’s still licensed via GS1 US, not GS1 Mexico.

2. Company-Specific Digits (assigned by the MO to uniquely identify your business)

Example: If GS1 U.S. assigns 0567890, then:

05 = GS1 U.S. prefix , 67890 = Your company ID

Here’s where it connects to the GTIN—short for Global Trade Item Number. That’s the actual number encoded in your barcode. The most common is the GTIN-12 (US/Canada) and GTIN-13(the other countries). Retailers, online platforms, and systems use these to identify your product.

GTIN is usually made up of these main parts:

1. GS1 Company Prefix – identifies your company and registered  GS1 MO
2. Item Reference – identifies the specific product
3. Check Digit – a mathematically calculated number used to make sure the barcode was scanned or entered correctly

And if you’re dealing with GTIN-14, which is often used for cartons or grouped packaging, there’s one more piece: 4. the Indicator Digit. 

It sits at the very beginning of the number and tells you the packaging level. For example, 1 might mean a single unit, 2 could mean a pack of 6, and so on. It's not part of the product reference but a packaging indicator.

The length of this prefix isn’t fixed. It depends on how many products you need to identify. The fewer products you plan to code, the longer the prefix GS1 assigns to you. The more products you need to label, the shorter the prefix, so that more digits are left to assign individual item reference numbers. GS1 allocates the prefix length based on your estimated number of unique identifiers.

What can you do with a GS1 company prefix?

The length varies based on the business's needs: shorter prefixes are issued to businesses with many products, while smaller businesses get longer prefixes.

The prefix/identifier helps create GS1 barcodes for more than just selling products. It is a unique identifier, making tracking products and managing inventory easier. Businesses can use them to:

Assign Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs): Use it to generate GTIN-13, GTIN-12, or GTIN-14, depending on your region and use case. Each GTIN uniquely identifies your product, no matter where it’s sold.

Create Barcodes and 2D Codes: That GTIN you just made? You can encode it into different barcode formats:

1. EAN-13 or UPC for retail
2. GS1-128 for logistics
3. GS1 QR Code or DataMatrix for more detailed, scannable data (like expiry, batch, etc.)

Other Business Elements: You're not limited to just products. With the same Company Prefix, you can also generate:

• GLN (Global Location Number): Identifies legal entities, physical locations (like a warehouse), or functions within a business (like an accounting department).
• SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code): Identifies logistic units like cartons, pallets, or shipments.
• GRAI (Global Returnable Asset Identifier): For reusable items like gas cylinders, pallets, or containers.
• GIAI (Global Individual Asset Identifier): For fixed assets like laptops, medical devices, or machinery, usually serialized.
• GDTI (Global Document Type Identifier): For documents like contracts, licenses, and reports.
• GSRN (Global Service Relation Number): For service relationships tied to individuals, such as patient ID and customer ID.
• GSRNP (Global Service Relation Number – Provider): Same as GSRN, but identifies the provider side of a relationship (less common, but valid).
• GCN (Global Coupon Number): For identifying a unique coupon or promotional voucher.
• GINC (Global Identification Number for Consignment):  For groupings of goods in freight/logistics.
• GSIN (Global Shipment Identification Number): For tracking shipments across carriers or modes.

This usage not only smooths the flow of products through the supply chain but also improves record-keeping and reduces logistical errors. Retailers can track sales more easily, while suppliers can manage restocking based on batch numbers.

How to get a GS1 company prefix and generate barcodes

To get a company prefix, businesses must apply to their local GS1 branch, which manages the issuance of these unique identifiers.

Determine your product range

Before applying, estimate the number of products and variations that need barcodes. This helps determine the appropriate length, as shorter ones allow for more unique identifiers.

Here's how to get it: Multiply each product's variations (like colors, sizes, or packaging).

Then, add the totals of all products together.

Sample: 

(Base Product A × Variants × Sizes × Other Attributes) + (Base Product B × Variants × Sizes × Other Attributes)...and so on.

This initial planning stage is especially important for business owners aiming to ensure their operations run efficiently and remain scalable as they grow.

Register with GS1

The registration process involves providing company details, paying a fee (based on factors like company size and product range), and completing the application.

Businesses are issued a digital GS1 prefix certificate upon successful registration, confirming their licensure.

Generate 1D or 2D barcodes

Use your prefix to create a complete GTIN by adding your item reference numbers and corresponding check digit. 

Once you've done this, you can create EAN, UPC, or GS1 2D barcodes, such as Data Matrix or QR codes, for your products. 

QR Tiger’s GS1 QR Code generator is the best platform for creating product QR codes.

Maintenance

You must renew your registration annually or as specified by your local GS1 branch to keep them active.

The importance of the GS1 prefix in global trade

With increasing demand for transparency, businesses must offer more comprehensive product information beyond GTINs. The standardized system of GS1, based on the Company Prefix, guarantees uniform data sharing across platforms, simplifying processes and enhancing compatibility.

Additionally, the GS1 prefix enables identifying and linking product and location data, which can be securely stored and shared with partners. 

This capability is crucial for programs that trace products back to their origin. Such programs are vital for recall readiness, particularly in sectors like food and healthcare, where strict regulations exist.

GS1 QR Code integration and consumer engagement

Building on the GS1 Company Prefix, businesses can integrate GS1 QR Codes to boost both operational efficiency and consumer engagement. 

These QR Codes improve processes like inventory management and product tracking while offering customers direct access to information, promotions, or usage instructions.

GS1 Digital Link QR Codes are especially impactful. When scanned, they provide instant consumer access to product details. This extends the relationship between the product and the consumer, offering a touchpoint for engagement beyond the point of sale.

Combining operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience makes GS1 QR Codes an essential tool in modern supply chains and retail.

These tools simplify logistics and open growth opportunities by enhancing consumer interaction and fostering brand loyalty.

The GS1 prefix: A key part of global trade

The GS1 Company Prefix is a cornerstone of global trade, enabling businesses to create standardized product identifiers that simplify tracking, supply chain management, and international compliance. 

Whether in retail, healthcare, or e-commerce, this system ensures seamless operations while enhancing product traceability and consumer trust. 

By adopting the GS1, businesses can streamline processes, reduce errors, and unlock opportunities for growth in competitive markets. 

Register with your local GS1 branch now to ensure your business meets global standards and stays ahead in the market.

FAQ

Can I use a Company Prefix for multiple products?

Yes, a GS1 Company Prefix can be used to create unique identifiers for multiple products within a company's product line.

Can I transfer my GS1 Company Prefix to another company?

A GS1 Company Prefix is unique to each business and usually can’t be passed to another. However, in cases like a merger, acquisition, or sale of a brand or business line, it can be transferred if it's legally documented and the GS1 Member Organization is properly informed.

How long does a GS1 Company Prefix last?

A GS1 Company Prefix remains valid as long as your GS1 membership is active and renewal fees are paid. It may be canceled or reassigned if the license agreement is not maintained.

Do I need a GS1 Company Prefix to sell products online?

You don’t always need a GS1 Company Prefix to sell online, especially if you’re using platforms like Shopify.

However, major marketplaces such as Amazon, Walmart Marketplace, and Google Shopping require GTINs that are verified by GS1. Having a GS1 Company Prefix links those product codes directly to your brand. This helps prevent listing problems and builds trust with both platforms and customers.

Can I use a GS1 Company Prefix for services rather than physical products?

A GS1  Prefix is mainly used to create product identifiers, but it can also generate other GS1 identifiers that may apply to services in certain cases.

Global Service Relation Number (GSRN): "Who is getting what service?" Think of this like an ID number for a relationship between a company and a person or group

Global Document Type Identifier (GDTI): "What document or agreement is being used for that service?"

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