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GS1 General Specifications2015
GS1 General Specifications2015
WHILST EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THAT THE GUIDELINES TO USE THE GS1 STANDARDS
CONTAINED IN THE DOCUMENT ARE CORRECT, GS1 AND ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN THE CREATION OF THE
DOCUMENT HEREBY STATE THAT THE DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED WITHOUT WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED, REGARDING ANY MATTER, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE OF ACCURACY, MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND HEREBY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, FOR
ANY DAMAGES OR LOSS RELATING TO OR RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE DOCUMENT. THE DOCUMENT MAY BE
MODIFIED, SUBJECT TO DEVELOPMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY, CHANGES TO THE STANDARDS, OR NEW LEGAL
REQUIREMENTS. SEVERAL PRODUCTS AND COMPANY NAMES MENTIONED HEREIN MAY BE TRADEMARKS AND/OR
REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE COMPANIES. GS1 IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF GS1 AISBL.
Disclaimer
GS1, under its IP Policy, seeks to avoid uncertainty regarding intellectual property claims by requiring the participants
in the Work Group that developed this Standard, GS1 General Specifications, to agree to grant to GS1 members a
royalty-free license or a RAND license to Necessary Claims, as that term is defined in the GS1 IP Policy.
Furthermore, attention is drawn to the possibility that an implementation of one or more features of this Specification
may be the subject of a patent or other intellectual property right that does not involve a Necessary Claim. Any such
patent or other intellectual property right is not subject to the licensing obligations of GS1. Moreover, the agreement
to grant licenses provided under the GS1 IP Policy does not include IP rights and any claims of third parties who were
not participants in the Work Group.
Accordingly, GS1 recommends that any organization developing an implementation designed to be in conformance
with this Specification should determine whether there are any patents that may encompass a specific
implementation that the organization is developing in compliance with the Specification and whether a license under a
patent or other intellectual property right is needed. Such a determination of a need for licensing should be made in
view of the details of the specific system designed by the organization in consultation with their own patent counsel.
THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED AS IS WITH NO WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY, NONINFRINGMENT, FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ANY WARRANTY
OTHER WISE ARISING OUT OF THIS SPECIFICATION. GS1 disclaims all liability for any damages arising from use
or misuse of this Standard, whether special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory damages, and including liability
for infringement of any intellectual property rights, relating to use of information in or reliance upon this document.
GS1 retains the right to make changes to this document at any time, without notice. GS1 makes no warranty for the
use of this document and assumes no responsibility for any errors which may appear in the document, nor does it
make a commitment to update the information contained herein.
Page 2 of 490
Document Summary
Document Item
Current Value
Document Title
Jan-2015
Status
Ratified
Document Description
Change Log
Impact on
Section
Summary of Change
Page 3 of 490
Navigator
These specifications have been developed as a reference document aimed primarily at GS1 Member
Organisations (who also produce local language user manuals) and system engineers developing
software based upon GS1 System standards. All aspects of the GS1 System are summarized in Section
1, which is recommended for those wishing to become familiar with the GS1 System logic and
terminology.
Each application section mandates the use of system features defined elsewhere in this document, such
as Check Digits, Element Strings, data carriers, and barcode symbol placement. The sections of these
GS1 General Specifications are:
Section 1. Basics and Principles of the GS1 System: Provides an introduction to the core
components of the GS1 System
Section 2 Application Identification: Provides a definition for each GS1 application using a
template format. Each application is uniquely identified and contains a description, the associated
GS1 Key, its definition and links to relevant data structures and attributes (Section 3), rules (Section
4), carrier specifications (Section 5), placement (section 6), and unique processing requirements
(Section 7).
Section 3 GS1 Application Identifier Definitions: Describes the meaning, structure, and
function of the GS1 element strings so they can be correctly processed in users application
programs.
Page 4 of 490
Section 4 Application Rules: Provides the rules for use of GS1 Keys in their application
environments. Differences in industries are included as well as the data relationship rules for
Application Identifier use.
Section 5 Data Carriers: Provides a detailed description of the data carriers that are endorsed by
GS1. It includes symbol specification tables for use in the supply chain operational environment as
well as the related barcode production and quality assessment required to achieve excellent scan
rates.
Section 7 AIDC Validation Rules: Provides rules for validating and processing GS1 Element
Strings without human intervention. Check digit and calendar date algorithms are also included.
Section 8 GS1 Standards Glossary of Terms: A standard vocabulary used throughout the GS1
System.
Page 5 of 490
Table of Contents
Basics and Principles of the GS1 System .......................................................15
1.1. The GS1 General Specifications ...................................................................................16
1.1.1.
1.1.2.
1.1.3.
1.1.4.
1.1.5.
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 16
Who Should Read These Specifications .......................................................................... 16
Foundational Standards .................................................................................................... 17
Maintenance Responsibility and Management ................................................................. 17
The Barcodes Technology Group (BTG) .......................................................................... 17
Mandatory Identifiers......................................................................................................... 17
Non-GS1 Identifiers........................................................................................................... 17
GS1 Company Prefix ........................................................................................................ 18
Carrier Independence ....................................................................................................... 18
GS1 Business Messages .................................................................................................. 18
1.4. GS1 Prefixes, GS1-8 Prefixes and GS1 Company Prefixes ......................................... 18
1.4.1.
1.4.2.
1.4.3.
1.4.4.
Page 6 of 490
2.2.1.
2.2.2.
2.2.3.
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 88
EDI and Global Data Synchronization (GDS) ................................................................... 88
Application Overview......................................................................................................... 89
Global Location Number to Identify a Physical Location: AI (414) ................................... 91
Ship to Deliver to Global Location Number: AI (410) ..................................................... 92
Bill to - Invoice to Global Location Number: AI (411) ........................................................ 93
Purchased from Global Location Number: AI (412) .......................................................... 94
Ship for - Deliver for - Forward to Global Location Number: AI (413) ............................... 95
Global Location Number of the Invoicing Party: AI (415) ................................................. 97
2.7. Summary of Applications and Operative Scanning Environments for GS1 System
Symbols .................................................................................................................................134
GS1 Application Identifier Definitions ........................................................... 137
3.1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................138
3.2. GS1 Application Identifiers in Numerical Order ......................................................... 138
Page 7 of 490
Page 8 of 490
3.7.6.
3.7.7.
3.7.8.
3.7.9.
3.7.10.
3.7.11.
3.7.12.
3.7.13.
3.7.14.
3.7.15.
3.7.16.
3.7.17.
3.7.18.
Roll Products - Width, Length, Core Diameter, Direction, Splices: AI (8001) ................. 184
Cellular Mobile Telephone Identifier: AI (8002) .............................................................. 184
Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI): AI (8003) ..................................................... 185
Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI): AI (8004) ......................................................... 185
Price per Unit of Measure: AI (8005) .............................................................................. 186
Identification of the Components of a Trade Item: AI (8006) .......................................... 187
International Bank Account Number (IBAN): AI (8007) .................................................. 187
Date and Time of Production: AI (8008) ......................................................................... 187
Component / Part Identifier: AI (8010) ............................................................................ 188
Component / Part Identifier Serial Number: AI (8011) .................................................... 189
Global Service Relation Numbers (GSRN): AIs (8017, 8018) ........................................ 189
Service Relation Instance Number (SRIN): AI (8019) .................................................... 190
Payment Slip Reference Number: AI (8020) .................................................................. 190
Coupon Code Identification for Use in North America (AI 8110) .................................... 191
Extended Packaging URL: AI (8200) .............................................................................. 191
Page 9 of 490
3.11. Compatibility of EPCglobal Tag Data Standard and GS1 General Specifications ... 193
Application Rules and Management Practices ............................................. 194
4.1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................195
4.2. Rules for Keys ..............................................................................................................195
4.2.1.
4.2.2.
4.2.3.
4.2.4.
4.2.5.
Page 10 of 490
4.12.1.
4.15. Multiple Barcode Management Practices for Consumer Trade Items (cross-sector)223
4.15.1.
4.15.2.
4.15.3.
Multiple Barcode Management Practices for Consumer Trade Items (All Sectors) ....... 224
GS1 Multiple Barcode Management Practice for General Retail ................................... 224
GS1 Multiple Barcode Management Practices for Healthcare ....................................... 224
Page 11 of 490
5.7.2.
5.7.3.
5.10. Appendix: Rules for Encoding/Decoding Element Strings in GS1 Symbologies using
GS1 Application Identifiers ..................................................................................................373
5.10.1. The Basic Structure of GS1 Barcodes using GS1 Application Identifiers and
Concatenation ................................................................................................................................. 373
5.10.2. Concatenation ................................................................................................................. 375
Page 12 of 490
6.4.8.
6.4.9.
6.4.10.
6.4.11.
6.4.12.
6.4.13.
6.4.14.
6.4.15.
6.4.16.
6.4.17.
6.4.18.
6.4.19.
6.5. Symbol Placement for Clothing and Fashion Accessories ....................................... 418
6.5.1.
6.5.2.
6.5.3.
6.5.4.
6.5.5.
6.5.6.
6.5.7.
6.8. Symbol Placement for Regulated Healthcare Trade Items ........................................ 447
6.8.1.
6.8.2.
Analysis of the Data Carrier and Plausibility Test for Element Strings ........................... 452
Symbology Identification ................................................................................................. 453
Page 13 of 490
7.2.3.
7.2.4.
7.2.5.
7.2.6.
7.2.7.
7.2.8.
7.8. Processing of Data from a GS1 Symbology using GS1 Application Identifiers....... 463
7.8.1.
7.8.2.
7.8.3.
7.8.4.
Standard Check Digit Calculations for GS1 Data Structures .......................................... 465
Check Digit Calculation for Price/Weight Fields ............................................................. 466
Check Digit Calculation for the Four-Digit Price Field..................................................... 467
Check Digit Calculation for the Five-Digit Price Field ..................................................... 467
Page 14 of 490
Page 15 of 490
1.1.
1.1.1.
Introduction
The GS1 System originated in the United States and was established in 1973 by the Uniform
Product Code Council, known until recently as the Uniform Code Council, Inc. (UCC) and since
2005 as GS1 US. The UCC originally adopted a 12-digit identification number, and the first ID
numbers and barcodes in open trade were being scanned in 1974. Following the success of this
U.P.C. System, the European Article Numbering Association, previously known as EAN
International, but launched as GS1 in 2005, was established in 1977 to develop a compatible
system for use outside North America. The EAN System was designed as a superset of the UCC
System and principally used 13-digit numbers. As a consequence of using certain barcodes and
data structures, the GS1 System has expanded.
The GS1 System provides for the use of unambiguous numbers to identify goods, services,
assets, and locations worldwide. These numbers can be represented in barcodes to enable their
electronic reading wherever required in business processes. The system is designed to overcome
the limitations of using company, organisation, or sector specific coding systems, and to make
trading much more efficient and responsive to customers.
These identification numbers are also used in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), XML electronic
messaging, Global Data Synchronization (GDSN), and GS1 Network Systems. This document
provides information about syntax, assignment, allocation and Automatic Data Capture (ADC)
standards for GS1 identification numbers.
In addition to providing unique identification numbers, the GS1 System provides for
supplementary information, such as best before dates, serial numbers, and batch numbers, which
can appear in barcode form. Currently, barcodes are used as the data carriers, but other
technologies, such as radio frequency tags are being developed within EPCglobal as carriers of
GS1 data. Changes take place only after wide consultation and are subject to a significant
migration period.
By following the principles and design of the GS1 System, users can design applications to
process GS1 System data automatically. The system logic guarantees that data captured from
GS1 endorsed barcodes produces unambiguous electronic messages, and processing can be
fully pre-programmed.
The GS1 System is designed for use in any industry or trade sector, and any changes to the
system are introduced so as not to negatively affect current users.
In February 2005, GS1 was officially launched as the successor to the organisations previously
known as EAN and UCC. This document is the concise definition and explanation of the use of
the GS1 System standards within Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technologies,
and supersedes all previous AIDC technical documents provided and/or published by GS1 or its
predecessor organisations. The document takes immediate effect as the agreed GS1 foundational
standards including Application, Identification, and Data Carrier components and principles. Every
organisation using GS1 System standards is requested to conform fully to the GS1 General
Specifications.
1.1.2.
Page 16 of 490
1.1.3.
Foundational Standards
These GS1 General Specifications are the foundation for GS1 Electronic Messaging:
XML
GDSN
Net Solutions
The definitions in the GS1 General Specifications are the foundation of the GS1 Global Data
Dictionary.
1.1.4.
1.1.5.
1.2.
1.3.
1.3.1.
Mandatory Identifiers
All GS1 standards shall incorporate GS1 identification standards as mandatory identifiers
exclusive of all other mandatory identifiers.
1.3.2.
Non-GS1 Identifiers
Non-GS1 identifiers may only be used with GS1 standards as additional identifiers (not
alternates). Implementations using non-GS1 identifiers as primary identifiers are not compliant
with GS1 standards.
Page 17 of 490
1.3.3.
1.3.4.
Carrier Independence
GS1 Identification Keys are defined and utilized per GS1 definitions independent of data carrier
(e.g., barcode, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), business message).
1.3.5.
FNC1 as separator character or EPC parsing value to parse a decoded data string into
significant data parts
Exception: If an EPC user is using GS1 System and non-GS1 System headers to
support an application, this policy does not apply, and advice should be sought on the
use of EPC headers to provide uniqueness among multiple numbering systems.
1.4.
1.4.1.
Page 18 of 490
A Variable Measure Number identifies Variable Measure Trade Items for scanning at the Point
of Sale. It is defined per GS1 Member Organisation rules.
1.4.2.
GS1 Prefixes
The GS1 Prefix is a number with two or more digits, administered by the GS1 Global Office,
which is allocated to GS1 Member Organisations or for Restricted Circulation Numbers. The
main purpose of the GS1 Prefix is to allow decentralisation of the administration of identification
numbers. GS1 Prefixes are shown in Figure 1.4.2-1.
Figure 1.4.2-1. Synopsis of GS1 Prefixes
Synopsis of GS1 Prefixes
GS1 Prefixes
Significance
000 - 019
02
030 - 039
GS1 Prefix
04
05
060 - 099
100 - 199
GS1 Prefix
20 - 29
300 - 976
GS1 Prefix
977
978 - 979
980
981-984
985 - 989
99
* Starting from GS1 Company Prefix 00 00100 to avoid collision with GTIN-8 Identification Numbers.
Note: GS1 Company Prefixes 00 00000 and 00 01000 to 00 07999 have specific
application for Locally Assigned Codes (LACs) or Retailer Zero-Suppressed Codes
(RZSCs).
1.4.3.
GS1-8 Prefixes
The GS1-8 Prefix is a one-, two-, or three-digit index number, administered by GS1, that is
allocated to GS1 Member Organisations for the creation of GTIN-8s or for Restricted Circulation
Page 19 of 490
Numbers. GS1-8 Prefixes are only ever used to create GTIN-8s or RCN-8s. GS1-8 Prefixes are
shown in Figure 1.4.3-1.
Figure 1.4.3-1. Synopsis of GS1-8 Prefixes
Synopsis of GS1-8 Prefixes
GS1-8 Prefixes
1.4.4.
Significance
Velocity Codes
100 - 139
GS1 Prefix
140 - 199
Reserve
300 - 969
GS1 Prefix
97 - 99
Reserve
1.5.
A GS1 Company Prefix assigned to a member of any Member Organisation entitles that
member to create any of the GS1 Identification Keys:
Page 20 of 490
1.6.
Allocation
The normal requirements on the re-use of GS1 identification numbers apply to all organisations
at all times. The additional guidelines in the following sections apply when a company changes
legal status as a result of an acquisition, merger, partial purchase, split, or spin-off.
GS1 Member Organisations may adapt the following guidelines if the law of the country makes
it absolutely necessary.
Companies should notify their GS1 Member Organisation of any legal status change within one
year of that change to facilitate a smooth transition.
1.6.1.
Page 21 of 490
Member Organisation to obtain one. The decision about which of the new companies should
take the original GS1 Company Prefixes should be made in such a way as to minimize the
number of additional Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) required. The decision should be part
of the legal arrangements of the new companies.
It is not necessary for existing stocks of items to be renumbered. However, when any of the split
or spin-off companies has trade items that are numbered with a GS1 Company Prefix that it no
longer holds, the company should renumber those items using its own GS1 Company Prefix
when new labelling or packaging is produced. Customers should be notified well in advance of
the changes.
Split or spin-off companies that retain a GS1 Company Prefix must keep a record of the GTINs
created that have been allocated to items they no longer own. They must not re-use these
GTINs for a period of at least four years after the company that split away owning those items
last supplied goods identified by those GTINs. Therefore, the company that did not retain the
GS1 Company Prefix has to keep the company that now maintains it informed of the dates on
which goods were last supplied using that GS1 Company Prefix or to guarantee a date by which
the number change will be made.
1.7.
Page 22 of 490
Application Identification
2.1. Trade Items .....................................................................................................................24
2.2. Logistic Units .................................................................................................................79
2.3. Assets .............................................................................................................................84
2.4. Locations ........................................................................................................................88
2.5. Service Relationships ....................................................................................................98
2.6. Special Applications ....................................................................................................101
2.7. Summary of Applications and Operative Scanning Environments for GS1 System
Symbols .................................................................................................................................134
Page 23 of 490
2.1.
Trade Items
2.1.1.
Introduction
A trade item is 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.
This definition covers services and products, from raw materials through to end user products,
all of which may have pre-defined characteristics.
The identification and marking of trade items enables the automation of the Point-of-Sale
(through Price Look Up (PLU) files), of goods receiving, inventory management, automatic reordering, sales analysis, and a wide range of other business applications.
If the item is of variable measure, the respective measure or price information will often be of
critical importance to business applications. Attributes relating to trade items (e.g., dates, lot
number) are also available as standardised Element Strings.
Each trade item that is different from another in design and/or content is allocated a unique
identification number, which remains the same as long as it is traded. The same identification
number is given to all trade items sharing key characteristics. Such numbers must be treated in
their entirety throughout the supply chain.
The serialised identification of trade items, which enables total connectivity of information and
communication systems, is achieved through the use of Application Identifier AI (01) GTIN and
AI (21) Serial Number.
Different standard solutions apply depending on the nature of the item and the scope of the
users applications. The following sections determine the identification and symbol marking
rules applicable to a particular trade item.
Page 24 of 490
2.1.1.4. General Retail Consumer Trade Item, Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer
Trade Item or Non-Retail Trade Item
Scanning at the Point-of-Sale (POS) is a major application of the GS1 System, and trade items
that are intended to cross a Point-of-Sale are subject to specific rules. Scanning of trade items
are broken into three groups based on the application and sector.
General Retail Consumer Trade Items use omnidirectional linear barcodes that are
read by high-volume Omnidirectional Retail POS scanners or linear hand held
scanners. This scanning environment cannot read 2D Matrix symbols.
Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer Trade Items require 2D Matrix symbols, but
these cannot be deployed for high-volume Omnidirectional Retail POS. Regulated
Healthcare Retail Consumer Trade Items marked with 2D Matrix symbols are intended
to be read in lower-volume retail scenarios or hospital pharmacies or in high volume
applications such as distribution centres.
Non-Retail Trade Items are any trade item that does not cross Retail POS. Commonly,
these trade items will appear in mixed scanning environments (laser, image based, etc.)
depending on the application and industry sector. Typical examples include trade item
groupings, direct part marked items, etc.
A solution for published material should address the requirement to process returns
(sorting and counting) to wholesalers and publishers. This implies the reading of a
supplementary number that is not required for item identification.
The international systems, ISSN and ISBN, already handle the numbering of
publications and books.
Random assortments: An assortment that comprises items that are not uniquely
identified on the package and are not marked for individual sale (e.g., a bag of
individually wrapped lifesavers or colours of tooth brushes).
Page 25 of 490
The identification solution for each of these levels may differ between the category of
pharmaceuticals (which includes biologics, vaccines, controlled substances, clinical trial
pharmaceuticals, and therapeutic nutritional products) versus the category of medical devices
(which includes all classes of medical devices) and may also differ by configuration or
packaging level (trade items direct marked, primary packaging, secondary packaging,
case/shipper, pallet, logistics unit). The standards in Section 2.1.2.5 define the data required by
packaging level and by product type. For purposes of AIDC marking the Brand Owner is
responsible for determining the proper assignment of each particular regulated healthcare retail
consumer trade item to either the pharmaceutical or medical device category in accordance with
local regulatory requirements.
Page 26 of 490
including medical devices that are reprocessed (within the micro-logistics cycle of use, including
cleaning and sterilization), see section 2.1.4.
Medical devices should be identified with GTIN and any appropriate Application Identifiers used
for production control, as determined by the responsible entity for the device. For medical
devices that are reprocessed, GTIN and serial number are recommended for manufacturers
that use DPM to enable traceability throughout the product lifecycle.
Also, for hospitals or instrument owners that mark medical devices that are reprocessed, GTIN and
Serial Number are recommended for all hospital / instrument owner marking. Some existing inhouse legacy systems already use GS1 asset identifiers (GIAI or GRAI, see Section 2.3), which are
compliant with GS1 Standards.
Note: Only one GS1 Key (GTIN or GIAI/GRAI) should be marked on a single instrument.
GS1 Key
Definition
The GTIN-12 is the 12-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a U.P.C. Company
Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-13 is the 13-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1 Company
Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-14 is the 14-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of an Indicator digit (1-9),
GS1 Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GRAI is the GS1 Identification Key used to identify Returnable Assets. The key is
comprised of a GS1 Company Prefix, Asset Type, Check Digit, and optional serial
number.
The GIAI is the GS1 Identification Key used to identify an Individual Asset. The key is
comprised of a GS1 Company Prefix and an Individual Asset Reference.
Rules
If the AIDC marking on the medical device may be seen and scanned when placed in
the protective packaging after sterilization, the protective packaging will not have to be
AIDC marked.
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
When using GTIN-12, GTIN-13, or GTIN-14 to identify a medical device that is reprocessed,
serial number, is recommended to complete the identification. To manage GS1 Healthcare data
requirements within GS1 EPCglobal RFID tags, see Section 3.11 of the General Specifications
and EPCglobal Tag Data Standard.
Rules
Not Applicable
Page 27 of 490
2.1.2.
2.1.2.1. General Retail Consumer Trade Items Scanned in General Retail POS
A General Retail Consumer Trade Item that is intended to be read at high-volume POS. The
General Retail Consumer Trade Item must carry a barcode from the EAN/UPC Symbology
family and in limited circumstances (see Note below) a symbol from the GS1 DataBar Retail
POS Family (*). Therefore, these trade items support only GTIN-8, GTIN-12, or GTIN-13s.
Some Point-of-Sale scanning systems may be able to handle symbologies other than the
EAN/UPC Symbology. However, in an open environment, it is not possible to predict the type of
scanner that will be used. Therefore, items that may be scanned at Point-of-Sale must be
marked with an omni-directional barcode. To support new applications additional GS1 approved
data carriers (encoding additional data with the GTIN) may be applied with mutual agreement
between trading partners. For information on how to manage multiple barcodes see section
4.15.
(*) In 2014 GS1 DataBar became an open symbology and all scanning environments must be
able to read these symbols.
Page 28 of 490
final Check Digit. The Check Digit is explained in section 7.9. Its verification, carried out
automatically by the barcode reader, ensures that the number is correctly composed.
Figure 2.1.2.1.1-1. Overview of GTIN formats
GTIN
GTIN format
GTIN-8
GTIN-12
GTIN-13
GTIN-14
N7 + C
N11 + C
N12 + C
N13 + C
N - numeric digit
C - Check Digit
When any of these GTINs is encoded in a data carrier that must encode a fixed-length data
string of 14-digits, the GTINs less than 14-digits in length must be prefixed by leading zeroes
that simply act as filler characters. The presence or lack of these leading zeroes does not
change the GTIN concerned. These series of GTINs may be stored with or without leading
zeroes in the same database field, depending on the requirements of the particular application.
Note: A GTIN-12 may start with one, two or three leading zeros. For the list of GS1 Prefix
use see Section 1.4.
Item Reference
(GTIN-13)
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
N10
(GTIN-12)
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
N11
N10
Check
Digit
N12
N13
N11
N12
The GS1 Company Prefix is allocated by a GS1 Member Organisation to a system user. It
makes the ID number unique worldwide but does not identify the origin of the item. GS1
Company Prefixes starting with GS1 Prefixes 000 to 019, 030 to 039, 060 to 099, 100 to 139,
300 to 969, or 977 to 979 in the first three digits are used in this Element String.
The Item Reference is assigned by the system user, who must observe the rules in Section 4.
The Check Digit is explained in Section 7.9. Its verification, carried out automatically by the
barcode reader, ensures that the number is correctly composed.
GS1 Key
Definition
The GTIN-12 is the 12-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a U.P.C. Company Prefix,
Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
Page 29 of 490
The GTIN-13 is the 13-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1 Company Prefix,
Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
Rules
All the GTIN Allocation Rules described in Section 4.
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
For all the Application Identifiers (AI) that can be used with a GTIN, see Section 3.
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The data carriers for this Element String are:
Page 30 of 490
Some GTIN-12s beginning with the U.P.C. Prefix 0 may be represented in a small symbol called
the UPC-E barcode. The GTIN-12 is condensed into a barcode consisting of six symbol
character positions. For application processing, the GTIN-12 must be transformed into its full
length by the barcode reader software or by the application software. There is no six-digit
UPC-E barcode. See Chapter 7.10 for UPC-E barcode options.
GS1 Key
Definition
The 12-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a U.P.C. Company Prefix, Item Reference,
and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
Rules
All the GTIN Allocation Rules described in Section 4.
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The UPC-E barcode is a barcode of the EAN/UPC Symbology representing a GTIN-12 in six
explicitly encoded digits using zero-suppression techniques.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.1, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1.
Symbol Placement
All the Symbol Placement Guidelines defined in Section 6.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.1.2.1.4. GTIN-8
Application Description
The GTIN-8 is available for items whose packaging does not include enough available space to
permit the use of an EAN-13 or UPC-A Symbol. GTIN-8s are individually assigned by GS1
Member Organisations on request. Figure 2.1.2.1.3 - 1 shows the data structure of a GTIN-8.
Page 31 of 490
N1
N2
N3
Item Reference
N4
N5
N6
N7
Check
Digit
N8
The GS1-8 Prefix is a one-, two-, or three-digit index number, administered by the GS1 Global
Office. It does not identify the origin of the item. GS1 Prefixes 100 to 139 and 300 to 969 in
positions N1 to N3 are used in this Element String.
The Item Reference is assigned by the GS1 Member Organisation. The GS1 Member
Organisations provide procedures for obtaining GTIN-8s.
The Check Digit is explained in Section 7.9. Its verification, carried out automatically by the
barcode reader, ensures that the number is correctly composed.
GS1 Key
Definition
The 8-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1-8 Prefix, Item Reference, and Check
Digit used to identify trade items.
Rules
In addition to the GTIN Allocation Rules described in Section 4, the following guidelines should
be observed. Before deciding to use a GTIN-8 as opposed to a GTIN-13 or GTIN-12,
companies, working jointly with their printer, should consider options such as:
whether the barcode can be reduced in size (e.g., printed at a lower X-dimension, taking
into account the minimum barcode print quality requirements (see Section 5.5)).
whether the label or artwork can reasonably be changed to enable the printer's
recommended size of a EAN-13 or UPC-A barcode or a symbol from the GS1 DataBar
Retail POS Family* to be included (e.g., redesigning the label and increasing the label size,
especially when the existing label is small in comparison with the pack area, or using an
additional label). The label includes the total printed design surface whether or not it is
separately affixed.
whether a truncated barcode can be used. A truncated barcode (normal length, but reduced
in height) may only be used if there is absolutely no possibility of printing a full size barcode.
Truncation removes the omni-directional scanning capability. A barcode with excessive
truncation will not be of any practical use. Users considering this option should consult their
customers to see if an acceptable compromise can be reached.
The use of a GTIN-8 is authorised when the EAN-13 or UPC-A barcode or a symbol from
the GS1 DataBar Retail POS Family* in the size required as a result of print quality studies
exceeds either 25 percent of the printed label area or 12.5 percent of the total printable
area.
The use of a GTIN-8 is authorised when either the largest side of the printed label is less
than 40 centimetres or the total printable area is less than 80 centimetres.
The use of a GTIN-8 is authorised on cylindrical products with a diameter less than 3
centimetres.
Page 32 of 490
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
For all the Application Identifiers (AI) that can be used with a GTIN, see Section 3.
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The data carriers for a GTIN-8 are the EAN-8 barcode or a symbol from the GS1 DataBar Retail
POS Family (*).
The system recognises this Element String by the symbology identifier ]E4 or ]e0 (*) and by N1
not being 0 or 2. The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that one Fixed Measure
Trade Item with a GTIN-8 has been captured.
(*) In 2014 GS1 DataBar became an open symbology and all scanning environments must be
able to read these symbols.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.1, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1.
Symbol Placement
All the Symbol Placement Guidelines defined in Section 6.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.1.2.1.5. Hardcover Books and Paperbacks: ISBN, GTIN-13, and GTIN-12 Scanned in
General Retail POS
Application Description
When identifying books and paperbacks a company may identify them in the same manner as
any other retail trade items (see Section 2.1.2.1). However, the recommended option is to use
the International Standard Book Number (ISBN numbering system). The GS1 Prefixes 978 and
979 have been allocated to ISBN (http://www.isbn-international.org/), which allocates numbers
from these Bookland prefixes.
Note: ISBNs shall not be allocated to non-book products even if the products are related
to a book (e.g., teddy bears, coffee mugs, T-shirts, etc. related to a book launch). Such
non-book products shall be identified and barcoded in the same manner as any other
retail trade item (see Section 2.1.2.1). A trade item grouping of identical book items
would normally be identified according to Section 2.1.2.6.2. However, an ISBN may also
be used to create a 14-digit GTIN with an Indicator to identify a trade item grouping of
identical book items (refer to Section 2.1.2.6.2) provided that the publisher that issues
the 14-digit GTIN is a member of a GS1 organisation or is authorised to act through an
agreement between its local GS1 Member Organisation and the local organisation
representing publishers.
Page 33 of 490
GS1 Key
Definition
The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is the GS1 Identification Key used to identify trade
items. The key comprises a GS1 Company Prefix, an Item Reference and a Check Digit.
Rules
All the GTIN Allocation Rules described in Section 4.
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
Some publishers may wish to communicate additional information in a barcode in order to meet
their internal requirements. For example, publishers may wish to include an edition variant (e.g.,
unchanged reprint, price increase), which is not distinguished by the ISBN, GTIN-13, or GTIN12. The GS1 System provides an additional two- or five-digit symbol, called an Add-On Symbol
that can be included on the item just to the right of the main barcode.
A two-digit or five-digit serial number provides more information about a particular publication of
the printed item, but it is not required for the identification of the title itself. This figure shows the
format of a two-digit Add-On:
Figure 2.1.2.1.5-1. Two-digit Add-on Format
Supplementary Information
N1
N2
The supplementary information consists of numeric data of any structure and meaning. It is the
publisher's responsibility to define the numbering scheme.
The data carrier for this Element String is the two-digit Add-On Symbol.
The system recognises this Element String by the Symbology Identifier ]E1. The two-digit AddOn Symbol must be jointly used with a UPC-A, UPC-E or EAN-13 barcode. It is never scanned
alone, and the data from both barcodes can be used together for processing.
This figure shows the format of a five-digit Add-On:
Figure 2.1.2.1.5-2. Five-digit Add-On Format
Supplementary Information
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
The supplementary information consists of numeric data of any structure and meaning. It is the
publisher's responsibility to define the numbering scheme. The data carrier for this Element
String is the five-digit Add-On Symbol.
The system recognises this Element String by the Symbology Identifier ]E2. The five-digit AddOn Symbol must be jointly used with a UPC-A, UPC-E or EAN-13 barcode. It is never scanned
alone, and the data from both barcodes can be used together for processing.
Page 34 of 490
Rules
Add-On Symbols involve the following constraints:
They should not contain information that should rightly be looked up using the items GTIN13 (or GTIN-12).
The reading of the Add-On Symbol by the retailer's Point-of-Sale system is optional.
2.1.2.1.6. Serial Publications: ISSN, GTIN-13, and GTIN-12 Scanned in General Retail at
POS
Application Description
When identifying serial publications, companies should first attempt to identify them in the same
manner as any other trade item: using the GTIN-13 or GTIN-12 Data Structure.
The second option involves using a special GS1 Company Prefix (assigned by a GS1 Member
Organisation within its territory), the publication number, and the price of the publication
(provided that the national legislation allows this). With this option, the price is placed in clearly
defined positions and is directly usable in the country of publication. However, as soon as the
item leaves the country, the price has no direct significance, and the GTIN must be interpreted
in a general way without being broken down internally.
The third option is to make use of the ISSN numbering system. The GS1 Prefix 977 is used for
encoding the ISSN assigned to a particular item without its Check Digit.
Figure 2.1.2.1.6-1. Format of the Element String
GS1 Prefix
9 7 7
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
N10
Variant
N11 N12
Check Digit
N13
The variant digits N11 and N12 may be used to express variants of the same title for issues with a
different price or to identify different issues of a daily within one week. Normal title takes value 00.
Page 35 of 490
GS1 Key
Definition
The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is the GS1 Identification Key used to identify trade
items. The key comprises a GS1 Company Prefix, an Item Reference and a Check Digit.
Rules
All the GTIN Allocation Rules described in Section 4.
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
Some publishers may wish to communicate additional information in a barcode in order to meet
their internal requirements.
A two-digit or five-digit serial number provides more information about a particular publication of
the printed item, but it is not required for the identification of the title itself.
This figure shows the format of a two-digit Add-On:
Figure 2.1.2.1.6-2. Two-digit Add-on Format
N2
Dailies (or more generally publications with several issues a week): The publications of
each day of the week are considered separate trade items that must be identified with a
separate identification number represented in an EAN-13, UPC-A, or UPC-E Symbol. The
two-digit serial number should only be used to represent the applicable week, which,
together with the GTIN-13 or GTIN-12, establishes the day within the year.
Bi-weeklies: Number of the first week of the respective period (01 53)
Bi-monthlies: Number of the first month of the respective period (01 12)
Quarterlies: Number of the first month of the respective period (01 12)
Seasonal period: First digit = last digit of the year; second digit = 1 spring, 2 summer, 3
autumn, 4 winter
Bi-annual period: First digit = last digit of the year; second digit = number of the first season
of the respective period
The serial number is carried by a two-digit Add-On Symbol that is placed to the right of the
symbol and parallel to it. The Add-On Symbol must comply with the print quality specifications
applicable to all GS1 System barcodes. For example, the X-dimension applied to the main
barcode must also be applied to the Add-On Symbol.
Page 36 of 490
Serial publications can also use a five-digit serial number carried by a five-digit Add-On Symbol.
The reading of the Add-On Symbol at a Point-of-Sale is optional. The Add-On Symbol must not
be used to encode information that should be contained within the Global Trade Item Number
(GTIN). The Add-On Symbol provides additional information about a particular publication of a
printed item, and it is the publishers responsibility to define the numbering scheme. This figure
shows the format of a five-digit Add-On:
Figure 2.1.2.1.6-3. Five-digit Add-on Format
Supplementary Information
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
Information that can be encoded in the five-digit Add-On Symbol includes the actual date of
issue, in order to differentiate between successive issues.
The five-digit Add-On Symbol is placed to the right of the main barcode and parallel to it. The AddOn Symbol must comply with the print quality specifications applicable to all GS1 System
barcodes. For example, the X-dimension applied to the main symbol also must be applied to the
Add-On Symbol.
Rules
When using a five-digit Add-On Symbol, a two-digit Add-On Symbol cannot also be used.
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
Serial Publications should be marked with an EAN-13, UPC-A, or UPC-E barcode that complies
with the print quality specifications applicable to all GS1 System barcodes. The EAN/UPC 2digit or 5-digit Add-on symbols are options used with the above EAN/UPC symbols.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.1, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1.
Symbol Placement
All the Symbol Placement Guidelines defined in Section 6.4.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
Page 37 of 490
The GTIN-8 is the 8-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1-8 Prefix, Item
Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-12 is the 12-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a U.P.C. Company
Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-13 is the 13-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1 Company
Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
Rules
All the GTIN Allocation Rules described in Section 4
Reference Human Readable Interpretation Rules in Section 4.14
Attributes
Required
Not applicable
Optional
For all the Application Identifiers (AI) that can be used with a GTIN, see Section 3.
Rules
Not applicable.
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The data carriers for this Element String are:
Page 38 of 490
The system recognises this Element String by the symbology identifier ]E0 and ]e0 (*) and the
GS1 Prefixes starting with 000 to 019, 030 to 039, 060 to 099, 100 to 139, 300 to 969, or 977 to
979.
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that one Fixed Measure Trade Item with a
GTIN-13 or GTIN-12 has been captured.
(*) In 2014 GS1 DataBar became an open symbology and all scanning environments must be
able to read these symbols.
The GS1 DataBar symbols encode a 14-digit numeric string. When encoding GTIN-8, GTIN-12
or GTIN-13 in GS1 DataBar symbols zero-fill with six, two, or one zeros to the left of the GTIN.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.1, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1.
Symbol Placement
There are no specified rules for symbol placement on loose produce scanned at POS.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
Not applicable
The GTIN-8 is the 8-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1-8 Prefix, Item
Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
Page 39 of 490
The GTIN-12 is the 12-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a U.P.C. Company Prefix,
Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-13 is the 13-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1 Company Prefix,
Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-14 is the 14-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of an Indicator digit (1-9),
GS1 Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
Rules
All the GTIN Allocation Rules described in Section 4.
If the regulated healthcare retail consumer trade item to be marked on the Primary Packaging
does not also have Secondary Packaging, then the Primary Packaging markings in this section
do not apply and are replaced by the required markings in the Secondary Packaging section
(2.1.2.5).
Example: a bottle of 50 pharmaceutical tablets (the Primary Package) is not enclosed
into a carton (which would represent the Secondary Packaging). In this instance, the
Secondary Packaging markings are required on the Primary Packaging level.
If the required AIDC marks are placed directly on the part, then those AIDC marks (e.g.,
barcode, human readable interpretation) satisfy the requirements for Primary Package marking.
If those marks are functional (scannable) through the primary packaging, then no additional
AIDC marks are required on the Primary Package.
If the product to be marked has Primary Packaging that is a blister pack containing several
individual Pharmaceutical items, for instance a blister pack of 12 pills or tablets, the following
rules apply:
In addition to the GTIN Allocation Rules described in Section 4, see Section 2.1.2.1.4 for
rules on deploying GTIN-8.
Attributes
Required
Figure 2.1.2.4-1. Overview of Required Attributes
AIDC Marking level
for Regulated
Healthcare Trade
Items
Key
Batch/Lot
Number AI (10)
Expiration
Date AI
(17)
Serial Number
AI (21)
Other
Minimum
(Pharmaceutical
only)
GTIN-8, GTIN-12,
GTIN-13, or GTIN14
No
No
No
None
Enhanced
(med device only)
GTIN-8, GTIN-12,
GTIN-13, or GTIN14
Yes
Yes
No
None
Highest
Pharmaceutical
brand owner AIDC
marking
GTIN-8, GTIN-12,
GTIN-13, or GTIN14
No
No
No
No
Page 40 of 490
Key
Batch/Lot
Number AI (10)
Expiration
Date AI
(17)
Serial Number
AI (21)
Other
Highest Medical
Device - brand
owner AIDC
marking
GTIN-8, GTIN-12,
GTIN-13, or GTIN14
Yes
Yes
Yes
Active
Potency AI
(7004) for
Kits with
Pharmaceutic
als
Highest Hospital
AIDC marking of
Pharmaceutical
No
Yes, AI
(7003) if
needed for
short life
items
Yes
None
Highest Hospital
AIDC marking of
certain medical
devices (see
Section 2.1.1.9)
GRAI, AI (8003), or
GIAI, AI (8004), is
optional if GTIN, AI
(01), + Serial
Number, AI (21), is
not marked on the
product.
No
No
GRAI, AI (8003),
or GIAI, AI (8004),
is optional if GTIN,
AI (01), + Serial
Number, AI (21),
is not marked on
the product.
To manage healthcare data requirements within GS1 EPCglobal RFID tags, see Section 3.11
and the most recent version of the EPCglobal Tag Data Standard.
Optional
For compliance with a national/regional regulatory or industry requirement where the GTIN will
not meet the need, a Regulated Healthcare Trade Item may be identified with GTIN and AIs
(710), AI (711), AI (712), and AI (713) National Healthcare Reimbursement Number. See
Section 3.8.1.6 for details on the use of AI (710), AI (711), AI (712), and AI (713).
Rules
All the GTIN Allocation Rules described in Section 4.
National Healthcare Reimbursement Number AI (710), AI (711), AI (712), and AI (713) must
always be used with the GTIN.
Human Readable Interpretation
For Human-Readable Interpretation Rules see Section 4.14. For HRI Rules specific to
Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer Trade Items, see Section 4.14.1.
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
Figure 2.1.2.4-2. Carrier Choices
Preferred Option(s) (this
is the long-term
direction for AIDC
marking)
GS1 EPCglobal RFID tag. GS1 expects the barcode as the minimum
requirement for packaging however EPC RFID is an approved AIDC carrier
Page 41 of 490
barcode
Other Acceptable
Options (GS1 strongly
supports existing
options for symbol
marking as a guiding
principle and therefore
supports all previous
AIDC marking
specifications)
The following symbols have been permitted by GS1 and therefore could
appear on some existing packages. For that reason, GS1 does not want to
preclude them as an option, particularly where GTIN without additional data
(Minimum ID) is required. With that said, symbols that allow all the data to be
concatenated into one symbol are the preferred option.
EAN/UPC Symbology family (UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8 and EAN-13) may be
used to encode the GTIN-8, GTIN-12 or GTIN-13 Identification. ITF-14
Symbols may be used where printing conditions require the application of a
less demanding symbology. It may not be used when attribute information is
required. ITF-14 Symbols can encode the GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, or
GTIN-14 of the item. It is not used to encode attribute information.
GS1 Composite Component is also used in combination with linear symbols
by GS1 and therefore remains a legitimate option however, GS1 DataMatrix
is preferred based on its ability to encode all information in one symbol and
do so efficiently in terms of print speed and panel size.
They may be marked with 2D matrix barcodes that require imaging-based scanners or linear
symbologies such as GS1 DataBar or GS1-128. If an item is a General Retail Consumer Trade
Item and Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer Trade Item, then the barcode marking for
general retail is required at a minimum.
GS1 Key
Definition
The GTIN-8 is the 8-digit GS1 Identification key composed of a GS1-8 Prefix, Item
Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-12 is the 12-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a U.P.C. Company Prefix,
Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-13 is the 13-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1 Company Prefix,
Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
Page 42 of 490
GS1 firmly endorses the use of GTIN in all markets, however there are instances where GS1
Member Organisations have allocated a portion of their numbering capacity to identification
schemes administered nationally by external agencies.
These coding schemes while recognised within the GS1 System framework by the assignment
of a GS1 Prefix are defined, in Healthcare, as National Trade Items Numbers (NTINs) rather
than Global Trade item Numbers (GTINs). NTINs are unique with respect to GTINs as their
values are a subset of all possible values of GTIN. However, their definition, allocation and
lifecycle rules are defined by an organisation external to GS1.
The degree to which NTIN definitions and rules are compatible with those of GTIN is specific to
each National definition. Whilst NTIN will always provide globally unique identification within the
GTIN pool of numbers, this does not mean NTIN provides the same level of interoperability as
GTIN with other GS1 standards, such as GDSN and ONS. In markets where NTIN is adopted
exclusively of GTIN the reciprocal nature of GTIN identification and marking across markets is
lost and becomes problematic where one package which should serve multiple markets (e.g.
common language) requires multiple NTINs rather than one GTIN.
Rules
In addition to the GTIN Allocation Rules described in Section 4, see Section 2.1.2.1.4 for rules
on deploying GTIN-8.
Attributes
Required
Figure 2.1.2.5-1. Overview of Required Attributes
AIDC Marking
level for
Regulated
Healthcare Trade
Items
Key
Batch/Lot
Number AI (10)
Expiration
Date AI
(17)
Serial Number
AI (21)
Other
Minimum
Pharmaceutical &
medical device
Yes
Yes
No
None
Enhanced
Pharmaceutical &
medical device
Yes
Yes
No
None
Highest Brand
owner AIDC
marking
Yes
Yes
Yes
Potency AI
(7004)
(for
Pharmaceutical,
and for medical
device Kits with
Pharmaceuticals)
Highest Hospital
AIDC marking of
pharmaceuticals
No
Yes, AI
(7003) if
needed for
short life
items
Yes
None
Page 43 of 490
AIDC Marking
level for
Regulated
Healthcare Trade
Items
Key
Batch/Lot
Number AI (10)
Expiration
Date AI
(17)
Serial Number
AI (21)
Highest - Hospital
AIDC marking of
certain medical
devices (see
Section 2.1.1.9)
GRAI, AI (8003),
or GIAI, AI
(8004), is
optional if GTIN,
AI (01), + Serial
Number, AI (21),
is not marked on
the product.
No
No
GRAI, AI (8003),
or GIAI, AI
(8004), is
optional if GTIN,
AI (01), + Serial
Number, AI (21),
is not marked on
the product.
Other
To manage healthcare data requirements within GS1 EPCglobal RFID tags, see Section 3.11
and the most recent version of the EPCglobal Tag Data Standard.
Optional
For compliance with a national/regional regulatory or industry requirement where the GTIN will
not meet the need, a Regulated Healthcare Trade Item may be identified with GTIN and AIs
(710), AI (711), AI (712), and AI (713) National Healthcare Reimbursement Number. See
Section 3.8.13 for details on the use of AIs (710), AI (711), AI (712), and AI (713).
Rules
National Healthcare Reimbursement Number AI (710), AI (711), AI (712), and AI (713) must
always be used with the GTIN.
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
See the Data Carrier Specification Carrier Choices recommendations on Preferred Options,
Options in Addition to the Barcode and Other Acceptable Options found at the end of Section
2.1.2.4.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.6. Symbol Specification Table 6
Symbol Placement
All the Symbol Placement Guidelines defined in Section 6.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
Page 44 of 490
GTIN-12
GTIN-13
50 x Product A
(Trade item
grouping)
50 x Product A
(Trade item
grouping, e.g.,
Display case)
100 x Product A
(Trade item
grouping)
Single Product A
Single Product B
50 x Product A
50 x Product B
GTIN-14
The GTIN-8 is the 8-digit GS1 Identification key composed of a GS1-8 Prefix, Item
Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-12 is the 12-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a U.P.C. Company Prefix,
Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-13 is the 13-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1 Company Prefix,
Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
For regulated healthcare trade items the GTIN-14 is the 14-digit GS1 Identification Key
composed of an Indicator digit (1-9), GS1 Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check
Digit used to identify trade items.
Rules
In addition to the GTIN Allocation Rules described in Section 4, the following guidelines should
be observed: GTIN-8 can only be used when all other pack size constraints are met.
Before deciding to use a GTIN-8 as opposed to a GTIN-12, GTIN-13, or in the case of regulated
healthcare trade items, GTIN-14, companies, working jointly with their printer, should consider
options such as:
whether the barcode can be reduced in size (e.g., printed at a lower X-dimension, taking
into account the minimum barcode print quality requirements (see Section 5.5)).
Page 45 of 490
whether the label or artwork can reasonably be changed to enable the printer's
recommended size of a EAN-13 or UPC-A barcode to be included (e.g., redesigning the
label and increasing the label size, especially when the existing label is small in comparison
with the pack area, or using an additional label). The label includes the total printed design
surface whether or not it is separately affixed.
whether a truncated barcode can be used. A truncated barcode (normal length, but reduced
in height) may only be used if there is absolutely no possibility of printing a full size barcode.
Truncation removes the omni-directional scanning capability. A barcode with excessive
truncation will not be of any practical use. Users considering this option should consult their
customers to see if an acceptable compromise can be reached.
The use of a GTIN-8 is authorised when the EAN-13 or UPC-A barcode in the size required
as a result of print quality studies exceeds either 25 percent of the printed label area or 12.5
percent of the total printable area.
The use of a GTIN-8 is authorised when either the largest side of the printed label is less
than 40 centimetres or the total printable area is less than 80 centimetres.
The use of a GTIN-8 is authorised on cylindrical products with a diameter less than 3
centimetres.
Attributes
Required
For Regulated Healthcare Consumer Trade Items the following levels of AIDC marking are
specified.
Figure 2.1.2.6.1-1. Overview of Required Attributes
AIDC Marking level
for Regulated
Healthcare Trade
Items
Key
Batch/Lot
Number AI (10)
Expiration
Date AI
(17)
Serial
Number
AI (21)
Other
Minimum
GTIN-8,
GTIN-12,
GTIN-13, or
GTIN-14
Yes
Yes
No
None
Enhanced
GTIN-8,
GTIN-12,
GTIN-13, or
GTIN-14
Yes
Yes
No
None
Highest Brand
owner AIDC marking
GTIN-8,
GTIN-12,
GTIN-13, or
GTIN-14
Yes
Yes
Yes
Highest Hospital
AIDC marking of
Pharmaceutical
GTIN-8,
GTIN-12,
GTIN-13, or
GTIN-14
No
AI (7003)
for short-life
products
Yes
None
Hospital AIDC
Marking of Medical
Devices
No
No
No
No
None
Page 46 of 490
To manage healthcare data requirements within GS1 EPCglobal RFID tags, see Section 3.11
and the most recent version of the EPCglobal Tag Data Standard.
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
Symbols from the EAN/UPC Symbology family (UPC-A, UPC-E, may be used to encode the
GTIN-12, EAN-13 to encode the GTIN-13 and, if the size requirements are met, EAN-8 to
encode the GTIN-8 of the trade item that is a single product).
ITF-14 Symbols may be used where printing conditions require the application of a less
demanding symbology. ITF-14 Symbols can encode the GTIN-12, or GTIN-13 of the item.
A GS1-128 barcode or GS1 DataBar barcode(*) with Application Identifier (01) may be used to
encode a GTIN that identifies the trade item if the printing conditions allow. The choice of one of
these symbologies is particularly relevant if there is a need to encode attribute information in
addition to the identification number.
Note: A GS1 DataBar barcode shall not be used to encode a GTIN-14 constructed from
an ISBN.
(*) In 2014 GS1 DataBar became an open symbology and all scanning environments must be
able to read these symbols.
For healthcare, the following carrier selections take precedence over the Carrier Choices above
and apply to all regulated healthcare retail consumer trade items.
Figure 2.1.2.6.1-2. Healthcare Carrier Choices
Preferred Option(s) (this is the
long-term direction for AIDC
marking)
Page 47 of 490
GTIN-8 based
N1
GTIN-12 based
N1
N3
N4
N5
N6
GTIN-13 based
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
Check
Digit
N8
N9
N10
N11
N12
N13
N14
N7
N8
N9
N10
N11
N12
N13
N14
N7
N8
N9
N10
N11
N12
N13
N14
The Indicator is a digit with a value of 1 to 8. It is assigned as required by the company that
constructs the identification number. It can provide up to eight separate GTIN-14s to identify
trade item groupings.
For packaging configuration hierarchies which include a retail consumer trade item identified with
a GTIN-13, GTIN-12, or GTIN-8, this GTIN must always be one of the relevant levels of packaging
contained, usually the lowest level (see note below related to GTIN-14 assignment on the primary
packaging). Restricted Circulation Numbers must not be used in this Element String.
Note: For regulated healthcare trade items on the primary packaging, the phrase usually
the lowest level shall be interpreted as allowing for the use of GTIN-14 on packaging
configurations below the retail consumer trade item level, if one exists. This interpretation
may not be applied to other trade item categories such as Do It Yourself (DIY) or
Foodservice.
Page 48 of 490
Any product package which will encounter scanning or product listing for sale at Point-ofSale shall be identified according to Retail Point-of-Sale specifications.
When a GTIN change at the retail consumer trade item level is required, the GTIN
change must be made at all configuration levels above the retail consumer trade item
level. Where there is an association between primary packaging and retail consumer
trade item levels and GTIN -14 assignment is used on the primary packaging, the GTIN14 assigned to the primary packaging is based on the retail level GTIN. There are three
scenarios to consider for the relationship of these GTIN assignments:
-
If changes to the Primary Packaging drive the change of the GTIN assigned to the
retail consumer trade item level, the GTIN of the Primary Packaging will change.
If changes to retail consumer trade item level GTIN are not caused by a change in
primary packaging, the GTIN at the primary package level may or may not change
per the discretion of the brand owner
If additional retail level package(s) are introduced beyond the original retail package
or replace the original retail package, the GTIN-14 on the primary packing may
remain tied to the original retail level GTIN.
The Check Digit is explained in Section 7.9. Its verification, usually carried out automatically by
the barcode reader, ensures that the number is correctly composed.
Figure 2.1.2.6.2-2. Different Groupings of the Same Trade Item
Indicator
New
Check
Digit
Description
Quantity
061414112345
Trade item
Single
061414112345
A grouping
061414112345
Another grouping
Indicators 1 to 8 may be used to create new GTIN-14s. When these eight Indicators have been used, further
groupings must be identified with either a GTIN-13 or GTIN-12. (Indicator digit 9 is reserved for Variable
Measure Trade Items). (See Section 2.1.5)
GS1 Key
Definition
The GTIN-8 is the 8-digit GS1 Identification key composed of a GS1-8 Prefix, Item
Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items
The GTIN-12 is the 12-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a U.P.C. Company Prefix,
Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-13 is the 13-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1 Company Prefix,
Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-14 is the 14-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of an Indicator digit (1-9),
GS1 Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
Rules
All the GTIN Allocation Rules described in Section 4.
Page 49 of 490
Attributes
Required
For Regulated Healthcare Consumer Trade Items the following levels of AIDC marking are
specified:
Figure 2.1.2.6.2-3. Required Attributes
AIDC Marking level for
Regulated Healthcare
Trade Items
Key
Batch/Lot
Number AI (10)
Expiration
Date AI
(17)
Serial
Number
AI (21)
Other
Minimum
Yes
Yes
No
None
Enhanced
Yes
Yes
No
None
Yes
Yes
Yes
Potency AI (7004)
for Pharmaceutical,
and for medical
device Kits with
Pharmaceutical
(cases only for both
situations)
No
AI (7003)
for shortlife
products
Yes
None
No
No
No
No
None
To manage healthcare data requirements within GS1 EPCglobal RFID tags, see Section 3.11
and the most recent version of the EPCglobal Tag Data Standard.
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
For multi-sector use except for Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer Trade Items symbols
from the EAN/UPC Symbology family (UPC-A, UPC-E, and EAN-13) may be used to encode
the GTIN-12 or GTIN-13 of the trade item grouping. If used, the GTIN-8 is encoded in an EAN-8
barcode. GTIN-8 can only be used when all other pack size constraints are met, see Section
2.1.2.1.4. The system recognises this Element String by the symbology identifier ]E0.
ITF-14 Symbols may be used on trade item groupings where printing conditions require the
application of a less demanding symbology. ITF-14 Symbols can encode the GTIN-12, GTIN13, or GTIN-14 of the item. The system recognises this Element String by the symbology
identifier ]I1 and the number of digits decoded (14).
A GS1-128 barcode or GS1 DataBar barcode (*) with Application Identifier (01) may be used to
encode a GTIN-12, GTIN-13, or GTIN-14 that identifies the trade item if the printing conditions
Page 50 of 490
allow. The choice of one of these symbologies is particularly relevant if there is a need to
encode attribute information in addition to the identification number. The system recognises this
Element String by the symbology identifier (]C1 for GS-128, ]e0 for GS1 DataBar) and the
Application Identifier.
Note: A GS1 DataBar barcode shall not be used to encode a GTIN-14 constructed from
an ISBN.
(*) In 2014 GS1 DataBar became an open symbology and all scanning environments must be
able to read these symbols.
For healthcare the carrier selections noted at the end of Section 2.1.2.6.2 take precedence over
the Carrier Choices above and apply to all Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer Trade Items.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
For multi-sector use other than Regulated Healthcare Trade Items see Section 5.5.2.7.2, GS1
System Symbol Specification Table 2.
For Regulated Healthcare Non-Retail Consumer Trade Items see Section 5.5.2.7.8, GS1
System Symbol Specification Table 8.
Symbol Placement
All the Symbol Placement Guidelines defined in Section 6.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
Product C is a grouping of Product A (GTIN A) and Product B (GTIN B), and is identified
with either a GTIN-12 or GTIN-13, GTIN C.
GTIN C could then be used to construct a GTIN-14 for a trade item grouping comprised of
Product C.
As shown in Figure 2.1.2.6.3 - 1, the GTIN-12s 614141234561 and 614141345670 identify the
two trade items in the assortment identified by the GTIN 614141456789.
Page 51 of 490
Check
Digit
Description
Quantity
061414123456
061414134567
1
0
Single
Single
061414145678
Assortment
061414145678
A grouping of the
assortment
061414145678
Another grouping of
the assortment
The Indicators 1 to 8 may be used to create new GTIN-14s. When these eight Indicators have been used,
further groupings must be identified with either a GTIN-13 or GTIN-12. (Indicator digit 9 is reserved for Variable
Measure Trade Items). (See Section 2.1.5)
GS1 Key
Definition
The GTIN-12 is the 12-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a U.P.C. Company Prefix,
Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-13 is the 13-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1 Company Prefix,
Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-14 is the 14-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of an Indicator digit (1-9),
GS1 Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items
Rules
All the GTIN Allocation Rules described in Section 4; in addition, the GTIN-14 is valid for trade
item groupings only when the trade item contained is a mixed assortment of two or more
different trade items.
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
Symbols from the EAN/UPC Symbology family (UPC-A, UPC-E, and EAN-13) may be used to
encode the GTIN-12 or GTIN-13 of the trade item grouping. The system recognises this
Element String by the symbology identifier ]E0.
ITF-14 Symbols may be used on trade item groupings where printing conditions require the
application of a less demanding symbology. ITF-14 Symbols can encode the GTIN-12, GTIN13, or GTIN-14 of the item. The system recognises this Element String by the symbology
identifier ]I1 and the number of digits decoded (14).
Page 52 of 490
A GS1-128 barcode or GS1 DataBar barcode (*) with Application Identifier (01) may be used to
encode a GTIN-12, GTIN-13, or GTIN-14 that identifies the trade item if the printing conditions
allow. The choice of one of these symbologies is particularly relevant if there is a need to
encode attribute information in addition to the identification number. The system recognises this
Element String by the symbology identifier (]C1 for GS1-128, ]e0 for GS1 DataBar) and the
Application Identifier.
Note: A GS1 DataBar barcode shall not be used to encode a GTIN-14 constructed from
an ISBN.
(*) In 2014 GS1 DataBar became an open symbology and all scanning environments must be
able to read these symbols.
For healthcare, the carrier selections noted at the end of Section 2.1.2.4 take precedence over
the Carrier Choices above and apply to all Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer Trade Items.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
For multi-sector use other than Regulated Healthcare Trade Items see Section 5.5.2.7.2, GS1
System Symbol Specification Table 2.
For Regulated Healthcare Non-Retail Consumer Trade Items see Section 5.5.2.7.8, GS1
System Symbol Specification Table 8.
Symbol Placement
All the Symbol Placement Guidelines defined in Section 6.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.1.3.
Page 53 of 490
Attributes
Required
See in Section 3.2 the List for all GS1 Application Identifiers, Identification of the Components of
a Trade Item: AI (8006).
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
The use of the Element String AI (8006) to identify a trade item excludes the application of the
Element String AI (01) on the same unit. This solution is not applicable for trade items crossing
Point-of-Sale.
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
For multi-sector use except for Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer Trade Items, the only
data carrier used to represent each individual component using the Application Identifier AI
(8006) is the GS1-128 barcode symbology.
For healthcare, the following carrier selections take precedence over the Carrier Choices above
and apply to all Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer Trade Items.
Figure 2.1.3-1. Healthcare Carrier Choices
Preferred Option
GS1-128 Symbology
Option in addition to
the barcode
See
the
Data
Carrier
Specification
Carrier
Choices
recommendations on Options in Addition to the barcode at the end of
Section 2.1.2.4
2.1.4.
Page 54 of 490
GS1 Key
Definition
The GTIN-12 is the 12-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a U.P.C. Company
Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-13 is the 13-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1 Company
Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-14 is the 14-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of an Indicator digit (1-9),
GS1 Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GRAI is the GS1 Identification Key used to identify Returnable Assets. The key is
comprised of a GS1 Company Prefix, Asset Type, Check Digit, and optional serial
number.
The GIAI is the GS1 Identification Key used to identify an Individual Asset. The key is
comprised of a GS1 Company Prefix and an Individual Asset Reference.
Rules
GTIN Allocation rules are described in Section 4.
Attributes
Required
For Regulated Healthcare Consumer Trade Items the following levels of AIDC marking are
specified:
Figure 2.1.4-1. AIDC Marking Levels for Regulated Healthcare Consumer Trade Items
AIDC Marking level
for Regulated
Healthcare Trade
Items
Key
Batch/Lot
Number AI (10)
Expiration
Date AI
(17)
Serial Number
AI (21)
Other
Highest Brand
owner AIDC marking
of certain medical
devices
GTIN-12, GTIN-13,
or GTIN-14
No
No
Yes
None
Highest - Hospital
AIDC marking of
certain medical
devices (see Section
2.1.1.8)
GRAI, AI (8003), or
GIAI, AI (8004), is
optional if GTIN, AI
(01), + Serial
Number, AI (21), is
not marked on the
product.
No
No
GRAI, AI (8003), or
GIAI, AI (8004), is
optional if GTIN, AI
(01), + Serial
Number, AI (21), is
not marked on the
product.
To manage healthcare data requirements within GS1 EPCglobal RFID tags, see Section 3.11
and the most recent version of the EPCglobal Tag Data Standard.
Optional
See Section 3 for all the Application Identifiers (AIs) that can be used with a GTIN. Since the
GTIN identifies a grouping of items, the optional attributes apply to the grouping as well.
Rules
All the GTIN Allocation Rules described in Section 4.
Page 55 of 490
Figure 2.1.4-3. Example of GS1 DataMatrix Symbol Encoded with GTIN and AIs (17) and (10) per
Section 2.1.2.4
Figure 2.1.4-4. Example of GS1 DataMatrix Symbol Encoded with GTIN and Serial Number AI (21)
Page 56 of 490
Symbol Placement
General principles on placement of barcodes are described in Section 6.
The majority of uses for these symbols will be on very small items with curved surfaces such as
vials, ampoules, and very small bottles. For guidance in locating these symbols on curved
surfaces, refer to Section 6.2.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
Use GS1 DataMatrix or GS1 QR Code if:
The use of GS1 DataMatrix or GS1 QR Code is allowed in the application specification.
The marking method will not produce an acceptable linear symbol but will produce an
acceptable GS1 DataMatrix or GS1 QR Code (e.g., dot peen marking and high-speed ink
jet).
GS1 DataMatrix or GS1 QR Code is the only symbology that will fit on the item at the
application specified X-dimension.
The use of 2D (two-dimensional) array scanners and/or vision systems are specified
exclusively for the application and can read GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code.
Marking Methods
It is important to analyse the selected method of marking in relation to several considerations:
Surfaces that do not provide sufficient contrast - less than 20 percent difference in surface
reflectance
Safety critical parts that can not be marked with intrusive methods
On sealing surfaces
Abrasive blast
Dot peen
Engraving/milling
Fabric embroidery/weaving
Page 57 of 490
Inkjet
Laser bonding
Silk screen
Stencil
Min. Thickness
Dot Peen
Laser Bonding
Surface Mark
Abrasive Blast
Electro-Chemical Colouring
Page 58 of 490
Method
Min. Thickness
Laser Etch
LISI
Laser Engraving
Electro-Chemical Etch
Micro-Milling
2.1.5.
(GTIN-12)
(GTIN-13)
Item Reference
Check Digit
N14
N14
The Check Digit is explained in Section 7.9. Its verification, usually carried out automatically by
the barcode reader, ensures that the number is correctly composed. The symbology identifier
shows whether or not the Check Digit has been validated. If it has not, the Check Digit
verification must be programmed in the application software.
Page 59 of 490
Any trade item of a given composition where the quantity/measure information cannot be predetermined for any reason is a Variable Measure Trade Item. The most frequent types are
shown in Figure 2.1.5 - 2.
Figure 2.1.5-2. Main types of Variable Measure Trade Items
Type
Item Description
Items traded in bulk, neither portioned nor pre-packed for retail sale, ordered in any quantity, and that are
delivered as variable measure trade items (e.g., fish, fruit, vegetables, cables, carpets, timber, fabrics)
The identification number denotes the item as a trade entity containing any quantity of the given product and,
if applicable, the form of packaging. Weight or dimensions complete the identification of the individual unit.
Trade items ordered and delivered by piece (wrapped or unwrapped) and invoiced by weight or measure
because weight or measure varies due to the nature of the product or due to the manufacturing process (e.g.,
whole cheese, sides of bacon, beef carcasses, fish, sausages, ham, chicken, cauliflower, motion picture
films)
The identification number denotes the item as a particular pre-defined entity and, if applicable, denotes the
form of packaging. Price or weight or dimensions complete the identification of the individual item.
Portioned trade items, pre-packed for sale by weight to the consumer, not fixed in quantity. (e.g., meat,
cheese, vegetables, fruit, fillets of fish, sliced poultry, cold cuts)
The identification number denotes the item type according to business practice and the form in which it is
packed. Price or weight completes the identification of the individual unit.
Trade items with selectable dimensions where GS1 System standard numbering does not make sense to
cover the multiplicity of all variations (e.g., wooden planks, carpeting)
The identification number denotes the pre-defined basic trade item. The applicable dimension(s) completes
the identification of the individual unit.
Composition of a fixed number of trade items that are Type B or Type C (e.g., a trade item containing 10
chickens (Type B).)
The identification number denotes the trade item grouping as an entity and, if applicable, its form of
packaging. The total weight of all items contained completes the identification of the particular trade item.
Trade items made to customer specifications, restricted in use to the Maintenance, Repairs and Operations
industrial supply sector, and sold business-to-business.
The identification number denotes a base custom item. The specific variation is identified by the Variation
Made-to-Order Number. (See in Section 3.2 the List for all GS1 Application Identifier).
GS1 Key
Definition
The GTIN-14 is the 14-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of an Indicator digit (9), GS1
Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
Rules
The GTIN-14 with the Indicator 9 is used to identify a Variable Measure Trade Item. The presence of
the variable measure information is mandatory for the complete identification of a particular Variable
Measure Trade Item. The digit 9 in the first position is an integral part of the GTIN.
The GTIN-14 Data Structure beginning with Indicator 9 is not used on an item intended to cross
the Point-of-Sale. Numbering of variable measure fresh food trade items intended to cross
Point-of-Sale is defined in Section 2.1.7.
Page 60 of 490
Attributes
Required
The GTIN-14 identifies a Variable Measure Trade Item with respect to its fixed attributes or
characteristics. To complete the identification of a Variable Measure Trade Item, the presence
of an Element String representing a trade measure is mandatory.
See in Section 3.2 the List for all GS1 Application Identifier, Identification of a Variable Measure
Trade Item (GTIN): AI (01).
Optional
Applicable trade measures depend on the nature of the product. They may be a quantity, a
weight, or any dimension.
An Element String with Application Identifier (30) is used if the variable measure of the trade
item is the number of items contained. In order to generate a short barcode, always enter
an even number of digits in the data field count of items by inserting a leading zero if
necessary. Concatenation of this Element String with the GTIN of the item enhances the
accuracy of the application (see in Section 3.2 the List for all GS1 Application Identifier,
Variable Count: AI (30)).
An Element String with Application Identifiers (AIs) (31nn), (32nn), (35nn), and (36nn) is
used if the variable measure of the respective trade item is weight, dimension, area, or
volume. Only one Element String of a given unit of measure may be applied on a particular
item. Several Element Strings containing trade measures are possible on a particular item if
the item is available in either unit of measure and if the applicable unit of measure is not
distinguished for ordering and billing. This might apply if weight must be expressed in
kilograms and pounds (see in Section 3.2 the List for all GS1 Application Identifier, Trade
Measures: AIs (31nn, 32nn, 35nn, 36nn).
Note: The fourth (and last) digit of the AI indicates the implied decimal point
position. The value 0 means that the measurement is expressed in the basic unit of
measure associated with the AI (e.g., kilograms). A value of 1 decreases the
measurement by a factor of 10, a value of 2 by a factor of 100, and so on. For
example, this enables metric weights to be represented from 999 kilograms to
1/1000 of a milligram.
An Element String with Application Identifier (8001) contains the pre-defined variable fields
of a roll product and it may be used for those variable roll products where the trade
measures AI (31nn), (32nn), (35nn), (36nn) are not sufficient. The GTIN-14 can denote a
basic roll product.
Rules
An Element String with Application Identifier (30) should never be used to indicate the quantity
contained in a Fixed Measure Trade Item. However, if it appears on a Fixed Measure Trade
Item, it should not invalidate the trade item identification.
An Element String with Application Identifier (8001) must never be used together with other
Element Strings representing trade measures.
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
Variable Measure Trade Items not crossing a Point-of-Sale should be marked with an ITF-14
barcode, GS1-128 barcode or GS1 DataBar (*) barcode.
Page 61 of 490
Note: A GS1 DataBar barcode shall not be used to encode a GTIN-14 constructed from
an ISBN.
(*) In 2014 GS1 DataBar became an open symbology and all scanning environments must be
able to read these symbols.
In order to be illustrative, all examples show the same presentation (e.g., price list, order,
delivery, invoice, and recording in a data file).
The examples are given to demonstrate the correct use of a given Application Identifier
when used. When AI (02) is not used, information about the shipment must be received
using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) or other means prior to its physical receipt.
The suppliers catalogue contains one entry: one salami weighing ~ 500 grams
The order for 100 units is delivered in three boxes. Each box is marked with an SSCC
(Serial Shipping Container Code) and, optionally, with information on the content of the box,
expressed as follows:
AI (02) indicates the variable measure Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) of the units
contained within the box.
AI (3101) indicates the total weight of the items contained within the box.
The three boxes may be stored on a pallet that may itself be marked with an SSCC and,
optionally, with information on the contents of the pallet, expressed as follows:
AI (02) indicates the variable measure GTIN of the units contained within the pallet.
AI (3101) indicates the total weight of the items contained within the pallet.
The invoice refers to the GTIN and quantity delivered and shows the total weight and the price
per kilogram. The GTIN and quantity of the invoice match the GTIN and quantity of the order.
Page 62 of 490
Description
Suppliers catalogue
1 Salami ~ 500 g
GTIN 97612345000018
Order
100 salamis
100 x 97612345000018
Delivery
Unit 1:
If delivery is made on a
pallet
Pallet:
Invoice
Unit 2:
Unit 3:
00 376123450000010008
02 97612345000018 3101 000167 37 33
00 376123450000010015
02 97612345000018 3101 000169 37 33
00 376123450000010022
02 97612345000018 3101 000171 37 34
00 376123450000010039
02 97612345000018 3101 000507 37 0100
Identification of
Logistic Unit (SSCC)
GTIN of Contained
Trade Items
Total Trade
Weight of
Content
(Grams)
Number of
Units
Contained
Either pallet
376123450000010039
97612345000018
50700
100
or individual units
376123450000010008
97612345000018
16700
33
376123450000010015
97612345000018
16900
33
376123450000010022
97612345000018
17100
34
97612345000018
50700
100
An Element String with an Application Identifier (410) represents the Global Location Number
(GLN) of the recipient of a logistic unit. The GLN refers to the address where a particular
transport unit identified with an SSCC is to be delivered. This Element String is used in single
leg transport operations. A logistic unit may include a barcode carrying the GLN of the units
intended destination. When scanning this Element String, the data transmitted may be used to
retrieve the related address and/or to sort the item by destination.
Example 2: Traded by Trade Item Grouping
The following example shows the order and delivery of an item traded by trade item grouping
and invoiced by weight.
The suppliers catalogue contains one entry: one case of 20 steaks weighing ~ 200
grams each.
The order is for three cases. Each case delivered is marked with the Global Trade Item
Number (GTIN) of a single case followed by the actual weight of the items contained.
The three cases may be stored on a pallet that may itself be marked with an SSCC
(Serial Shipping Container Code) and, optionally, with information on the contents of the
pallet, expressed as follows:
Page 63 of 490
AI (02) indicates the variable measure GTIN of the units contained within the pallet.
AI (3102) indicates the total weight of the items contained within the pallet.
The invoice refers to the GTIN and quantity delivered and shows the total weight and
the price per kilogram. The GTIN and quantity of the invoice match the GTIN and
quantity of the order.
Figure 2.1.5-4. Example 2: Traded by trade item grouping, invoiced by weight
Process
Description
Suppliers
catalogue
GTIN 97612345000117
Order
Three cases
3 x 97612345000117
Delivery
Unit 1:
Unit 2:
Unit 3:
If delivery is made on a
pallet
Pallet:
00 376123450000010091
02 97612345000117 3102 001220 37 03
Invoice
Identification of
Logistic Unit (SSCC)
GTIN of Contained
Trade Items
Total Trade
Weight of
Content
(Grams)
Number of
Units
Contained
Pallet
376123450000010091
97612345000117
12200
One Record
97612345000117
12200
The suppliers catalogue contains one entry: cabbage unwrapped sold in bulk by kilogram.
The order is for 100 kilograms. It is delivered in two cases. Each case is marked with the
Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) of the cabbage followed by the actual weight of the items
contained.
The two cases may be stored on a pallet that may itself be marked with an SSCC (Serial
Shipping Container Code).
The invoice refers to the GTIN as ordered and shows the total weight and the price per
kilogram. The delivered weight may be verified as being close to the ordered quantity.
Page 64 of 490
Description
Suppliers
catalogue
Cabbage unwrapped
sold in bulk by kilogram
GTIN 97612345000049
Order
100 kg of cabbage
100 kg x 97612345000049
Delivery
Unit 1:
Unit 2:
If delivery is made on a
pallet
Pallet:
00 376123450000010107
Invoice
Identification of
Logistic Unit (SSCC)
GTIN of Contained
Trade Items
Total Trade
Weight of
Content
(Grams)
Number of
Units
Contained
Pallet
376123450000010107
97612345000049
97612345000049
42700
57600
1
1
97612345000049
97612345000049
42700
57600
1
1
The suppliers catalogue contains one entry: one case of ~ 10 cabbages sold by piece.
The order is for two cases. Each case delivered is marked with the Global Trade Item
Number (GTIN) of a single case followed by the actual count of the items contained.
The two cases may be stored on a pallet that may itself be marked with an SSCC (Serial
Shipping Container Code) and, optionally, with information on the contents of the pallet,
expressed as follows:
AI (02) indicates the variable measure GTIN of the units contained within the pallet.
AI (30) indicates the total count of the items contained within the pallet.
The invoice refers to the GTIN as ordered and delivered and the total count of items.
Page 65 of 490
Description
Suppliers
catalogue
GTIN 97612345000285
Order
Two cases
2 x 97612345000285
Delivery
Unit 1: 11 pieces
Unit 2: 12 pieces
Unit 1:
Unit 2:
01 97612345000285 30 11
01 97612345000285 30 12
Pallet:
00 376123450000010138
02 97612345000285 30 23 37 02
Invoice
Identification of
Logistic Unit (SSCC)
GTIN of Contained
Trade Items
Total Number
of Pieces
Contained in
the Trade Item
Number of
Units
Contained
Pallet
376123450000010138
97612345000285
23
Total Number of
Pieces
One Record
97612345000285
23
The suppliers catalogue contains one entry: cable T49 sold in metres.
The order is for one length of cable of 150 metres. The delivered package is marked with
the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) of the cable followed by the actual length of cable
contained.
The invoice refers to the GTIN as ordered and delivered and the total length.
Figure 2.1.5-7. Example 5: Traded in bulk
Process
Description
Suppliers
catalogue
GTIN 97612345000063
Order
Delivery
Invoice
One record
97612345000063
150
Page 66 of 490
2.1.6.
Item Reference
N2
N3
N4
N5
Check Digit
N6
N7
N8
The RCN-8 Prefixes 0 or 2 are system identifiers that show that the item identification number is
under the sole control of the assigning company and that it is for internal item distribution.
The Item Reference is allocated by the company that uses the Element String. The positions N2
to N7 may contain any digit.
The Check Digit is explained in Section 7.9. Its verification, carried out automatically by the
barcode reader, ensures that the number is correctly composed.
Page 67 of 490
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that one Fixed Measure Trade Item with a
GTIN-8 has been captured.
Note: In addition to trade item identification, this Element String may be used for any
purpose that is supported by the company's equipment supplier.
Note: In some environments where numbers may have to be key entered, the EAN-8
barcode carrying RCN-8s (and the RCN-8 Prefix 0) may be confused with the numbers
carried by a UPC-E barcode. If such a risk exists, it is preferable to use the RCN-8 Prefix
2 capacity for internal use.
GS1 Key
Definition
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The data carrier for this Element String is the EAN-8 barcode. The system recognises this
Element String by the symbology identifier ]E4 and by N1 being 0 or 2.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.1, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
Not Applicable
2.1.6.2. Company Internal Numbering RCN-13 GS1 Prefix 04 (RCN-12 U.P.C. Prefix 4)
Application Description
Any company in the world may use this Element String for company internal trade item
numbering. If the RCN-12 U.P.C. Prefix 4 is being applied, the user company may structure the
trade item number.
Page 68 of 490
Although this Element String is mainly used for the identification of trade items, it may be used
for any purpose as long as it is kept within a restricted environment. This Element String is for a
companys internal use. Because any company may use this Element String, it does not provide
unique identification of a trade item if it leaves the companys premises.
Figure 2.1.6.2-1. Data Structure RCN-13 Prefix 04
Format of the Element String
GS1 Prefix
0
Item Reference
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
Check Digit
N10
N11
N12
N13
The GS1 Prefix 04 is a system identifier showing that the identification number is under the sole
control of the assigning company and that it is for internal trade item distribution.
The Item Reference is assigned by the company that uses the Element String. Positions N3 to
N12 may contain any digit.
The Check Digit is explained in Section 7.9. Its verification, carried out automatically by the
barcode reader, ensures that the number is correctly composed.
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that one Fixed Measure Trade Item with a
RCN-13 or RCN-12 has been captured.
GS1 Key
Definition
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The data carrier for this Element String is the UPC-A barcode.
The system recognises this Element String by the symbology identifier ]E0.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.1, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Page 69 of 490
2.1.6.3. Company Internal Numbering RCN-12 U.P.C. Prefix 0 (LAC and RZSC)
Application Description
The U.P.C. Company Prefix 0 includes a reserved capacity for company internal numbering,
using Local Assigned Codes (LACs) or Retailer Zero-Suppression Codes (RZSCs), which are
carried by a UPC-E barcode. U.P.C. Company Prefixes 000000 and 001000 to 007999 are
used in this feature. For details, see Figure 2.1.6.3 1.
Although this Element String is mainly used for the identification of trade items in restricted
distribution, it may be used for any purpose as long as it is kept within a restricted environment.
This Element String is for a companys internal use. Because any company may use this
Element String, it does not provide unique identification of a trade item if it leaves the
companys premises.
Figure 2.1.6.3-1. UPC-E Barcode Option for the Identification of GTINs for Company Internal Distribution
Check
Digit
(0)
(0)
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
0
0
0
0
1
7
0
9
0
9
N6
0
9
N7
N8
N9
N10
N11
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
9
N12
Represented in
UPC-E Symbol Positions
1 2 3 4 5 6
2
7
0
0
1
7
0
9
0
9
0
9
'5'
'9'
0
9
4
2
0
0
1
5
1
9
0
9
0
9
'0'
'0'
0
9
0
7
0
0
0
0
0
9
0
9
0
9
'0'
'0'
0
0
0
0
1
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
9
0
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
9
0
9
In Figure 2.1.6.3 - 1, each number position must only contain the digits shown in the upper and
lower lines of each section and those in-between. On decoding, the extension to full length is
determined by the value of the number in single quotes in the column represented in UPC-E
barcode positions.
The Check Digit, calculated as described in Section 7.9, applies to the entire length of the RCN12. In the UPC-E barcode, it is implicitly represented by the parity combination of the six symbol
Page 70 of 490
characters that are actually encoded. The Check Digit is explained in Section 7.9. Its
verification, carried out automatically by the barcode reader, ensures that the number is
correctly composed
GS1 Key
Definition
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The data carrier for this Element String is the UPC-E barcode. The system recognises this
Element String by the symbology identifier ]E0 and GS1 Prefix 00 with the digits 01 to 07 in the
next two positions.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.1, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
It is possible to create false UPC-E barcode if the encodation rules are not properly observed.
Whether the digits represented in a UPC-E barcode can be expanded correctly to an RCN-12
may be verified by the tests shown in section 7.10.
for the identification of Variable Measure Trade Items or Fixed Measure Trade Items
for internal numbering of Variable Measure Trade Items or Fixed Measure Trade Items by a
particular company
Page 71 of 490
Note: Suppliers manufacturing their own label products for several different customers
should use unique GS1 System numbering to distinguish their customers. If this is not done,
the supplier will not be able to use Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) or electronic catalogues.
Although this Element String is mainly used for the identification of trade items, it may be used
for any purpose as long as it is kept within a restricted environment.
This Element String is for use within a GS1 Member Organisation's geographic region. The GS1
Member Organisation may assign a company a GS1 Prefix for use externally throughout a
region or may assign the prefix for use internally within a region. The numbers are never unique
if they leave the region and, if assigned for a companys internal use, are not unique if they
leave the company or region.
Figure 2.1.6.4-1. Format of the Element String
Format of the Element String
GS1 Prefix
2
N2
Item Reference
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
Check Digit
N10
N11
N12
N13
The GS1 Prefix must be in the series 20 to 29. A particular prefix may be assigned either for
use on Fixed Measure Trade Items for restricted distribution or for Variable Measure Trade
Items (see Section 2.1.7).
The Item Reference is assigned by the company that uses the Element String. Positions N3 to
N12 may contain any digit.
The Check Digit is explained in Section 7.9. Its verification, carried out automatically by the
barcode reader, ensures that the number is correctly composed.
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that one Fixed Measure Trade Item with a
RCN-13 or RCN-12 has been captured.
GS1 Key
Definition
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The data carrier for this Element String is an EAN-13 barcode.
Page 72 of 490
The system recognises this Element String by the symbology identifier ]E0 and the GS1 Prefix
assigned by the relevant GS1 Member Organisation.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.1, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
Not Applicable
2.1.7.
Variable Measure Fresh Food Trade Items using a GTIN and additional attributes
encoded with GS1 DataBar Expanded or Expanded Stacked. See section 2.1.7.1.
Variable Measure Trade Items using a Restricted Circulation Number (RCN) encoded
with the EAN/UPC symbology family. See section 2.1.7.2.
Note: GTINs shall be encoded with AI (01). Restricted Circulation Numbers (RCNs) shall not be
encoded with AI (01) as RCNs are not GTINs.
To support new applications additional GS1 approved data carriers (encoding additional data
with the GTIN) may be applied with mutual agreement between trading partners. For
information on how to manage multiple barcodes see section 4.15.
2.1.7.1. Variable Measure Fresh Food Trade Items Scanned in General Retail at POS
Using GTIN
Application Description
Like a Fixed Measure Trade Item, a Variable Measure Trade Item is an entity with pre-defined
characteristics, such as the nature of the product or its contents. Unlike a Fixed Measure Trade
Item, a Variable Measure Trade Item has one measure that varies continuously while other
characteristics remain the same. In the case of Fresh Food Trade Items variable measure may
be weight, length, number of items contained, or volume. There are different ways to handle the
process for Variable Measure Fresh Food. For example:
Consumer puts Loose Produce Items into a bag and barcoded label is produced and
attached by the consumer.
Staff attaches a barcode label, produced in store to pre-packed Loose Produce Trade Item.
It is in the discretion of the retailer how the price is calculated and which process is chosen.
Variable Measure Fresh Food
Variable Measure Loose Produce trade items are trade items which may be identified with a
GTIN and additional data. The retailer decides how to handle Variable measure Fresh Food
Trade Items sold at POS. Generally the individual item(s) (i.e. Loose Produce) are put into a
bag by the customer or by staff and are scanned (if a label is generated in store) or weighed at
POS to generate the price. The attributes of variable measure trade items are barcoded when
Page 73 of 490
the trade item is weighed or measured in store. If the variable measure trade item is weighed at
POS when presented to the cashier the price is generated in the register and directly added to
the other products to complete the transaction.
Variable Measure Pre-Packed Fresh Food Trade Items
These are Variable Measure Fresh Foods Trade Items, either Loose Produce or cut from a bulk
item, that are pre-packaged with differing weight or other variable measure using GTIN and
attributes. The label put on the trade item encoding GTIN plus variable measure information
and/or price is determined by the retailer.
GS1 Key
Definition
The GTIN-12 is the 12-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1 Company Prefix,
Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
The GTIN-13 is the 13-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1 Company Prefix,
Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
Rules
All GTIN Allocation Rules described in Section 4
Reference Human Readable Interpretation Rules in Section 4
Attributes
Required
See Section 3.2, a Variable Count or a Trade Measure (AIs 30, 31nn, 32nn, 35nn, 36nn)
Optional
See in Section 3.2 - GS1 Application Identifiers in Numerical Order for a complete list of all
GS1 Application Identifiers.
For more details related to Application Identifiers for Fresh Foods, refer to the Fresh Foods
Implementation Guide.
Rules
Reference Human Readable Interpretation Rules in Section 4.14
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
Page 74 of 490
2.1.7.2. Variable Measure Trade Items Scanned in General Retail at POS Using Restricted
Circulation Numbers
Application Description
Restricted circulation Variable Measure Trade Items are those sold in random quantity against a
fixed price per unit quantity and intended to cross a Point-of-Sale (e.g., apples sold at a fixed
price per kilogram). These items are either marked in the store by the retailer or are marked at
the source by the supplier. National solutions are available for this purpose.
GS1 Member Organisations should assign one or several of the GS1 Prefixes 02, 20 through 29
for the identification of Variable Measure Trade Items in their territory. GS1 Member
Organisations should make part of this capacity available to user companies for company
internal applications.
The data fields available after the relevant GS1 Prefix (defined by the GS1 Member
Organisation for their territory) can be structured in a variety of ways to represent the product
type, net weight, calculated price, or number of units. Equipment is commercially available for
automatically weighing items, calculating an item price from the unit price, and printing the
information as a barcode label. The scanning equipment and applications can then be
programmed to use the prefix as an instruction to decode the ensuing data fields according to
the particular structure adopted.
The first row in Figure 2.1.7.2 - 1 shows the structure specified by GS1 US for North America.
The same structure is used by many other GS1 Member Organisations. The next two rows do
not show predetermined structures. Examples of recommended structures are given in Figure
2.1.7.2 - 2. GS1 Member Organisations choose appropriate structures for use within their
geographic area.
Figure 2.1.7.2-1. Format of the Element String
GS1 Prefix
Item Reference
Price
Verifier-Digit
Item Price
Check Digit
0 2
N3 N4 N5 N6 N7
N8
N13
0 2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7 N8
N9
N10
N11
N12
N13
2 N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N9
N10
N11
N12
N13
N8
The Item Reference is usually assigned by the company that scans the Element String at its
Point-of-Sale. However, some countries may specify their own standard numbering systems for
variable measure products administered by their GS1 Member Organisation or by a trade
association.
The Price verifier-digit is the result of a special calculation, and its verification ensures correct
reading of the price. For details, see Section 7.9. Security of reading this Element String without
a Price verifier-digit depends on the Element Strings Check Digit (see Section 7.9).
The item price is the price of the trade item in the relevant currency with an implied decimal
point defined by the trading partners or the relevant GS1 Member Organisation. A different
format is required for each position of the implied decimal point. Multiple formats require an
unambiguous way to differentiate each format, and separate GS1 Prefixes may be assigned to
accomplish this.
Page 75 of 490
The Check Digit is explained in Section 7.9. Its verification, carried out automatically by the
barcode reader, ensures that the data corresponds with the verification rules.
Figure 2.1.7.2-2. Examples of Alternative Data Structures
Item Reference
Price
verifier-digit
Item price
Item Reference
Item Reference
Item price
Measure
verifier-digit
Item measure
Item Reference
Item measure
When the price (or weight) of an item is encoded using this Element String, a Price verifier-digit
or a Measure verifier-digit should be used. The Measure verifier-digit is calculated from the
digits in the item measure field in the same way that the Price verifier-digit is calculated from the
item price digits (see Section 7).
The item measure is a measurement of the trade item with a defined unit of measure and an
implied decimal point position. The unit of measure and decimal point position are defined within
the relevant geographic area for each GS1 Prefix and/or format code. The item measure may
be weight only if local weights and measures regulations permit.
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that data about a Variable Measure Trade
Item has been captured. The barcode reader normally performs the Price verifier-digit and the
Measure verifier-digit calculation. Failing this, the calculation must take place in the application
software.
Although each GS1 Member Organisation and/or user is free to develop a solution for
numbering Variable Measure Trade Items, the GS1 System provides recommended structures
that provide a degree of equipment standardisation. These formats may include an Item
Reference, the retail price of the item, and a Price check-digit. The recommended structures are
shown in Figure 2.1.7.2 - 3.
Figure 2.1.7.2-3. Recommended Data Structures
GS1 Prefix
Check Digit
02
or
2 0 - 29
The GS1 Prefix is administered by each GS1 Member Organisation and denotes the format and
meaning of a particular Element String, where:
Page 76 of 490
Note: The price field may contain zero, one, or two implied decimal places depending on
the monetary unit used. The decimal point, which is not included in the barcode, must
nevertheless be taken into account by the marking equipment when printing the Human
Readable Interpretation on the label.
GS1 Member Organisations may choose to implement a national solution for Variable
Measure Trade Items branded by the supplier for retail. Any national branded variable
measure solution requires GS1 Member Organisations to manage the allocation of the
item number at a national level.
GS1 Key
Definition
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The data carriers for this Element String are: UPC-A barcodes and EAN-13 barcodes.
The system recognises this Element String by the symbology identifier ]E0, the GS1 Prefix 02
or 20 to 29, and the structure defined by the GS1 Member Organisation in which it is operating.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.1, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
Not Applicable
2.1.8.
Page 77 of 490
application. GTIN is the primary GS1 Key used to access GS1 B2C Trusted Source of Data
infrastructure and all GS1 application standards for consumer trade items require GTIN,
therefore this standard makes normative reference to the Sections in the GS1 General
Specifications related to consumer trade items in Figure 2.1.8 - 1. In addition to using GTIN and
indirect mode to reach trusted data, the URL AI (8200) with GTIN can be used to reach brand
owner authorized information or applications via direct mode. GTIN and AI (8200) are encoded
as separate data elements in the barcode but once decoded they are processed in a standard
fashion by concatenating the following three strings: the contents of AI (8200), followed by a
slash (/) character, followed by the GTIN expressed as 14 numeric digits. For example, where a
trade items GTIN, when expressed as 14 digits is 01234567890128 and the URL for direct
mode access to information is http://example.com/01234567890128.
When encoded in the symbol, the sequence for encoding is (01) 01234567890128 (8200)
http://example.com, but when processed the URL, a slash, and the GTIN are combined to arrive
at http://example.com/01234567890128.
The example provided is not intended to constrain the brand owner to the use of http URL
schema, the .com top-level domain, or the specific structure of URL illustrated. Any URL may be
used, and in processing the slash character and 14-digit GTIN are appended.
These values are also expressed in Non-HRI text on the label (see Section 4.12, Rule 9). If GTIN
attributes beyond AI (8200) are encoded together with GTIN and PRODUCT URL they are processed
and expressed in text on the label as http://brandownerassignedURL.com/gtin/serialnumber where
serial number equals up to 20 alphanumeric digits.
Title
General
Retail
POS
2.1.2.1
Yes
2.1.2.2
Yes
2.1.2.3
Yes
2.1.2.4
2.1.2.5
2.1.2.6.1
2.1.7.1
Regulated
Healthcare
Retail POS
Regulated
Healthcare
Non-retail
POC
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
GS1 Key
Definition
For all applications above, GTIN-8 is the 8-digit GS1 Identification key composed of a GS18 Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
For all applications above, GTIN-12 is the 12-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a
U.P.C. Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
Page 78 of 490
For all applications above, GTIN-13 is the 13-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a
GS1 Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
For regulated healthcare non-retail applications above, GTIN-14 is the 14-digit GS1
Identification Key composed of an Indicator digit (1-9), GS1 Company Prefix, Item
Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
Rules
All existing rules in the Sections, which appear in Figure 2.1.8 - 1 apply as described in each section.
Attributes
Required
Not applicable
Optional
For the purpose of indirect mode, all attributes in the Sections which appear in Figure 2.1.8 - 1
apply as described in each section.
For the purpose of direct mode, AI (8200) must be used in combination with GTIN when brand
owners provide extended packaging information or applications.
Rules
All rules in the Sections which appear in Figure 2.1.8 - 1 apply as described in each section.
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
For the purpose of supporting indirect mode, all carrier choices in the Sections which appear in
Figure 2.1.8 - 1 apply as described in each section.
For the purpose of direct mode, in addition to the symbol required for indirect mode, when AI
(8200) is used, GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code are the only approved data carriers. In the
case of regulated healthcare consumer trade items, only GS1 DataMatrix is approved.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
To determine the appropriate specifications for printing and quality control, see the System
Symbol Specification Table(s) referred to in each Application Standard shown in Figure 2.1.8 -1.
See note below Figure 5.5.2.7.1-2. GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1 Addendum for AI
(8200) related to reverse and mirror-image representation constraint.
Symbol Placement
None defined.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.2.
Logistic Units
A logistic unit is an item of any composition established for transport and/or storage that needs
to be managed through the supply chain.
Tracking and tracing logistic units in the supply chain is a major application of the GS1 System.
Scanning the standard identification number, marked on each logistic unit, allows the physical
movement of units to be individually tracked and traced by providing a link between the physical
movement of items and the associated information flow. It also opens up the opportunity to
Page 79 of 490
implement a wide range of applications, such as cross docking, shipment routing, and automated
receiving.
Logistic units are identified with a GS1 identification number called the SSCC (Serial Shipping
Container Code). The SSCC is the only GS1 Key that shall be used as the identifier of a logistic
unit. The SSCC ensures that logistic units are identified with a number that is unique worldwide.
If, in addition to being a logistic unit, the item is regarded as a trade item by the brand owner, it
may additionally be identified with a GTIN. The combination of a GTIN and a serial number
must not replace the SSCC as the identifier of a logistic unit.
If, in addition to being a logistic unit, the item is part of a consignment and or a shipment, it may
also be associated with the GINC and or the GSIN.
Attribute information, such as a Global Identification Number for Consignment, AI (401), may be
optionally encoded using internationally agreed data structures and a barcode symbology that
allow unambiguous interpretation.
2.2.1.
A logistic unit is a grouping of trade items, it is sometimes useful to indicate the Global
Trade Item Number (GTIN) of the contained items in association with the SSCC. See
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Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier, Identification of Trade Items Contained
in a Logistic Unit - Fixed Measure: AI (02) and Count of Trade Items Contained in a Logistic
Unit: AI (37).
Use of AI (02) and AI (37) with SSCC AI (00) is not the preferred option for regulated
healthcare trade items. For Regulated Healthcare Trade Items, AI (02) + AI (37) is limited to
bilateral use between trading partners for exception handling during a migration period to
eCom (EDI) implementation or if the product is sold as a non-regulated trade item within a
retail distribution channel for certain markets. SSCC is the approach selected by healthcare
and provides the appropriate level of identification when associated with eCom messaging
to provide traceability inclusive of count for trade items contained. SSCC when associated
with eCom is required for identification purposes to reach our extended goals for
traceability.
Optional
The use of attribute information on logistic units is optional. However, when used, attribute
information should be processed with the SSCC that identifies the logistic unit.
The Element String Ship to - Deliver to Global Location Number: AI (410) has been
designed to allow the automatic sortation of logistic units using the Global Location Number
(GLN). See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier.
The Element String Ship for - Deliver for - Forward to Global Location Number: AI (413),
has been designed to allow the cross docking of logistic units using the Global Location
Number (GLN). It is used in conjunction with the Element String AI (410) to indicate the
cross docking station and the final destination of the logistic unit. See Section 3.2 for List of
all GS1 Application Identifier.
The Element String Ship to - Deliver to Postal Code Within a Single Postal Authority: AI
(420) has been designed to allow the automatic sortation of logistic units using the postal
code in a single postal area. See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier.
The Element String Ship to - Deliver to Postal Code with Three-Digit ISO Country Code: AI
(421) has been designed to allow the automatic sortation of logistic units using the postal
code. As the postal code is prefixed by the ISO country code, it may be used internationally.
See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier.
Rules
Refer to Section 4 for the mandatory associations.
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The mandatory data carrier used to represent GS1 System individual logistic units is the GS1128 barcode symbology.
For healthcare, see the Data Carrier Specification Carrier Choices recommendations on
Options in Addition to the Barcode at the end of Section 2.1.2.4.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.5, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 5.
Symbol Placement
All the Symbol Placement Guidelines defined in Section 6.
Page 81 of 490
2.2.2.
Consignments can comprise one or many logistic units. If the consignment comprises
more than one physical object there is no requirement that they are attached together.
A consignment number identifies a logical grouping. When a consignment number is
read the message is that this physical unit should be associated with any other physical
units carrying the same consignment number. Individual physical units carry the SSCC
as described in the previous section.
The Global Identification Number for Consignment is assigned by the freight forwarder
or carrier of the transport units and is referenced in the relevant transport messages
and documents HWB (house waybill) etc. It may be used as a communication reference
by all parties in the transport chain, such as in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
messages where it can be used as a consignment reference and/or freight forwarders
or carriers loading list. See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier, Global
Identification Number for Consignment (GINC): AI (401).
Note: Shipment and consignment are terms, which may be used interchangeably
within the transport and logistics sector however for the purposes of clarity, when
referring to multiple logistic unit identification for trade, GS1 uses the term shipment
and when referring to multiple logistic unit identification for transport, GS1 uses the
term consignment
GS1 Key
Definition
The Global Identification Number for Consignment, AI (401), identifies a logical grouping of
goods (one or more physical entities) that has been consigned to a freight forwarder or carrier
and is intended to be transported as a whole. Refer to Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application
Identifier for detailed information.
Rules
The data transmitted means that the Element String denoting a Global Identification Number for
Consignment has been captured. The Global Identification Number for Consignment may be
processed as stand-alone information where applicable or with other identification data
appearing on the same unit.
See Section 4.9.
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
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2.2.3.
Shipments can comprise one or many logistic units. If the shipment comprises more than
one physical object there is no requirement that they are attached together. A shipment
number identifies a logical grouping. When a shipment number is read the message is that
this physical unit should be associated with any other physical units carrying the same
shipment number. Individual physical units carry the SSCC as described in the previous
section.
The Global Shipment Identification Number is assigned by a seller (sender) of the goods
and is referenced in the despatch advice and bill of lading, etc. It is a globally unique
number that identifies a logical grouping of physical units in a transport shipment. It may be
used as a communication reference by all parties in the transport chain, such as in
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) messages where it can be used as a shipment reference
and/or a consignors loading list. See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier,
Global Shipment Identification Number (GSIN): AI (402).
Note: Shipment and consignment are terms which may be used interchangeably within the
transport and logistics sector, however for the purposes of clarity, when referring to multiple
logistic unit identification for trade, GS1 uses the term shipment and when referring to
multiple logistic unit identification for transport, GS1 uses the term consignment.
GS1 Key
Definition
The Global Shipment Identification Number (bill of lading) is a number assigned by a seller
(sender) of the goods. It provides a globally unique number that identifies a logical grouping of
physical units for the purpose of a transport shipment
Rules
The data transmitted means that the Element String denoting a shipment identification number
has been captured. The Global Shipment Identification Number may be processed as standalone information where applicable or with other identification data appearing on the same unit.
See Section 4.10.
Page 83 of 490
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The data carrier used to represent GS1 Global Shipment Identification Number is the GS1-128
barcode symbology.
Symbol X-dimensions, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.2, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 2.
Symbol Placement
All the Symbol Placement Guidelines defined in Section 6.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.3.
Assets
The GS1 System provides a method for the identification of assets. The object of asset
identification is to identify a physical entity as an inventory item. Each company holding a GS1
Company Prefix may assign asset identifiers to the assets or trade items supplied to their
customers.
Each company holding a GS1 Company Prefix may assign a Global Returnable Asset Identifier
(GRAI) or Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI). If the asset is manufactured on behalf of a
company best practice may dictate that the manufacturing company applies the GRAI or GIAI
during the manufacturing process on behalf of this customer.
Note: Where assets of the same type need to be ordered a GTIN is required for the
ordering process. There is no conflict when a GTIN and a GRAI (GS1 Company Prefix, Asset
Type and Check Digit) have the same digits, because the data carrier (EDI qualifier, GS1
barcode with GS1 Application Identifier, or EPC/RFID) will distinguish between the two GS1
Identification Keys.
The GS1 System asset identifiers act as keys to access the characteristics of an asset stored in
a computer file and/or to record movements of assets.
Asset identifiers may be used for applications, such as the location and usership of a given
asset (e.g., a personal computer or returnable transport item) or for complex applications, such
as recording the characteristics of a returnable asset (e.g., a reusable beer keg), its
movements, its life-cycle history, and any relevant data for accounting purposes.
Page 84 of 490
2.3.1.
Page 85 of 490
Optional
The owner of the asset assigns the optional serial number. It denotes an Individual Asset within
a given Asset Type. The field is alphanumeric and is used to distinguish Individual Assets with
the same Asset Types.
See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier, Global Returnable Asset Identifier
(GRAI): AI (8003).
Rules
See Section 4, Application Rules (none is currently identified).
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The GS1 data carriers that can be used to represent the GRAI are:
GS1-128
GS1 DataMatrix
GS1 QR Code
EPC/RFID
When encoding an asset identifier for medical devices see section 2.1.1.9.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
For GS1-128, GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code, see section 5.5.2.7.9 GS1 System Symbol
Specification Table 9 GS1 Keys Other than GTIN
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.3.2.
Page 86 of 490
GS1 refers to GIAI in the Section 2.1.1.9, which deals with Automatic Identification and Data
Capture (AIDC) for medical devices within the micro-logistics cycle of use, cleaning and
sterilization. See Section 2.1.1.9 for more details.
GS1 Key
Definition
The GS1 Identification Key used to identify an Individual Asset. The key is comprised of a GS1
Company Prefix and an Individual Asset Reference (see Section 3.2 for List of all GS1
Application Identifier).
Rules
See Section 4, Application Rules.
Attributes
The attributes of the asset should be established on a computer file using the GS1 System
asset identifier as the key to the information. Examples of the type of information held include
the full name and address of the party who owns the asset, the value of the asset, the location
of the asset, and the life-cycle history of the asset.
Required
None is currently standardized.
Optional
None is currently standardized.
Rules
See Section 4, Application Rules (none is currently identified).
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The GS1 data carriers that can be used to represent the GRAI are:
GS1-128
GS1 DataMatrix
GS1 QR Code
EPC/RFID
When encoding an asset identifier for medical devices see section 2.1.1.9.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
For GS1-128, GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code, see section 5.5.2.7.9 GS1 System Symbol
Specification Table 9 GS1 Keys Other than GTIN
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
Page 87 of 490
2.4.
Locations
GS1 System has defined two broad classes of entities that are identified with a Global Location
Number: Physical Locations and Parties. The distinguishing characteristic between the two is
one is always an object or point in the physical world (structure, building, or a specific location
within a site) and the other is a business or business function (a party to a transaction, a group,
or organisation, including regulatory and other public sector agencies), which may be
associated with a physical location.
2.4.1.
Introduction
A Global Location Number (GLN) is used to identify any location that needs to be uniquely
identified for use in the supply chain.
The GLN makes possible the unique and unambiguous identification of physical locations and
parties used in the supply chain. Identification in this manner is a prerequisite to efficient
Electronic Commerce between trading partners (e.g., Electronic Data Interchange (EDI),
electronic catalogues). The GLN is a 13-digit number created by a GS1 Company Prefix, a
Location Reference and a Check Digit. Note that when a U.P.C. Prefix is used to generate the
GLN, the U.P.C. Prefix should be considered as having a leading zero (see Section 1.3 for a full
definition of the GS1 Company Prefix).
Within the GS1 System, the GLN and the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) are two distinct
data identifiers. There is no conflict when a GTIN and a GLN have the same digits, because the
data carrier (EDI, machine readable symbol, or radio frequency) will distinguish between the two
identifiers. For example, when GLNs are used in Automatic Identification and Data Capture
(AIDC) and EDI, the context (Application Identifiers and qualifiers) will prevent any
misinterpretation. Each company or organisation that is a member of a GS1 Member
Organisation may use GLNs to identify locations under the terms of its membership. For full
contact details of the GS1 Member Organisations worldwide, visit www.gs1.org.
Although in some countries the national GLN database is administered by the GS1 Member
Organisation, it remains the responsibility of the company issuing the numbers to keep business
partners informed of all relevant GLNs related to the trading relationship. Special care is needed
if ownership of the company changes (see Section 1.6).
In business operations, location numbers are of no value if they are not associated with
business attributes. The attributes of the location ideally should be established as part of master
data management using the GLN as the key to the information.
These attributes, in conjunction with transactional data, answer the three questions of who,
what, and where. The GLN is designed to improve the efficiency of communication with trading
partners and add value to the trading partners involved as well as to consumers. For
communication between trading partners, a GLN should be used following the rules defined in
Section 4.
2.4.2.
Page 88 of 490
National data pools and the global registry that links them for the purpose of global data
synchronisation mandate the use of GLNs to identify each party that provides information to any
data pool or who requires information about products and locations.
Note: The GS1 General Specifications do not provide details on business messages or
the Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN). For further information, please consult the
relevant GS1 standard.
2.4.3.
Application Overview
The Global Location Number (GLN) provides a unique and unambiguous identification of
physical locations and parties used in the supply chain or participating in a business process.
Physical Location - A site (an area, a structure or group of structures) or an area within the site
where something was, is, or will be located.
Party Any legal entity or organisation (including regulatory and other public bodies), business
function, group, or individual actor; a participant in one or more business processes.
Note: A party may have an address associated with it whereas a physical location always
has a geographical address.
A geographical address is a collection of information expressing a specific location on the
Earth's surface. Most commonly a postal delivery address; but could be any geographical
coordinate system such as latitude & longitude.
Supplier
Distribution
Centre
SHIP
Retailer
Distribution
Centre
GLN
GLN
Distribute
Receive
Display
Retail
Store
Store
Selling Floor
GLN
GLN + Extension
Page 89 of 490
2.4.3.2 Party
Parties require identification within electronic business networks (e.g., Electronic Data
Interchange (EDI) networks, electronic catalogues). The use of Global Location Numbers
(GLNs) in these areas is driven by the exact party role within a given business process
requirement. The GLN can be used as a GS1 Identification Key to access master data
associated with a given business transaction.
The figure below illustrates an example of a high level business process between a supplier and
the suppliers customer. Certainly both the supplier and the customer would have allocated a
GLN to identify their respective enterprise. Beyond that GLNs are used to identify the
customers purchasing or buying organisation, the suppliers order contact, suppliers billing
contact, and the customers payable department. These GLNs identify parties to different
business processes and transactions.
Page 90 of 490
ORDER
Customer
Purchasing
Department
GLN
FULFILL
FULFIL
Customer
Customer
Accounts Payable
Accounts
Payable
Department
Department
GLN
GLN
2.4.4.
BILL
PAY
Supplier
Order Processing
Department
GLN
Supplier
Accounts Receivable
Department
GLN
Page 91 of 490
Attributes
Required
See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifiers, Identification of a Physical Location Global Location Number: AI (414).
Optional
The extension component may be used to identify internal physical locations within a location
identified with a GLN (e.g., stores, factories, buildings). The use of GLN Extension Component
is restricted to physical locations.
The GLN Extension Component may be communicated to trading partners, by mutual
agreement.
The GS1 Application Identifier (254) is used to represent the GLN Extension Component in
conjunction with AI (414).
For more information, see Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifiers.
Rules
See Section 4, Mandatory Association of Element Strings.
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The Global Location Number (GLN) is used to identify a physical location and, when required,
may be carried by a barcode using the appropriate Application Identifier. The data carrier used
to represent the GLN is the GS1-128 barcode symbology.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
When encoding the Global Location Number (GLN), GS1-128 barcodes should be printed at an Xdimension between 0.249 mm (0.0098 in.) and 1.016 mm (0.0400 in.). However, if the GLN is
carried by a barcode on a GS1 logistic label, the recommendations contained in Section 2.2 apply.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.4.5.
Page 92 of 490
GS1 Key
Definition
The Global Location Number (GLN) is the GS1 Identification Key used to identify physical
locations or parties. The key is comprised of a GS1 Company Prefix, Location Reference, and
Check Digit.
Rules
All the GLN Allocation Rules described in Section 4.
Attributes
Required
See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier, Ship to - Deliver to Global Location
Number: AI (410).
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The data carrier used to represent the Global Location Number (GLN) is the GS1-128 barcode
symbology.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
When encoding the Global Location Number (GLN), GS1-128 barcodes should be printed at an
X-dimension between 0.249 mm (0.0098 in.) and 1.016 mm (0.0400 in.). However, if the GLN is
carried by a barcode on a GS1 logistics label, the recommendations contained in Section 2.2
apply.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.4.6.
Page 93 of 490
GS1 Key
Definition
The Global Location Number (GLN) is the GS1 Identification Key used to identify physical
locations or parties. The key is comprised of a GS1 Company Prefix, Location Reference, and
Check Digit.
Rules
All the GLN Allocation Rules described in Section 4.
Attributes
Required
See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier, Bill to - Invoice to Global Location
Number: AI (411).
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
See Section 4.
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The data carrier used to represent the Global Location Number (GLN) is the GS1-128 barcode
symbology.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
When encoding the Global Location Number (GLN), GS1-128 barcodes should be printed at an Xdimension between 0.249 mm (0.0098 in) and 1.016 mm (0.0400 in). However, if the GLN is carried
by a barcode on a GS1 logistic label, the recommendations contained in Section 2.2 apply.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.4.7.
Page 94 of 490
Rules
All the GLN Allocation Rules described in Section 4.
Attributes
Required
See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier, Purchased from Global Location
Number: AI (412).
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
See Section 4.
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The data carrier used to represent the Global Location Number (GLN) is the GS1-128 barcode
symbology.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
When encoding the Global Location Number (GLN), GS1-128 barcodes should be printed at an Xdimension between 0.249 mm (0.0098 in.) and 1.016 mm (0.0400 in.). However, if the GLN is
carried by a barcode on a GS1 logistics label, the recommendations contained in Section 2.2 apply.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.4.8.
Page 95 of 490
Manufacturer
Final Destination
EDI Message
Cross Docking
Station
Ship to - Deliver to
AI (410)
GS1 Key
Definition
The Global Location Number (GLN) is the GS1 Identification Key used to identify physical
locations or parties. The key is comprised of a GS1 Company Prefix, Location Reference, and
Check Digit.
Rules
All the GLN Allocation Rules described in Section 4.
Attributes
Required
See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier, Ship for - Deliver for - Forward to
Global Location Number: AI (413).
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
See Section 4.
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The data carrier used to represent the Global Location Number (GLN) is the GS1-128 barcode
symbology.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
When encoding the Global Location Number (GLN), GS1-128 barcodes should be printed at an
X-dimension between 0.249 mm (0.0098 in.) and 1.016 mm (0.0400 in.). However, if the GLN is
Page 96 of 490
carried by a barcode on a GS1 logistics label, the recommendations contained in Section 2.2
apply.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.4.9.
Page 97 of 490
2.5.
Service Relationships
Application Description
The Global Service Relation Number (GSRN) is a non-significant number used to identify the
relationship between an organisation offering services and the individual entities providing or
benefitting from the services. The GSRN provides unique and unambiguous identification. It is
the key to accessing information, stored on computer systems, relevant to service(s) provided
and received and in some cases, these services could be recurring. The GSRN may also be
used for referencing information transferred via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).
When using the GSRN, often two types of relationships may need to be captured in one
transaction:
1. the relationship between the organisation offering the service and the actual recipient of the
service.
2. the relationship between the organisation offering the service and the actual provider of the
service.
It should be noted that the GSRN is not meant to identify a single service as a trade item,
neither is it used to identify a physical unit as a trade item. It may identify a physical unit for
service purposes (e.g., a computer with a service agreement).
2.5.1.
a service agreement, where it could be used to manage agreed upon services, such as
maintenance services for a television or computer
a loyalty program required to identify the service relationship between the loyalty
program and the service provider (i.e. company providing merchandise due to use of
loyalty points).
a hospital administration can identify the service relationship between hospital and the
doctor, nurses, etc.
Page 98 of 490
GS1 Key
Definition
The Global Service Relation Number is the GS1 Identification Key used to identify the
relationship between an organisation offering services and the recipient or provider of services.
The key is comprised of a GS1 Company Prefix, Service Reference and Check Digit.
Rules
See Section 4, GSRN Allocation Rules.
Attributes
Required
See Section 3.2 for the List of all GS1 Application Identifiers, Global Service Relation Number
AI (8017) and AI (8018).
Optional
Application Identifier AI(8019) Service Relation Instance Number, Section 3.2
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The data carriers for the Global Service Relation Number (GSRN) are the GS1-128, GS1
DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code Symbologies.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.11, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 11
Symbol Placement
No standard placement is required.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.5.2.
A hospital admission, where it could be used to identify a subject of care globally and uniquely
for AIDC purposes and establish an identification uniqueness that does not harm privacy. For
identification of the subject of care (patient) the hospital generates a GSRN with AI (8018) for
each of its patients and encodes it in an appropriate GS1 Data Carrier (barcode) on the patient's
wristband as well as his or her corresponding medical record, pathology samples, etc. The
GSRN may then be used as the key to link multiple or specific instances of treatment, room
charges, medical tests, and patient charges.
Page 99 of 490
A loyalty program required to identify the service relationship between the loyalty
program and the recipient of the loyalty program (the end user or customer who earns
loyalty points).
Patient Admission to a hospital can identify the service relationship between the
hospital and the patient.
Utility networks, such as those providing electricity, gas or water, where it could be used
to identify the relationship between network service providers and suppliers of utility
products.
A GSRN could be used to give students access to other libraries that have formed a
cooperative lending agreement. A typical application is the identification of membership
in a student library. The library would issue all members a card that includes a unique
GSRN identifying the relationship between the library and a student. The library would
then scan the GSRN whenever a book was lent or returned. The Electronic Message
from the scanner would then be used to automatically update the librarys stock
management database. See Figure 2.5.2 1 for an example of how the service
relationship identifier would appear on this membership card.
Figure 2.5.2-1. Example of GSRN on a membership card
( 8018) 006141411234567890
GS1 Key
Definition
The Global Service Relation Number is the GS1 Identification Key used to identify the
relationship between an organisation offering services and the recipient or provider of services.
The key is comprised of a GS1 Company Prefix, Service Reference and Check Digit.
Rules
See Section 4, GSRN Allocation Rules.
Attributes
Required
See Section 3.2 for the List of all GS1 Application Identifiers, Global Service Relation Number
AI (8017) and AI (8018).
Optional
Application Identifier AI (8019) Service Relation Instance Number, Section 3.2.
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The data carriers for the Global Service Relation Number (GSRN) are the GS1-128, GS1
DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code Symbologies.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.11, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 11
Symbol Placement
No standard placement is required.
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.5.3.
2.6.
Special Applications
2.6.1.
Coupons
A coupon is a digital or paper based voucher that can be redeemed at the Point-of-Sale for a
cash value or free item. Coupon identification is organised at the local level. Determining the
data structure of a coupon is, therefore, the responsibility of the GS1 Member Organisations for
their area of jurisdiction.
The purpose of coupon numbering and symbol marking is to automate and speed up coupon
handling procedures at the Point-of-Sale. Moreover, coupon issuers and retailers may be able
to reduce the costs involved in sorting coupons, administering manufacturers payments, and
producing reports on redemption.
All GS1 System coupon standards presented here allow for coupon validation (e.g., to check
whether the item(s) covered by the coupon is within the customers order).
If either validation or value look up is performed, manufacturers must advise their distributors
and retailers of the impending issue of a coupon so that retailers files can be updated to
process the information at the Point-of-Sale.
A GS1 System coupon number is used for numbering promotional coupons for manufacturers and
retailers as well as tokens with monetary value, such as gift tokens, book tokens, food stamps,
record vouchers, luncheon vouchers, and social security tokens.
The structure of GS1 System coupon numbers ensures uniqueness against all other GS1 System
numbers only when used within the monetary area of the appropriate GS1 Member
Organisation(s).
2.6.2.
Offer
Issuer
7. Validate coupon
Digital
Coupon
Enabler(s)
Offer
Awarder
11.2 Settlement
Process Steps:
1 - 3 Setup and Communication
4 - 5 Discovery and Acquisition
6
Presentment
Offer User
Parties, e.g. Offer Issuer, Digital Coupon Enabler, Retailer, shall be identified with a
GLN
Digital Coupons are always related to offers and promotions on products or services.
Products as well as services shall be identified with a GTIN
Digital Coupons shall be identified by a Global Coupon Number assigned by the Coupon Issuer.
The GCN comprises a GS1 Company Prefix followed by a Coupon Reference. It may be
supplemented by an optional serial number.
GS1 Key
Definition
The Global Coupon Number (GCN) is the GS1 Identification Key that provides a globally unique
identification for a coupon, with an optional serial number.
The Application Identifier to indicate the Global Coupon Number (GCN) is AI (255) (see Section
3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier).
Rules
All the GCN Application Rules described in Section 4.
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
Data Carrier specifications for the GCN were out of scope and therefore not addressed when
this standard was developed. Local implementations may choose to use the GS1 DataBar to
carry the coupon identifier, as it is the only carrier that is capable of holding the identifier
structure that is approved for POS use within the GS1 System.
Symbol Placement
Not applicable
2.6.3.
2.6.3.3. Coupon Identification for Restricted Geographic Distribution (GS1 Prefix 99)
Application Description
A coupon is a voucher with a cash value that is deducted at the Point-of-Sale. It is sometimes
associated with a specific trade item. Coupon identification is organised on a national level and
is therefore not unique worldwide. The specification of the coupon data structure in the Element
String is the responsibility of each GS1 Member Organisation. The internationally agreed
standard for GS1 System coupon numbers is shown in Figure 2.6.3.3 - 1.
Figure 2.6.3.3-1. Format of the Element String
GS1
Prefix
Coupon Data
(Structure Determined by GS1 Member Organisation)
9 9
Check Digit
N13
The GS1 Prefix 99 denotes the Element String for GS1 coupon identification.
The structure of the coupon data field is determined according to the needs of a particular
country. Mandatory components are the coupon issuer number and the coupon reference
number. Other useful data are the redemption value in real or encoded format and codes for the
decimal point or tax rates.
The Check Digit is explained in Section 7.9. Its verification, carried out automatically by the
barcode reader, ensures that the data corresponds with the verification rules.
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the data of a coupon has been
captured. Processing of coupons at a Point-of-Sale usually consists of validity checks and
deduction of its value.
Within this agreed standard for GS1 System coupon numbers, each GS1 Member Organisation
is free to develop a national coupon solution. Four recommended structures provide a degree of
equipment standardisation. These recommended structures are shown in Figure 2.6.3.3 - 2.
Figure 2.6.3.3-2. Recommended Coupon Data Structures
Where:
GS1
Prefix
Check Digit
9 9
9 9
9 9
9 9
V V
V V
The GS1 Member Organisations or retailers may require that the third digit of the coupon
numbers (990 to 999) be programmable in order to cope with specific demands such as:
Different currencies
GS1 Key
Definition
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
A coupon with the GS1 Prefix 99 is carried by the EAN-13 barcode.
The system recognises this Element String by the symbology identifier ]E0 and the GS1 Prefix.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.1, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.6.3.4. GS1 Common Currency Coupon Identification (GS1 Prefixes 981 to 983)
A coupon is a voucher with a cash value that is deducted at the Point-of-Sale. It is sometimes
associated with a specific trade item. Coupon identification is normally organised on a national
level using the GS1 Prefix 99. However, for a common currency area, coupon identification is
organised between participating countries. Determining the coupon data structure in the
Element String is the responsibility of all the GS1 Member Organisations in the common
currency area. The GS1 Prefixes 981 to 983 have been released for use with coupons
expressing a value in a common currency.
The structure of the coupon data positions is determined according to the needs of a particular
set of countries. Mandatory components are the coupon issuer number and the coupon
reference number. Further useful data is the redemption value in real or encoded format and
numbers for the decimal point or tax rates.
The Check Digit is explained in Section 7.9. Its verification, carried out automatically by the
barcode reader, ensures that the data corresponds with the verification rules. The internationally
agreed standard for GS1 Common Currency Coupon Codes is shown in Figure 2.6.3.4 - 1.
Coupon Data
(Structure Determined by GS1 MOs in Common Currency Area)
Check Digit
N4
N13
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
N10
N11
N12
Within this structure, GS1 Member Organisations in a common currency area should develop a
common coupon solution that is valid throughout the common currency area.
2.6.3.5. Use of GS1 Common Currency Coupon Code for the Euro
Application Description
At present the only application of GS1 Prefixes 981, 982 and 983 is for the euro. The euro is a
new currency that began to replace the national currencies of some countries in the European
Union. Within the euro area, coupon issuer numbers are administered by:
GS1 BELGIUM LUXEMBOURG
Rue Royale 76 b1
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: + 32.2.229.18.80
Fax: + 32.2.217.43.47
Contact: [email protected]
See Figure 2.6.3.5 - 1 for the coupon data structure in the euro area.
Figure 2.6.3.5-1. Format of the Element String
GS1 Prefix
Coupon Data
9 8 1
Y1 Y2 Y3 Y4
R1 R2
E E,E
9 8 2
Y1 Y2 Y3 Y4
R1 R2
E,E E
9 8 3
Y1 Y2 Y3 Y4
R1 R2
E,E E
Where:
Check
Digit
Note: The only difference between the two structures is the position of the implied
decimal point.
GS1 Key
Definition
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
A coupon with the GS1 Prefix 981, 982 or 983 is carried by the EAN-13 barcode.
The system recognises this Element String by the symbology identifier ]E0 and the GS1 Prefix.
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the data of a common currency
coupon has been captured. Processing of coupons at a Point-of-Sale usually consists of validity
checks and deduction of its value.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.1, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.6.3.6. Coupon Code Identification for Use in North America (AI 8110)
Application Description
This application identifier has replaced the GS1 US Prefix 5 system in 2011. The new system
has been rolled out for paper coupons.
See the North American Coupon Application Guideline using GS1 DataBar Expanded Symbols
for detailed information on GS1 U.S. coupon code data content.
A stimulus for change is the fact that GS1 US has begun issuing variable-length GS1 Company
Prefixes and retailers are expected to accept imported products identified with GS1 Company
Prefixes. Both changes will lead to an increasing number of coupon mis-redemptions if the full
Company Prefix is not processed. This will impact retailers, manufacturers, and coupon
processing agents.
The new coupon format has a large number of fields (many of them optional) for specifying the
more complex coupon offers in use today. Data encoded in the coupon barcode is used to
identify the source (typically a manufacturer) producing the coupon, the conditions for fulfilling
the offer and the specific save value offered to the consumer.
2.6.4.
Refund Receipts
Application Description
Refund Receipts are vouchers produced to automate payment for returned empty containers.
Refund Receipts automate and expedite the handling of empty containers (e.g., bottles, crates)
that have a refund value in a retail store.
When customers return empty containers (that have a refund value), the containers have to be
checked and valued. This process can be done manually or by automated equipment capable
of handling empty containers. When the returned containers have been valued, a Refund
Receipt is printed and given to the customer. The customer presents the Refund Receipt at the
store checkout, and the corresponding amount is refunded in cash or deducted from the
customer's bill.
An EAN-13 barcode can be printed on the Refund Receipt to encode the required data including
a security number and the monetary value.
The structure of Refund Receipts ensures uniqueness against all other GS1 System ID
numbers only when used within the restricted environment defined by the appropriate GS1
Member Organisation.
The GS1 Prefix 980 has been released for use with Refund Receipt data. The internationally
agreed standard for GS1 System Refund Receipt data is shown in 2.6.7 - 1.
Figure 2.6.4-1. Format of the Element String
GS1 Prefix
980
N4 N5 N6 N7 N8 N9
Check Digit
N13
Within this structure, each GS1 Member Organisation develops its own national Refund Receipt
solution. The recommended structure shown in Figure 2.6.7 2 provides some degree of
equipment standardisation.
Figure 2.6.4-2. Format of the Element String
GS1 Prefix
Recommended Structure
980
Where:
S=
Check Digit
V
security number.
This number is used to provide some security in the handling of the Refund
Receipt. For example, it consists of a sequential number, which is
incremented by 1, for each ticket generated. In this case, the Point-of-Sale
system will be able to recognise a Refund Receipt that had already been
refunded. The security number can also include a two-digit machine number
and a three-digit sequential number, in the case where several machines
are available to the customers at the same location.
V=
monetary value of the refund. The scale factor (decimal places) will depend
on the currency used.
C=
GS1 Key
Definition
Not Applicable
Rules
Refund Receipt specifications are flexible and have been designed to cater for current and
future requirements.
Due to the nature of Refund Receipt identification, several national solutions are offered, each
of which is defined by the respective GS1 Member Organisation. National Refund Receipt
solutions are not unique worldwide and must be operated in the restricted circulation defined by
the GS1 Member Organisation.
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
EAN-13 barcodes are used with Refund Receipts.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.1, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.6.5.
Attributes
Required
See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier, Cellular Mobile Telephone Identifier: AI
(8002).
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The electronic serial identifier for Cellular Mobile Telephones (CMTI), AI (8002), is carried by
the GS1-128 barcode.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.4, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 4.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
Not Applicable
2.6.6.
Payment Slips
Application Description
A Payment slip is that part of a paper invoice used to facilitate payment. Payment slips cover a
wide range of payment demands, such as telephone bills, electricity bills, and insurance
renewals. The Payment slip is normally issued by a service provider (the invoicing party) to a
final customer (the invoicee) and represents a payment demand. Normally the Payment slip
would outline in Non-HRI text:
A reference number
GS1 Key
Definition
Not Applicable
Rules
Not Applicable
Attributes
Required
Global Location Number of the Invoicing Party The Application Identifier (AI) to
indicate the Global Location Number (GLN) of the invoicing party is AI (415) (see Section
3). The GLN of the invoicing party identifies the issuer of the payment slip. It is used as a
key to access database information about the invoicing party (normally held by the payment
receiving agency). The same GLN is used for all payment slips issued by the invoicing party
under identical payment conditions. The GLN of the invoicing party is used by the payment
receiving agency to reference the characteristics of the contract with the invoicing party,
such as:
A different GLN shall be used whenever the payment conditions are different. For more
information, see Section 4.
Amount Payable There are two Application Identifiers to indicate the amount payable:
AI (390n) = amount payable for a single monetary area. See Section 3.2 for List of all
GS1 Application Identifier.
AI (391n) = amount payable with ISO three-digit currency code. See Section 3.2 for List
of all GS1 Application Identifier.
To avoid ambiguity, only one AI encoding the amount payable shall be used, and the
currency must be clearly indicated in human readable form.
Scanning systems should have the facility to override the amount payable. This functionality
is required should the invoicee wish to make the minimum required payment, which could
be less than the total amount due. The amount due is attribute information and, when used,
must be processed with the Global Location Number (GLN) of the invoicing party.
Due Date for Amount on Payment Slip The Application Identifier to indicate the due
date is AI (12). See Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier.
The due date indicates the date by which the invoice should be paid (by the invoicee). It is
attribute information and, when used, must be processed with the Global Location Number
(GLN) of the invoicing party.
Note: The due date must be represented in the YYMMDD format in the barcode;
however, the Human Readable Interpretation can be presented in whatever form is
appropriate.
Optional
Not Applicable
Rules
See Section 4, Mandatory Association of Element Strings.
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The GS1-128 barcode is used with Payment slips. They in no way replace the need for the
Human Readable Interpretation.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.4, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 4.
Symbol Placement
No standard placement. Figure 2.6.10 - 1 is an example of numbering and symbol marking for
payment slips.
Figure 2.6.6-1. Example of numbering and symbol marking for payment slips
ABC-Electric Company
Mr A.N. Customer
45 Sunrise Drive
Cape Town, TX
765444
(415)5412345678908(3911)710125
(12) 010425 (8020) ABC123
Example: (415) 5412345678908 AI (415) indicates the Global Location Number (GLN) of
the invoicing party.
The GLN is a fixed length 13-digit number terminated by a standard Check Digit. The rules
for allocating GLNs ensure that this number is unique worldwide. GLNs are used by the
payment receiving agent to distinguish between payment slips that can and cannot be
accepted.
Example: (12) 010425 AI (12) indicates the due date by which the payment should made.
The due date is always encoded YYMMDD; however, other formats may be used for the
Human Readable Interpretation equivalent. The use of the due date is optional, but if used,
the payment receiving agent and the invoicing party should agree about what action will be
taken if the due date has expired.
Example: (3911) 710125 AI (3911) indicates the amount payable with ISO currency
number. From ISO 4217, 710 indicates South African Rand.
It is strongly recommended to use the ISO currency number when encoding this optional
data element. The fourth digit of this AI is the decimal point indicator. For example, the digit
1 in this position would indicate one digit after the decimal point; a 2 would indicate two
digits after the decimal point.
Example: (8020) ABC123 AI (8020) indicates the payment slip reference number.
The payment slip reference number, AI (8020), is a mandatory data element for this
application. It is processed with the GLN of the invoicing party and provides a unique
reference for all communications between the payment agent and the invoicing party.
2.6.7.
2.6.7.1. Introduction
The GS1 System guidelines for trade items (see Section 2.1) state that each item of trade is
assigned a non-significant number that uniquely identifies the item in an unrestricted
environment. The same number is used to identify a series of identical items, with every variant
being allocated a separate unique identification number whenever the variation is apparent and
significant between partners in the supply chain or to the final user.
This system enables the use of Automatic Data Capture (ADC) and Electronic Data Interchange
(EDI) in an open environment, globally. However, in a number of business sectors, because of
the vast number of possible manifestations of certain made-to-order articles, pre-allocation of
Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) at the lowest level is not feasible.
For organisations that trade in such made-to-order products, GS1 in association with trade
representatives has developed the following guidelines. They have been designed to improve
supply chain efficiency by enabling ADC and, in particular, efficient ordering via EDI.
These guidelines are fully compatible with, and should be treated as a special case of, the GS1
System recommendations for the numbering and symbol marking of trade items.
The customer specifies the actual article required using the supplier catalogue.
The supplier manufactures the article in accordance with the customers specifications.
The GS1 System has formalized this process, enabling efficient Automatic Data Capture
(ADC) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) throughout the supply chain. The CSA data
model is based on the assumption that the supplier defines the possible components (either
in a paper or electronic catalogue) and the customer specifies the actual article required.
The processes for identifying and ordering the article are dealt with separately. Although these
processes are closely related, each requires separate consideration in an open system.
Price Catalogue:
Definition of articles
B
U
Y
E
R
Order:
Base Article Number+specifications
Order confirmation:
Assigned Article Number
and/or order no. and line no.
Despatch advice
Assigned Article Number
and/or order no. and line no.
Invoice
Assigned Article Number
and/or order no. and line no.
S
U
P
P
L
I
E
R
In the order confirmation, the supplier may confirm that the article ordered can be manufactured
(that is, that the buyer has made a correct combination of specifications). This should be the
case assuming the customer has up-to-date database information. The order confirmation may
also be used to notify the customer of the assigned article number. The assigned article number
may be used in all subsequent communications. For example, the despatch advice and invoice
messages use the assigned article number and, if required, the order number plus the order line
number to establish an unambiguous link with the CSA.
The article produced may not be numbered with a string of numbers representing the base
article number plus the applicable specifications (see Section 2.6.7.4.5).
A customer specific articles EANCOM user profile for the price catalogue (PRICAT), orders
(ORDERS), and the response to order (ORDRSP) messages have been published that use the
numbering system outlined in the following subsections.
2.6.7.4.1. Specifications
Specifications are linked to the different base article numbers for the purposes of ordering. The
same specifications may be used with different base article numbers. Specifications fall into one of
the categories described in the following subsections.
2.6.7.4.2. Option
An option is a specification with a discrete value that is pre-defined by the supplier and associated
with a base article number.
Each option may be identified with a GTIN-13. The GTIN-13 is defined by the supplier and must be
unique with respect to all other GS1 System identification numbers. An ID number of an option will
never be carried by a barcode on an article. It solely is used for communication purposes.
Options, such as red leather seat covers may be valid for different base articles.
2.6.7.4.3. Parameter
A parameter is a specification within a range of values (e.g., dimensions) ranging from a minimum
to a maximum and including a step size.
Each parameter may be identified with a GTIN-13. The GTIN-13 is defined by the supplier and
must be unique with respect to all other GS1 System identification numbers. The parameter
identification will never be carried by a barcode on an article. It is solely used for ordering purposes.
Parameters should be communicated using the standard EANCOM syntax and should be related
to a base article number.
2.6.7.4.4. Part
A part is a physical article that may also be ordered separately. Parts are identified within Global
Trade Item Numbers (GTINs). The GTIN-13 for the part may be used in association with a base
article number to create a composite, an article made up of one or more individual parts. A part
may be associated with a number of different base articles.
ITF-14 barcode
With CSAs, the choice of data carrier is left to the discretion of the organisation responsible for
issuing the GS1 System identification number. Trade items that will be scanned at a Point-ofSale always should be marked using the EAN/UPC Symbology.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See section 5.5.2.7.1, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
For a description of processing requirements, see Section 7.
2.6.8.
This method of assigning unique product identification uses a base GTIN-14, Indicator Digit 9
which signifies a GTIN with a variable component (i.e. it is a custom, made-to-order item),
followed by a Made-to-Order Variation Number. The Made-to-Order Variation Number is a
variable length, numeric field up to six digits. This allows each base GTIN-14, Indicator Digit 9 to
be used for 1,000,000 different custom variations. Multiple items, made to the same
specifications could have the same combination of the base GTIN-14, Indicator Digit 9 and
Made-to-Order Variation Number.
Base GTIN-14
To indicate that a trade item is available in a custom format, a base GTIN-14, Indicator Digit 9,
is used. A base GTIN-14, Indicator Digit 9 may appear in the suppliers paper or electronic
product catalogue to indicate the possibility of a custom item. This GTIN does not identify a
specific trade item, but a general category of possible custom trade items. The description
indicates that this is a custom, made-to-order item. A manufacturer may create one GTIN-14,
Indicator Digit 9 to represent any and all made-to-order trade items, or they may assign one for
each category of custom items (Custom Abrasive Belts, Custom Abrasive Pads, etc.). Further a
manufacturer may choose to create a GTIN-14 Indicator Digit 9 for sub-categories (Custom
Abrasive Belts, 1 to 2 Inches Wide; Custom Abrasive Belts, 2 to 3 Inches Wide, and so on).
Data Carrier
GS1 System identification numbers used to identify custom made-to-order items in the
manufacturing, pick, pack, shipping, receiving and inventory management process may be
carried by a barcode on the physical article. This may be achieved by representing identification
numbers in machine readable form. GS1 barcodes, utilising Application Identifiers should be
used for this purpose.
GS1128
GS1 DataBar
GS1 DataMatrix
GS1 QR Code
AI (01) is used for the GTIN-14, Indicator Digit 9, plus AI (242) for the Made-to-Order Variation
Number when the item is considered a trade item. The combination of AI (02) plus AI (242) and
AI (37) Count of Trade Items Contained in a Logistic Unit, is used in conjunction with an (00)
Serial Shipping Container Code when marking a logistics unit of custom trade items.
Symbol X-dimension, Minimum Symbol Height, and Minimum Symbol Quality
See Section 5.5.2.7.4, GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 4.
Symbol Placement
Not Applicable
2.6.9.
documents that infer an obligation (e.g., notification or call for military service);
images
The issuer of the document is normally responsible for the identification of the document which
may be physical or virtual; such as a database record. Such documents typically require storage
of the appropriate information contained on the document.
Examples of documents that can be identified with the GDTI include, but are not limited to:
Land registration papers
Tax demands
Proof of shipment/receipt forms
Customs clearance forms
Insurance policies
Internal invoices.
National press documents
Educational papers
Transporting company documents
Mail companies documents
Among others
GS1 Key
Definition
The Application Identifier to indicate the Global Document Type Identifier (GDTI) is AI (253)
(see Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application Identifier).
Rules
The GDTI is assigned by the document issuer. The GDTI is used as a key to access database
information that is required for document control purposes (normally held by issuing
organisation). The same GDTI is used for all document classes that are issued with an identical
purpose. This can then be used to reference the characteristics of the document, such as:
A different GDTI shall be used whenever characteristics of the document are different.
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
By their nature, each document needs to be individually tailored for the intended recipient and,
therefore, requires a unique reference number in addition to the GDTI. Any duplicates of a
document should use the same number as the original. The serial component is optional and
assigned by the document issuer and is a unique number in a series of documents issued under
the same GDTI. Ideally the serial component should be sequentially allocated for each new
document generated.
The serial component is used to communicate exact details pertinent to the individual
document, such as:
Policy Number:
67890543210987
Branch: Bogot
Name: Name of Insured
Age: 34
Contract Cover: Life
( 253) 770999800010067890543210987
( 253) 77012340000117654321
FIATA FCT
(253)7612345000008123456
ID-Number human
readable (manual access to
database)
GTIN-8 is the 8-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1-8 Prefix, Item Reference,
and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
GTIN-12 is the 12-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a U.P.C. Company Prefix, Item
Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
GTIN-13 is the 13-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1 Company Prefix, Item
Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
For regulated healthcare non-retail applications, GTIN-14 is the 14-digit GS1 Identification
Key composed of an Indicator digit (1-9), GS1 Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check
Digit used to identify trade items.
Rules
GTIN of the finished consumer trade item shall not be used to identify packaging components
(e.g., bottle, bottle cap, front label, back label) for the purpose of trade item production control;
however GTIN is specified as the GS1 Key for consumer trade item production control as the
GTIN determines which packaging components are used in production.
Attributes
Required
Packaging Component Number
Rules
PCN shall not replace GTIN for pricing, ordering, or invoicing upstream packaging components
from the brand owners upstream suppliers. Per Section 4.11.2, PCN has a mandatory
association with one or more finished consumer trade item GTIN(s). The PCN and GTIN may or
may not be encoded in the same symbol.
PCN is used only on packaging components used by one brand owner. There may be more
than one PCN associated with one GTIN. One PCN may be associated with multiple GTINs
There shall only be one PCN per each packaging component for the lifespan of the packaging
component and one packaging component may change while another does not. For example a
front and back label would each have a unique PCN and the front label may change while the
back label does not.
Over a GTINs lifespan, there may be more than one PCN per packaging component (e.g., front
label).
Optional
Not applicable
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
Figure 2.6.11-1. Carrier Choices
Symbol Options by
consumer trade item
type
Regulated Healthcare
POS (retail)
Regulated Healthcare
POC (non-retail)
GS1 DataBar
PCN standalone
GS1 DataMatrix
GS1 DataMatrix
(*) For general retail consumer trade items where PCN is combined with AI (8200) GS1 DataMatrix or GS1
QR Code may be used according to the specifications in Figure 5.5.2.7.1-2 GS1 System Symbol
Specification Table 1 Addendum
The Component & Part identifier is available for business processes where products are
identified by the buyer. The buyer instructs his suppliers on how to identify and mark the
products delivered to him.
The identifier shall not be used in open supply chains. It is restricted to use by mutual
agreement; The GTIN is the only GS1 standard identifier for trade items in open supply chains.
A Component/Part (C/P) is defined as an item that is intended to undergo at least one further
transformation process to create finished goods for the purpose of downstream consumption.
C/P examples may include:
Several industry sectors use established systems for the identification of C/P in the supply
chain. Very often, companies use alphanumeric identifiers for their C/P, which may be
serialized. Many IT systems rely on the identifiers structure that includes limited meaningful
information. Time-critical processes (material resource planning, delivery schedules, etc.) do
not allow for a mapping of the identification schemes to other identifiers. In addition, there is
often no ubiquitous network access available. Network failures can happen in reality and could
lead to production interruptions which in turn lead to tremendous economic losses. For that
reason, technical industries have implemented autonomous assembly lines, which are
controlled by dedicated control terminals that need no permanent network access.
This application specifies a C/P identifier that is available for the following processes:
The C/P identifier may be used by an OEM for their C/P procurement. The typical
scenario is that an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) assigns identifiers to
Components / Parts necessary to build finished goods, such as automobiles. The C/P
production is contracted to suppliers who use the C/P identifier assigned by their
customer, the OEM.
The OEM and/or Agents make use of the C/P identifier in their production process.
C/P identifiers are also available to Points of Service for after sales services and
maintenance activities, including procurement
Note: GTIN remains the mandatory solution for items crossing aftermarket retail points of sale.
The following diagram illustrates the three main business processes where C/P identifiers may
be appropriate:
ter
Point of Service
Operator/Provider
C/P B
Servic
e Cen
Downstream
Building
Production
Upstream
Finished Good
Component/Part B
C/P B
Raw Material
The Component & Part identifier is available for business processes where products are
identified by the buyer. The buyer instructs his suppliers on how to identify and mark the
products delivered to him.
The identifier shall not be used in open supply chains. It is restricted to use by mutual
agreement; The GTIN is the only GS1 standard identifier for trade items in open supply
chains.
2.6.12.2.Identification requirements
Components / Parts that meet the requirements described above can be identified by a C/P
identifier that has the following characteristics:
The C/P identifier comprises a GS1 company prefix and C/P reference assigned by the
GS1 company prefix holder
The C/P reference format is variable length. The Component & Part reference SHALL
only consist of numeric, alphabetic upper-case or special characters #, -, or /
The C/P identifier would be classified as a GS1 Key according to the current GS1
definitions. However it is not to be used in open supply chains but can be used as
primary identifier in barcoding applications, EPC/RFID and EPCIS.
GS1 Key
Definition
The C/P identifier would be classified as a GS1 Key according to the current GS1 definitions.
However it is not to be used in open supply chains. The Application Identifier to indicate the
Component / Part Identifier (CPID) is AI (8010) (see Section 3.2 for List of all GS1 Application
Identifier).
Rules
See above
Attributes
Required
Not Applicable
Optional
The C/P identifier may be supplemented by an optional serial number. The format of the serial
number is numeric only, maximum 12 digits.
Data Carrier Specification
Carrier Choices
The GS1 data carriers that can be used to represent the C/P identifier and the optional serial
number are:
GS1-128
GS1 DataMatrix
GS1 QR Code
EPC/RFID
Symbol Placement
Not applicable
Unique Application Processing Requirements
Not applicable
2.7.
See Section
See SST(s) #
Carrier Choices
2.1.2.1
1 or 3
2.1.2.1.5
2.1.2.1.5,
2.1.2.1.6
2.1.2.1.6
2.1.2.2
2.1.2.4
2.1.2.5
8 or 10
2.1.2.6
Application
See Section
See SST(s) #
Carrier Choices
2.1.2.6.2
2.1.2
2 or 4
2.1.3
2.1.3 and
2.1.2.4
6 or 7
2.1.4
2.1.5
2.1.6.1
EAN-8 Symbols
2.1.6.2
2.1.6.3
UPC-E
2.1.6.4
EAN-13 Symbols
2.1.7.1
2.1.7.2
2.1.8
1 Addendum
2.1.8
6, 7, 8,or 10
GS1 DataMatrix
2.2.1
2.2.2, 2.2.3
Application
See Section
See SST(s) #
Carrier Choices
2.3.1
2.3.1,
2.1.1.9
GS1 DataMatrix
2.3.2
2.3.2,
2.1.1.9
GS1 DataMatrix
2.4
Service Relationships
2.5
11
Digital Coupons
2.6.2.2
2.6.3.3
2.6.3.4
2.6.3.5
2.6.3.6
NOTE: See US
Coupon
Application
Guideline Using
GS1 DataBar
Expanded
Symbols for the
appropriate
SST.
Refund Receipts
2.6.4
2.6.5
Payment Slips
2.6.6
2.6.7
2.6.8
2.6.9
2.6.10
N/A
Note: GS1 DataBar has the capacity to carry GTIN-14, GTIN-14 is not intended for use
at Point of Sale (POS) applications; therefore GS1 DataBar symbols for POS must not
encode GTIN-14.
3
GS1 Application Identifier Definitions
3.1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................138
3.2. GS1 Application Identifiers in Numerical Order ......................................................... 138
3.3. GS1 Application Identifiers starting with digit 0 ........................................................ 143
3.4. GS1 Application Identifiers starting with digit 1 ........................................................ 147
3.5. GS1 Application Identifiers starting with digit 2 ........................................................ 152
3.6. GS1 Application Identifiers starting with digit 3 ........................................................ 158
3.7. GS1 Application Identifiers starting with digit 4 ........................................................ 165
3.8. GS1 Application Identifiers starting with digit 7 ........................................................ 175
3.9. GS1 Application Identifiers starting with digit 8 ........................................................ 184
3.10. GS1 Application Identifiers starting with digit 9 ........................................................ 192
3.11. Compatibility of EPCglobal Tag Data Standard and GS1 General Specifications ... 193
3.1.
Introduction
This section describes the meaning, structure, and function of the GS1 System Element Strings
so they can be correctly processed in users application programmes. An Element String is the
combination of a GS1 Application Identifier and a GS1 Application Identifier Data Field. The
allowable character set to be used for GS1 Application Identifier Element Strings is defined in
section 7.11. There are AIs that have additional syntax restrictions, e.g. numerical only; see
below definition for each AI.
Automatic processing of Element Strings in business applications requires information about the type
of transaction to which the transferred data refers. See Section 7 for an explanation of this process.
Element Strings can be carried by GS1-128, GS1 DataBar Symbology, GS1 Composite, and GS1
DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code Symbols. The rules for use and interrelationships between the
Application Identifiers are contained in Section 2 and 4.
When a pre-defined length GS1 Key and attributes are encoded together, the GS1 Key
should appear before the attributes. In most cases pre-defined length element strings
should be followed by non pre-defined element strings. The sequence of pre-defined and
non pre-defined element strings should be at the discretion of the brand owner.
3.2.
AI
Data Content
Format (*)
00
N2+N18
SSCC
01
N2+N14
GTIN
02
N2+N14
10
N2+X..20
11 (**)
N2+N6
PROD DATE
12 (**)
N2+N6
DUE DATE
13 (**)
N2+N6
PACK DATE
15 (**)
N2+N6
BEST BEFORE
or BEST BY
16 (**)
N2+N6
SELL BY
17 (**)
N2+N6
USE BY OR
EXPIRY
20
Variant Number
N2+N2
21
Serial Number
N2+X..20
(FNC1)
SERIAL
240
N3+X..30
(FNC1)
ADDITIONAL ID
241
N3+X..30
(FNC1)
242
N3+N..6
(FNC1)
MTO VARIANT
243
N3+X..20
(FNC1)
PCN
250
N3+X..30
(FNC1)
SECONDARY
SERIAL
251
N3+X..30
(FNC1)
REF. TO
SOURCE
253
N3+N13+X..17
(FNC1)
GDTI
FNC1 Required
(****)
Data Title
CONTENT
(FNC1)
BATCH/LOT
VARIANT
AI
Data Content
Format (*)
254
N3+X..20
(FNC1)
GLN EXTENSION
COMPONENT
255
N3+N13+N..12
(FNC1)
GCN
30
N2+N..8
(FNC1)
VAR. COUNT
310 (***)
N4+N6
NET WEIGHT
(kg)
311 (***)
N4+N6
LENGTH (m)
312 (***)
N4+N6
WIDTH (m)
313 (***)
N4+N6
HEIGHT (m)
314 (***)
N4+N6
AREA (m2)
315 (***)
N4+N6
316 (***)
N4+N6
NET VOLUME
(m3)
320 (***)
N4+N6
321 (***)
N4+N6
LENGTH (i)
322 (***)
N4+N6
LENGTH (f)
323 (***)
N4+N6
LENGTH (y)
324 (***)
N4+N6
WIDTH (i)
325 (***)
N4+N6
WIDTH (f)
326 (***)
N4+N6
WIDTH (y)
327 (***)
N4+N6
HEIGHT (i)
328 (***)
N4+N6
HEIGHT (f)
329 (***)
N4+N6
HEIGHT (y)
330 (***)
N4+N6
GROSS WEIGHT
(kg)
331 (***)
N4+N6
332 (***)
N4+N6
333 (***)
N4+N6
334 (***)
N4+N6
335 (***)
N4+N6
336 (***)
N4+N6
VOLUME (m3),
log
337 (***)
N4+N6
KG PER m
340 (***)
N4+N6
GROSS WEIGHT
(lb)
FNC1 Required
(****)
Data Title
AI
Data Content
Format (*)
341 (***)
N4+N6
342 (***)
N4+N6
343 (***)
N4+N6
344 (***)
N4+N6
345 (***)
N4+N6
346 (***)
N4+N6
347 (***)
N4+N6
348 (***)
N4+N6
349 (***)
N4+N6
350 (***)
N4+N6
AREA (i2)
351 (***)
N4+N6
AREA (f2)
352 (***)
N4+N6
AREA (y2)
353 (***)
N4+N6
354 (***)
N4+N6
355 (***)
N4+N6
356 (***)
N4+N6
357 (***)
N4+N6
NET VOLUME
(oz)
360 (***)
N4+N6
361 (***)
N4+N6
362 (***)
N4+N6
363 (***)
N4+N6
364 (***)
N4+N6
VOLUME (i3)
365 (***)
N4+N6
VOLUME (f3)
366 (***)
N4+N6
VOLUME (y3)
367 (***)
N4+N6
368 (***)
N4+N6
369 (***)
N4+N6
37
N2+N..8
(FNC1)
COUNT
390 (***)
N4+N..15
(FNC1)
AMOUNT
391 (***)
N4+N3+N..15
(FNC1)
AMOUNT
392 (***)
N4+N..15
(FNC1)
PRICE
393 (***)
N4+N3+N..15
(FNC1)
PRICE
400
N3+X..30
(FNC1)
ORDER
NUMBER
401
N3+X..30
(FNC1)
GINC
402
N3+N17
(FNC1)
GSIN
403
Routing Code
N3+X..30
(FNC1)
ROUTE
FNC1 Required
(****)
Data Title
AI
Data Content
Format (*)
410
N3+N13
SHIP TO LOC
411
N3+N13
BILL TO
412
N3+N13
PURCHASE
FROM
413
414
N3+N13
LOC No
415
N3+N13
PAY TO
420
N3+X..20
(FNC1)
SHIP TO POST
421
N3+N3+X..9
(FNC1)
SHIP TO POST
422
N3+N3
(FNC1)
ORIGIN
423
N3+N3+N..12
(FNC1)
COUNTRY INITIAL
PROCESS.
424
Country of Processing
N3+N3
(FNC1)
COUNTRY PROCESS.
425
Country of Disassembly
N3+N3
(FNC1)
COUNTRY DISASSEMBLY
426
N3+N3
(FNC1)
COUNTRY
FULL PROCESS
427
N3+X..3
(FNC1)
ORIGIN
SUBDIVISION
7001
N4+N13
(FNC1)
NSN
7002
N4+X..30
(FNC1)
MEAT CUT
7003
N4+N10
(FNC1)
EXPIRY TIME
7004
Active Potency
N4+N..4
(FNC1)
ACTIVE
POTENCY
7005
Catch Area
N4+X..12
(FNC1)
CATCH AREA
7006
N4+N6
7007
Harvest Date
N4+N6..12
(FNC1)
HARVEST DATE
7008
N4+X..3
(FNC1)
AQUATIC
SPECIES
7009
N4+N..10
(FNC1)
FISHING GEAR
TYPE
7010
Production Method
N4+X..2
(FNC1)
PROD METHOD
703s
N4+N3+X..27
(FNC1)
PROCESSOR # s
710
N3+X..20
(FNC1)
NHRN PZN
711
N3+X..20
(FNC1)
NHRN CIP
712
N3+X..20
(FNC1)
NHRN CN
713
N3+X..20
(FNC1)
NHRN DRN
FNC1 Required
(****)
Data Title
FIRST FREEZE
DATE
AI
Data Content
Format (*)
FNC1 Required
(****)
Data Title
N3+X..20
(FNC1)
NHRN xxx
8001
N4+N14
(FNC1)
DIMENSIONS
8002
N4+X..20
(FNC1)
CMT No
8003
N4+N14+X..16
(FNC1)
GRAI
8004
N4+X..30
(FNC1)
GIAI
8005
N4+N6
(FNC1)
8006
N4+N14+N2+N2
(FNC1)
GCTIN
8007
N4+X..34
(FNC1)
IBAN
8008
N4+N8+N..4
(FNC1)
PROD TIME
8010
N4 + X..30
(FNC1)
CPID
8011
N4 + N..12
(FNC1)
CPID SERIAL
8017
N4+N18
(FNC1)
GSRN PROVIDER
8018
N4+N18
(FNC1)
GSRN RECIPIENT
8019
N4+N..10
(FNC1)
SRIN
8020
N4+X..25
(FNC1)
REF No
8110
N4+X..70
(FNC1)
8200
N4+X..70
(FNC1)
PRODUCT URL
90
N2+X..30
(FNC1)
INTERNAL
91 to 99
N2+X..30
(FNC1)
INTERNAL
NOTES:
(*): The first position indicates the length (number of digits) of the GS1 Application Identifier. The following value
refers to the format of the data content. The following convention is applied:
N
numeric digit
X
any character in Figure 7.11-1
N3
3 numeric digits, fixed length
N..3 up to 3 numeric digits
X..3 up to 3 characters in Figure 7.11-1
(**): If only year and month are available, DD must be filled with two zeroes.
(***): The fourth digit of this GS1 Application Identifier indicates the implied decimal point position.
Example:
3100 Net weight in kg without a decimal point
3102 Net weight in kg with two decimal points
(****): All GS1 Application Identifiers indicated with (FNC1) are defined as of variable length and shall be delimited
unless this Element String is the last one to be encoded in the symbol. The delimiter shall be a Function 1 Symbol
Character in GS1-128 Symbology, GS1 DataBar Expanded Versions and GS1 Composite Symbology and should be
a Function 1 Symbol Character in GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code Symbology.
(*****) An example to illustrate future additional NHRNs. If additional NHRN AIs are required, a request for a new
NHRN AI shall be made through the GS1 GSMP.
3.3.
3.3.1.
Extension
Digit
0 0
N1
Serial Reference
Check
Digit
N18
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the
SSCC of a logistic unit has been captured. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI
text section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2):
SSCC
3.3.2.
Application
Identifier
Check
Digit
Item reference
(GTIN-8)
0 1
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
(GTIN-12)
0 1
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
N10 N11
N12
(GTIN-13)
0 1
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
N13
(GTIN-14)
0 1
N1 N 2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
N14
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the GTIN
of a Fixed Measure Trade Item has been captured.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
data title should be used (see also Section 3.2): GTIN
3.3.3.
3.3.3.1. Identification of a Variable Measure Trade Item (GTIN) Scanned at POS: AI (01)
The Application Identifier (01) indicates that the GS1 Application Identifier data field contains a
GTIN. The GTIN is used to identify trade items (see Section 4). The GTIN for variable measure
trade Item scanned at POS can include a GTIN-12 or GTIN-13 Identification Number. The
Check Digit is explained in Section 7.9. Its verification, which must be carried out in the
application software, ensures that the number is correctly composed.
Figure 3.3.3.1-1. Format of the Element String
Application
Identifier
Check
Digit
(GTIN-12)
0 1
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
N10 N11
N12
(GTIN-13)
0 1
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
N13
The data transmitted from the barcode reader with first digit carrying 0 means that the Element
String denoting the GTIN of a Variable Measure Trade Item has been captured. This Element
String must be processed together with the variable information of the same trade item (see
3.6.1 and 3.6.2 Optional Attributes).
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
data title should be used (see also Section 3.2): GTIN
3.3.3.2. Identification of a Variable Measure Trade Item (GTIN) Not Scanned at POS: AI
(01)
The Application Identifier (01) indicates that the GS1 Application Identifier data field contains a
GTIN. GTINs with Indicator digit 9 are used to identify variable measure trade items not
scanned at POS (see Section 4).
The GTIN for Variable Measure Trade Items is a special application of the GTIN-14 Data
Structure. The digit 9 in the Indicator position indicates that the item identified is a Variable
Measure Trade Item Not Scanned at POS.
Unlike GTIN-14s used to identify fixed measure trade items (see Section 2, Identification of
Trade Item Groupings of Identical Trade Items), this GTIN-14 is not derived from the GTIN
(without check digit) of the contained trade items.
The GTIN-14 must be processed in its entirety and not broken down into its constituent
elements. Each average measurement grouping must be assigned its own GTIN-14 according
to the GTIN Allocation Rules.
The Check Digit is explained in Section 7.9. Its verification, which must be carried out in the
application software, ensures that the number is correctly composed.
Figure 3.3.3.2-1. Format of the Element String
Format of the Element String
Application
Identifier
0 1
Item Reference
Check
Digit
N14
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the GTIN
of a Variable Measure Trade Item has been captured. This Element String must be processed
together with the variable information of the same trade item (see 3.6 Optional Attributes).
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): GTIN
3.3.4.
Application
Identifier
0 2
N1 N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
Check
Digit
N14
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the GTIN
of Fixed Measure Trade Items contained in a logistic unit has been captured. This Element
String must be processed together with the count of trade items, AI (37), which must appear on
the same unit (see Section 3.6.5). When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text
section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2):
CONTENT
3.3.5.
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
Check
Digit
N14
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the GTIN
of a Variable Measure Trade Item contained in a logistic unit has been captured. This Element
String must be processed together with the count of trade items, AI (37), and a valid trade
measure that must appear on the same unit (see Section 3.6.5). When indicating this Element
String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be used
(see also Section 3.2): CONTENT
3.4.
3.4.1.
variable length
X20
The data transmitted by the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a batch or
lot number has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a particular item, it must
be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates. When indicating this
Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be
used (see also Section 3.2): BATCH/LOT
3.4.2.
Year: the tens and units of the year (e.g., 2003 = 03), which is mandatory
Month: the number of the month (e.g., January = 01), which is mandatory
Day: the number of the day of the relevant month (e.g., second day = 02); if it is not
necessary to specify the day, the field must be filled with two zeros
Note: When it is not necessary to specify the day (the Day field is filled with two zeros), the
resultant data string shall be interpreted as the last day of the noted month including any adjustment
for leap years (e.g. 130200 is 2013 February 28, 160200 is 2016 February 29, etc.).
Note: This Element String can only specify dates ranging from 49 years in the past to
50 years in the future. Determination of the correct century is explained in Section 7.12.
Production Date
1 1
Year
Month
Day
N1 N2
N3 N 4
N5 N6
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a
production date has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it must
be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates. When indicating this
Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be
used (see also Section 3.2): PROD DATE
3.4.3.
Year: the tens and units of the year (e.g., 1998 = 98), which is mandatory
Month: the number of the month (e.g., January = 01), which is mandatory
Day: the number of the day of the relevant month (e.g., second day = 02); if it is not
necessary to specify the day, the field must be filled with two zeros
Note: When it is not necessary to specify the day (the Day field is filled with two zeros), the
resultant data string shall be interpreted as the last day of the noted month including any adjustment
for leap years (e.g. 130200 is 2013 February 28, 160200 is 2016 February 29, etc.).
Note: This Element String can only specify dates ranging from 49 years in the past to 50
years in the future. Determination of the correct century is explained in Section 7.12.
Figure 3.4.3-1. Format of the Element String
1 2
Due Date
Year
Month
Day
N1 N 2
N3 N 4
N5 N6
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a due
date has been captured. This Element String must be processed together with a payment slip
reference number, AI (8020), and a GLN of the invoicing party, AI (415).
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): DUE DATE
3.4.4.
Year: the tens and units of the year (e.g., 2003 = 03), which is mandatory
Month: the number of the month (e.g., January = 01), which is mandatory
Day: the number of the day of the relevant month (e.g., second day = 02); if it is not
necessary to specify the day, the field must be filled with two zeros
Note: When it is not necessary to specify the day (the Day field is filled with two zeros),
the resultant data string shall be interpreted as the last day of the noted month including
any adjustment for leap years (e.g. 130200 is 2013 February 28, 160200 is 2016
February 29, etc.)
Note: This Element String can only specify dates ranging from 49 years in the past to 50
years in the future. Determination of the correct century is explained in Section 7.12.
Figure 3.4.4-1. Format of the Element String
1 3
Packaging Date
Year
Month
Day
N1 N2
N3 N 4
N5 N6
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a
packaging date has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it must
be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates. When indicating this
Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be
used (see also Section 3.2): PACK DATE
3.4.5.
Year: the tens and units of the year (e.g., 2003 = 03), which is mandatory
Month: the number of the month (e.g., January = 01), which is mandatory
Day: the number of the day of the relevant month (e.g., second day = 02); if it is not
necessary to specify the day, the field must be filled with two zeros
Note: When it is not necessary to specify the day (the Day field is filled with two zeros),
the resultant data string shall be interpreted as the last day of the noted month including
any adjustment for leap years (e.g. 130200 is 2013 February 28, 160200 is 2016
February 29, etc.).
Note: This Element String can only specify dates ranging from 49 years in the past to 50
years in the future. Determination of the correct century is explained in Section 7.12.
Figure 3.4.5-1. Format of the Element String
1 5
Month
Day
N1 N2
N3 N 4
N5 N6
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a best
before date has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it must be
processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): BEST BEFORE or BEST BY
3.4.6.
Year: the tens and units of the year (e.g., 2003 = 03), which is mandatory
Month: the number of the month (e.g., January = 01), which is mandatory
Day: the number of the day of the relevant month (e.g., second day = 02); if it is not
necessary to specify the day, the field must be filled with two zeros
Note: This Element String can only specify dates ranging from 49 years in the past to 50
years in the future. Determination of the correct century is explained in Section 7.12.
Figure 3.4.6-1. Format of the Element String
1 6
Sell By Date
Year
Month
Day
N1 N2
N3 N 4
N5 N6
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a sell by
date has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it must be
processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): SELL BY
3.4.7.
Year: the tens and units of the year (e.g., 2003 = 03), which is mandatory
Month: the number of the month (e.g., January = 01), which is mandatory
Day: the number of the day of the relevant month (e.g., second day = 02); if it is not
necessary to specify the day, the field must be filled with two zeros
Note: When it is not necessary to specify the day (the Day field is filled with two zeros),
the resultant data string shall be interpreted as the last day of the noted month including
any adjustment for leap years (e.g. 130200 is 2013 February 28, 160200 is 2016
February 29, etc.).
Note: This Element String can only specify dates ranging from 49 years in the past to 50
years in the future. Determination of the correct century is explained in Section 7.12.
Figure 3.4.7-1. Format of the Element String
1 7
Expiration Date
Year
Month
Day
N1 N2
N3 N 4
N5 N6
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting an
expiration date has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade item or a
coupon, it must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item or the Global Coupon
Number (GCN) to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): USE BY or EXPIRY
3.5.
3.5.1.
Application
Identifier
2 0
Variant Number
N1
N2
The Application Identifier (20) indicates that the data field contains a variant number.
The variant number must only be assigned by the brand owner. It forms a subsidiary numbering
facility that can be used in addition to the items GTIN and allows the creation of 100 variants of
a particular item.
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a product
variant has been captured. The product variant must be processed together with the GTIN of
the same trade item. Beyond the brand owner and any third party acting on its behalf, it should
be ignored. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label,
the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): VARIANT
3.5.2.
Serial Number
X1
variable length
X20
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a serial
number has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it must be
processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): SERIAL
3.5.3.
variable length
X30
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting an
additional item identification has been captured. This Element String must be processed
together with the GTIN of the same trade item.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): ADDITIONAL ID
3.5.4.
variable length
X30
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a
customer part number has been captured. This Element String must be processed together with
the GTIN of the same trade item. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text
section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2):
CUST. PART NO.
3.5.5.
Application
Identifier
242
variable length
N6
The data transmitted by the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a Made-toOrder Variation Number has been captured. This Element String must be processed together
with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates (see Section 3.3.3). When indicating this
Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following data title should
also be used (see also Section 3.2): MTO Variant
3.5.6.
variable length
X20
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a
Packaging Component Number has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a
particular item, it must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): PCN
3.5.7.
Only one Element String with AI (250) may be associated with a particular GTIN.
The secondary serial number field is alphanumeric and may include all characters contained in
Figure 7.11-1. The number and to what component it relates is determined by the issuer.
Figure 3.5.7-1. Format of the Element String
variable length
X30
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a
secondary serial number has been captured. This Element String must be processed together
with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates and the serial number of the trade item AI
(21). When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the
following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): SECONDARYSERIAL
Note: The actual data title may be specified by the issuer of the data.
3.5.8.
variable length
X30
The data transmitted by the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a reference
to source entity has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it must
be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): REF. TO SOURCE
Note: The actual data title may be specified by the issuer of the data.
3.5.9.
253
Document Type
Check
Digit
N13
Serial Component
(Optional)
X1
variable
X17
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a GDTI
has been captured. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a
barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): GDTI
The GS1 Company Prefix owner determines the extension component. Once determined, it is
unchanged for the life of the associated GLN. The GLN Extension Component field is
alphanumeric and may include all characters contained in Figure 7.11-1.
Figure 3.5.10-1. Format of the Element String
X1
variable length
X20
The data transmitted from the reader means that the Element String denoting an extension
component of a GLN has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a physical
location, it must be processed together with the GLN, AI (414), to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): GLN EXTENSION COMPONENT
255
Coupon Reference
Check
Digit
N13
Serial Component
(Optional)
N1
variable
N12
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): GCN
3.6.
3.6.1.
Application
Identifier
30
Count of Items
N1
variable length
N8
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a
quantity (count of items), which can be considered part of the identification of a Variable
Measure Trade Item, has been captured. This Element String must be processed with the GTIN
of the trade item to which it relates (see Section 3.3.3).
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): VAR. COUNT
3.6.2.
Applicable Value
N1
N2
N3 N4
N5
N6
The Application Identifiers used with this Element String are shown in the Figure below.
Note: Other values of AI (3nnn) specify gross measures and logistic measures.
Figure 3.6.2-2. Application Identifiers for Trade Measures
A1
A2
A3
Trade Measure
Unit of Measure
Net weight
Kilograms
Metres
Metres
Metres
Area
Square metres
Net volume
Litres
Net volume
Cubic metres
Net weight
Pounds
Inches
Feet
Yards
Inches
Feet
Yards
Inches
Feet
Yards
Area
Square inches
Area
Square feet
Area
Square yards
Net weight
Troy ounces
Ounces
Net volume
Quarts
Net volume
Gallons (U.S.)
Net volume
Cubic inches
Net volume
Cubic feet
Net volume
Cubic yards
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a
quantity, which can be considered part of the identification of a Variable Measure Trade Item,
has been captured. This Element String must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade
item to which it relates (see Section 3.3.3). When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI
text section of a barcode label, the Data Title in Section 3.2 should be used.
3.6.3.
Applicable Value
N1
N2
N3 N4
N5
N6
The Application Identifiers used with this Element String are shown in the Figure below
Figure 3.6.3-2. Application Identifiers for Logistic Measures
A1
A2
A3
Unit of Measure
Logistic weight
Kilograms
Metres
Metres
Metres
Area
Square metres
Logistic volume
Litres
Logistic volume
Cubic metres
Logistic weight
Pounds
Inches
Feet
Yards
Inches
Feet
Yards
Inches
Feet
Yards
Area
Square inches
Area
Square feet
Area
Square yards
A1
A2
A3
Unit of Measure
Logistic volume
Quarts
Logistic volume
Gallons (U.S.)
Logistic volume
Cubic inches
Logistic volume
Cubic feet
Logistic volume
Cubic yards
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a logistic
measure has been captured. This Element String must be processed with the SSCC of the
logistic unit or the GTIN of the Variable Measure Trade Item to which it relates. When indicating
this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the Data Title in Section 3.2
should be used.
3.6.4.
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting
kilograms per square metre has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade
item, it must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): KG PER m
3.6.5.
Application
Identifier
3 7
variable length
N8
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a
number of trade items contained in a logistic unit has been captured. This Element String must
be processed together with the GTIN represented in AI (02) (see Sections 3.3.4 and 3.3.5)
appearing on the same logistic unit.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): COUNT
3.6.6.
3 9 0 n
N1
variable length
N15
Encoded Value
1234567
1234567
12345
Actual Value
12345.67
123456.70
12345.00
The data string transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the
amount payable of a payment slip or the coupon value has been captured. This Element String
must be processed together with either:
the payment slip reference number, AI (8020) and the GLN of the invoicing party, AI
(415)
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): AMOUNT
3.6.7.
ISO Currency
Code
3 9 1 n
N1 N2 N 3
variable length
N18
ISO Currency
Code
3912
3911
3910
7 1 0*
7 1 0*
9 7 8**
Encoded Value
1230
1230
123
Actual Value
12.30
123.00
123.00
3.6.8.
3 9 2 n
N1
variable length
N15
Encoded Value
Actual Value
1234567
1234567
12345
12345.67
123456.70
12345.00
The data transmitted by the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the amount
payable of a Variable Measure Trade Item has been captured. As this Element String is an
attribute of a trade item, it must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which
it relates. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label,
the following Data Title should be used (see Section 3.2): PRICE
3.6.9.
Amount Payable for a Variable Measure Trade Item and ISO Currency
Code: AI (393n)
The Application Identifier (393) indicates that the GS1 Application Identifier data field consists of
an ISO currency code and an applicable amount payable. The amount payable refers to an item
identified with the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) of a Variable Measure Trade Item and is
expressed in the indicated currency. This AI is an attribute of the GTIN and is always expressed
in conjunction with it.
The Application Identifier digit shown as n indicates the implied decimal point in the Applicable
Amount Payable Field, where the digit 0 means that there is no decimal point, and the digit 1
means that the decimal point is before the last position of the amount payable. See examples in the
Figure below.
The ISO currency code field contains the three-digit currency number of the numerical
international standard ISO/IEC 4217 and indicates the currency in which the amount payable is
expressed. The Applicable Amount Payable field contains the sum to be paid for the Variable
Measure Trade Item.
Figure 3.6.9-1. Format of the Element String
Format of the Element String
Application
Identifier
ISO Currency
Code
3 9 3 n
N1 N2 N3
variable length
N18
3932
3931
3930
7 1 0*
7 1 0*
9 7 8**
Encoded Value
1230
1230
123
Actual Value
12.30
123.00
123.00
** Euro
The data transmitted by the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the amount
payable of a Variable Measure Trade Item has been captured. As this Element String is an
attribute of a trade item, it must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which
it relates. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label,
the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): PRICE
3.7.
3.7.1.
variable length
X30
The data transmitted by the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a
customer's purchase order number has been captured. This Element String may be processed
as stand-alone information where applicable or processed together with the GS1 identification
number of the same unit.
Important: This Element String must be removed from the unit before the unit leaves the
premises of the customer.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): ORDER NUMBER
3.7.2.
The structure and content of the consignment reference is at the discretion of owner of the GS1
Company Prefix to uniquely identify each consignment. It may contain all characters contained
in Figure 7.11-1.
Figure 3.7.2-1. Format of the Element String
4 0 1
N1 ...
Ni
Consignment Reference
Xi+1 ...
variable length
Xj (j<=30)
The data transmitted by the barcode reader means the Element String denoting a GINC has been
captured.
Note: If a new consignment is created, previously consignment number barcodes must
be removed from the physical units.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): GINC
3.7.3.
4 0 2
Shipper Reference
Check
Digit
N17
The data transmitted by the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a GSIN
has been captured. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a
barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): GSIN
3.7.4.
Routing Code
X1
variable length
X30
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a routing
code has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a logistic unit, it must be
processed together with the SSCC to which it relates. When indicating this Element String in the
Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also
Section 3.2): ROUTE
3.7.5.
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
Location Reference
N6
N7
N8
N9
N10
N11
N12
Check
Digit
N13
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the GLN
of the consignee of a physical item has been captured. This Element String may be processed
as stand-alone information where applicable or processed together with the GS1 identification
number to which it relates. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a
barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): SHIP TO LOC
3.7.6.
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
Location Reference
N6
N7
N8
N9
N10
N11
N12
Check
Digit
N13
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the GLN
of the addressee of an invoice has been captured. This Element String may be processed as
stand-alone information where applicable or processed together with the GS1 identification
number to which it relates. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a
barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): BILL TO
3.7.7.
The Check Digit is explained in Section 7.9. Its verification, which must be carried out in the
application software, ensures that the number is correctly composed.
Figure 3.7.7-1. Format of the Element String
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
Location Reference
N6
N7
N8
N9
N10
N11
Check
Digit
N12
N13
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the GLN
of the company that supplied the trade item has been captured. This Element String may be
processed as stand-alone information where applicable or processed together with the GS1
identification number to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): PURCHASE FROM
3.7.8.
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
Location Reference
N6
N7
N8
N9
N10
N11
N12
Check
Digit
N13
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the GLN
of the final recipient of a physical item has been captured. This Element String may be
processed as stand-alone information where applicable or processed together with the GS1
identification number to which it relates. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text
section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): SHIP
FOR LOC
3.7.9.
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
Location Reference
N6
N7
N8
N9
N10
N11
N12
Check
Digit
N13
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the GLN
of a physical location has been captured from the location itself. This Element String may be
processed as stand-alone information where applicable or processed together with the GS1
identification number to which it relates. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text
section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): LOC
NO.
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
Location Reference
N6
N7
N8
N9
N10
N11
N12
Check
Digit
N13
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the GLN
of the invoicing party has been captured. This Element String must be processed together with
the payment slip reference number, AI (8020), to which it relates. When indicating this Element
String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be used
(see also Section 3.2): PAY TO
3.7.11. Ship to - Deliver to Postal Code within a Single Postal Authority: AI (420)
The Application Identifier (420) indicates that the GS1 Application Identifier data field contains
the postal code of the addressee (national format). The postal code field contains the postal
code of the addressee as defined by the appropriate postal authority. It is left justified and must
not contain any fill characters.
Figure 3.7.11-1. Format of the Element String
Postal Code
X1
variable length
X20
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the
national version of a postal code of the addressee of the transport unit has been captured. This
Element String is normally processed as stand-alone information. When indicating this Element
String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be used
(see also Section 3.2): SHIP TO POST
3.7.12. Ship to - Deliver to Postal Code with Three-Digit ISO Country Code: AI
(421)
The Application Identifier (421) indicates that the GS1 Application Identifier data field contains
the postal code of the addressee (international format). The ISO country code field contains the
three-digit country number of the numerical international standard ISO 3166.
The national postal code field, which follows the three-digit ISO country code, contains the
postal code of the addressee as defined by the appropriate postal authority. It is left justified and
must not contain any fill characters.
Figure 3.7.12-1. Format of the Element String
ISO Country
Code
4 2 1
N1 N 2 N 3
Postal Code
X4
variable length
X12
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the
international version of a postal code of the addressee of the transport unit has been captured.
This Element String is normally processed as stand-alone information.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): SHIP TO POST
4 2 2
N1
N2
N3
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the ISO
country code of the country of origin of the respective trade item has been captured. As this
Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it must be processed together with the GTIN of the
trade item to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): ORIGIN
N2
N3 .... N15
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the ISO
country code(s) of the country or countries of initial processing of the respective trade item has
been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it must be processed
together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): COUNTRY INITIAL PROCESS
N2
N3
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the ISO
country code of the country of processing of the respective trade item has been captured. As
this Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it must be processed together with the GTIN
of the trade item to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): COUNTRY PROCESS
N2
N3
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the ISO
country code of the country of disassembly of the respective trade item has been captured. As
this Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it must be processed together with the GTIN
of the trade item to which it relates. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text
section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2):
COUNTRY DISASSEMBLY
ISO country code field contains the three-digit country code of the numerical international
standard ISO 3166 that is the country of full processing.
Note: If this AI is used, the full processing of a trade item must have taken place in a
single country. This is particularly important in certain applications (e.g., covering a livestock
animals birth, fattening, and slaughter) where processing could take place in different
countries. In situations like this, AI (426) may not be used. It is the responsibility of the supplier
to allocate the correct country code.
Figure 3.7.17-1. Format of the Element String
426
N1
N2
N3
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the ISO
country code of the country of full processing of the trade item has been captured. As this
Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it must be processed together with the GTIN of the
trade item to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): COUNTRY FULL PROCESS
variable length
X3
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the ISO
based country subdivision code of the trade item has been captured. This Element String must
be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item and the country of origin, AI (422), to
which it relates. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode
label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): ORIGIN SUBDIVISION
3.8.
3.8.1.
3.8.2.
NATO Supply
Assigning
Classification
Country
7001
N1 N 2 N 3 N 4
N 5 N6
Sequential Number
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a NATO
stock number has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it must
be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates. When indicating this
Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be
used (see also Section 3.2): NSN
3.8.3.
7002
X1
variable length
X30
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a
UN/ECE meat carcasses and cuts code has been captured. As this Element String is an
attribute of a trade item, it must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which
it relates. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label,
the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): MEAT CUT
3.8.4.
Year: the tens and units of the year (e.g., 2007 = 07), which is mandatory
Month: the number of the month (e.g., January = 01), which is mandatory
Day: the number of the day of the relevant month (e.g., second day = 02), which is mandatory.
Hour: the number of the hour based on local 24-hour time (e.g., 2 p.m. = 14), which is mandatory
Minutes: the number of the minutes based on local time (e.g., 15 minutes. = 15); if it is not
necessary to specify the minutes, the field must be filled with two zeros. Time will then be
interpreted as ending on the hour (e.g., 14:00 = expiry time at 14:00)
Figure 3.8.4-1. Format of the Element String
7003
MM
DD
HH
MM
N1N2
N3N4
N5 N 6
N7 N 8
N9 N10
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting an
expiration date and time has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade
item, it must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates. When
indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following Data
Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): EXPIRY TIME
Note: This Element String can only specify dates in the range from 49 years in the past
to 50 years in the future. Determination of the correct century is explained in Section
7.12.
3.8.5.
Active Potency
7004
N1
variable length
N4
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Active Potency of a Trade Item
has been captured. The Active Potency must be processed with the GTIN and batch or lot
number of the trade item to which it relates. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI
text section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2):
ACTIVE POTENCY.
3.8.6.
Major inland fishing areas covering the inland waters of the continents,
Major marine fishing areas covering the waters of the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern
Oceans, with their adjacent seas.
Note: The major fishing areas, inland and marine, as well as the subareas can be
identified when using this Application Identifier; FAO example: 27.8.e.2 West of Bay of
Biscay Non-NEAFC Regulatory Area
Catch Area
X1
variable length
X12
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the
Catch Area that has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it must
be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): CATCH AREA
3.8.7.
Year: the tens and units of the year (e.g., 2003 = 03), which is mandatory
Month: the number of the month (e.g., January = 01), which is mandatory
Day: the number of the day of the relevant month (e.g., second day = 02); this field must
always be filled
Note: This Element String can only specify dates ranging from 49 years in the past to 50
years in the future. Determination of the correct century is explained in Section 7.12.
Figure 3.8.7-1. Format of the Element String
7006
N1
N2
Month
Day
N3 N4
N5 N6
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a first
freeze date has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it must be
processed together with the trade item GTIN to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): FIRST FREEZE DATE.
3.8.8.
Start Date: This specifies the start of the time period being identified
Year: the tens and units of the year (e.g., 2003 = 03), which is mandatory
Month: the number of the month (e.g., January = 01), which is mandatory
Day: the number of the day of the relevant month (e.g., second day = 02); for a
harvest date. This field must always be filled.
End Date: This specifies the end of the time period being identified
Year: the tens and units of the year (e.g., 2003 = 03)
Day: the number of the day of the relevant month (e.g., second day = 02); for a
harvest date.
Note: This Element String can only specify dates ranging from 49 years in the past to 50
years in the future. Determination of the correct century is explained in Section 7.13.
Note: In case the catch period spans one calendar day, the end date shall not be
specified. In case the catch period spans multiple calendar days, both the start and end
date must be specified, with the end date being greater than the start date.
Figure 3.8.8-1. Format of the Element String
7007
N1 N2
Month
Day
N3 N 4 N5 N 6
Month
Day
N7 N8
N9 N10
N11 N12
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a harvest
date range has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it must be
processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): HARVEST DATE
3.8.9.
variable length
X3
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the
species for fishery purposes that has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a
trade item, it must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): AQUATIC SPECIES
7009
X1
variable length
X10
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the
Fishing Gear Type that has been captured. This Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it
must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): FISHING GEAR TYPE
01 Caught at Sea
03 Farmed
04 Cultivated
Figure 3.8.11-1. Format of the Element String
Production Method
7010
X1
variable length
X2
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the
Production Method has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it
must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): PROD METHOD
7030: slaughterhouse
7038: slaughterhouse
7039: slaughterhouse
For a typical seafood supply chain, the following sequence would be used:
The ISO country code contains the three-digit country number of the numerical international
standard ISO 3166 that relates to the following approval number of processor.
If 999 is entered as the ISO country code it signifies that the subsequent data is a Global
Location Number (GLN), and not an approval number.
Note: The approval number is usually assigned by a national or pluri-national authority to
processors in the food supply chain. These authorities may choose to use the Global
Location Number (GLN) (see Section 2.4) for this purpose. The approval number (or
GLN) remains with the item regardless of whether or not it changes ownership or
function.
703s
N1N2N3
Number of Processor
X4
variable length
X30
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the ISO
country code and number of processor has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute
of a trade item, it must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): PROCESSOR # s
Note: The NHRN is usually assigned by a national authority to healthcare brand owners
for specific trade items and shall only be used for compliance to regulatory requirements
where the GTIN alone will not meet the requirements.
Note: Additional individual NHRN AIs can only be assigned by GS1 and only in response
to a work request being submitted into the GSMP system.
Note: The GTIN and all associated NHRNs should be concatenated into a single data
carrier (i.e. single GS1-128, GS1 DataMatrix).
Note: Use of NHRN on the item is controlled by and subject to the rules and regulations
of national/regional agencies. Those rules and/or regulations may supersede these
recommendations.
Note: More than one NHRN may need to be associated with a given GTIN.
The general format of an NHRN Application Identifier is:
Figure 3.8.13-1. Format of the Element String
Format of the Element String
Application
Identifier
nnn
variable length
X20
Note: When an NHRN AI is approved, the overall variable length (i.e. allowable number
of characters) is specified by the national authority, with a twenty (20) character
maximum as noted in the general format above if applicable.
The Application Identifiers used with this Element String, their specific format and associated
regulatory body or assigning organisation, are shown in Figure 3.8.13 - 2 below:
Figure 3.8.13-2. Overview of NHRN Application Identifiers
Application
Identifier
Organisation
710
X1
variable length
X20
Germany IFA
711
X1
variable length
X20
France CIP
712
X1
variable length
X20
713
X1
variable length
X20
Brasil ANVISA
nnn (*)
X1
variable length
X20
(*) An example to illustrate future additional NHRNs. If additional NHRN AIs are required, a request for
a new NHRN AI shall be made through the GS1 GSMP.
Note: Companies wishing to apply one of the listed NHRN AIs will need to associate that
NHRN AI to the trade items GTIN according to the NHRN AI rules and should contact
their GS1 Member Organisation for further considerations of use.
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a
National Healthcare Reimbursement Number has been captured. This Element String is an
attribute of a trade item and must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to
which it relates. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode
label, the Data Title in Figure 3.2-1 should be used.
3.9.
3.9.1.
N5 N 6 N 7 N 8 N 9
N13
N14
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the
variable attributes of the identification of a roll product trade item have been captured. This
Element String must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates
(see Section 3.3.3). When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a
barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): DIMENSIONS
3.9.2.
Serial Number
X1
variable length
X20
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting an
electronic serial identifier of a cellular mobile telephone has been captured. This Element String
is normally processed as stand-alone information.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): CMT NO.
3.9.3.
8003
Asset Type
Check
Digit
N13
Serial Number
(Optional)
X1
variable
X16
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the GRAI
has been captured. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a
barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): GRAI
3.9.4.
Note: This Element String must never be used to identify the entity as a trade item or
logistic unit. If an asset is transferred between parties, the GIAI cannot be used for ordering the
asset. However, asset identification may be exchanged between parties for the purpose of
traceability
The GS1 Company Prefix is allocated by GS1 Member Organisations to the company that
allocates the GIAI here the owner of the individual asset (see Section 1.5). It makes the
number unique worldwide.
The structure and content of the Individual Asset Reference is at the discretion of owner of the
GS1 Company Prefix to uniquely identify each individual asset. It may contain all characters
contained in Figure 7.11-1.
Figure 3.9.4-1. Format of the Element String
8004
N1 ...
Ni
Xi+1 ...
variable length
Xj (j<=30)
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a GIAI
has been captured. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a
barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): GIAI
3.9.5.
Application
Identifier
8005
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the price
per unit of measure has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade item, it
must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates (see Section
3.3.3). When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the
following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): PRICE PER UNIT
3.9.6.
Application
Identifier
Total Number of
Components in the
Assembly
8006
N15 N16
N17 N18
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the
identification of a component of a trade item has been captured. This Element String is normally
processed as stand-alone information. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text
section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): GCTIN
3.9.7.
variable length
X34
The data string transmitted by the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting an
IBAN has been captured. This Element String must be processed together with the payment slip
reference number, AI (8020), and the GLN of the invoicing party, AI (415). When indicating this
Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be
used (see also Section 3.2): IBAN
3.9.8.
Year: the tens and units of the year (e.g., 2000 = 00), which is mandatory
Month: the number of the month (e.g., January = 01), which is mandatory
Day: the number of the day of the relevant month (e.g., second day = 02), which is
mandatory
Hour: the number of the hour based on local time (e.g., 2 p.m. = 14), which is mandatory
Note: This Element String can only specify dates ranging from 49 years in the past to 50
years in the future. Determination of the correct century is explained in Section 7.12.
Figure 3.9.8-1. Format of the Element String
8008
MM
DD
HH
MM
SS
N1N2
N3N4
N5 N6
N7 N 8
N9 N10
N11 N12
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a date
and time of production has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a trade item,
it must be processed together with the GTIN of the trade item to which it relates. When
indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following Data
Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): PROD TIME
3.9.9.
8010
N1
Xk (k<=30)
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a C/P
identifier has been captured. When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of
a barcode label, the following Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): CPID
variable length
N12
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a C/P
serial number has been captured. As this Element String is an attribute of a C/P identifier, it
must be processed together with the C/P identifier of the C/P to which it relates. When
indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following Data
Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): CPID SERIAL
8017
Service Reference
Check
Digit
N18
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the
Global Service Relation Number for the Provider has been captured.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): GSRN PROVIDER
The Global Service Relation Number Recipient identifies the relationship between an
organisation offering services and the recipient of services.
Figure 3.9.11-2. Format of the Element String
8018
Service Reference
Check
Digit
N18
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting Global
Service Relation Number for the Recipient has been captured. When indicating this Element
String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following Data Title should be used
(see also Section 3.2): GSRN - RECIPIENT
Application
Identifier
8019
variable length
N10
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a Service
Relation Instance Number has been captured. When indicating this Element String in the NonHRI text section of a barcode label, one of the following Data Title should be used as
appropriate (see also Section 3.2): SRIN
the invoicing party, the payment slip reference number uniquely identifies a payment slip. The
data field is alphanumeric and may contain all characters contained in Figure 7.11-1.
Figure 3.9.13-1. Format of the Element String
variable length
X25
The data string transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a
payment slip reference number has been captured. This Element String must be processed
together with the GLN of the invoicing party, AI (415).
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): REF NO.
3.9.14. Coupon Code Identification for Use in North America (AI 8110)
The coupon barcode is constructed by starting with a coupon Application Identifier of 8110,
followed by the required and optional data elements, until all desired data is encoded (or the
limit of 70 digits is reached).
Figure 3.9.14-1. Format of the Element String
variable length
X70
The data string transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting a
Coupon Code for Use in North America has been captured.
Application
Identifier
8200
variable length
X70
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting the
Extended Packaging URL for a trade item has been captured. This Element String shall be
processed as specified in Section 2.1.8 to obtain one URL address associated with the trade
item identified by the GTIN.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): PRODUCT URL
Data Field
9 0
X1
variable length
X30
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting mutually
agreed information has been captured. As this Element String may contain any information,
processing is subject to prior agreement between trading partners.
Important: The barcode carrying this Element String should be removed from any item
that leaves the jurisdiction of the trading partners.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): INTERNAL
Note: The actual data title may be specified by the issuer of the data.
Data Field
X1
variable length
X30
The data transmitted from the barcode reader means that the Element String denoting company
internal information has been captured. Processing of this Element String is to be organised by
the using company.
Important: This Element String should be removed from any item that leaves the
jurisdiction of the company.
When indicating this Element String in the Non-HRI text section of a barcode label, the following
Data Title should be used (see also Section 3.2): INTERNAL
Note: The actual data title may be specified by the issuer of the data.
4.1.
Introduction
The main purpose of Automatic Data Capture (ADC) is to replace manual entry of visually
captured information. This implies that an ADC message has to provide all information required
for a transaction without human intervention. GS1 System data may be used, for example, to
record entities in computer files, to sort goods on conveyor belts, to check completeness of a
consignment, to verify dates, and to record physical stock taking.
Element Strings may be applied directly on physical goods or printed in catalogues or
documents. The scanning source and the type of transaction determine the required information
in a given business application. Since all ADC data is being used in Electronic Data Processing
(EDP) applications, strict validation of data to be processed is an absolute prerequisite.
For correct processing of scanned data, certain business applications may require the
association of Element Strings representing a particular combination of identification data. The
GS1 System enables users to achieve the needed level of data accuracy through the use of
adequate Element Strings.
The logical set up of the data standard of the GS1 System enables system users to validate
scanned data messages (see Section 7, AIDC Validation Rules).
Validation is affected on two levels. The first is validation of the data for conformity with system
rules (e.g., to provide a message that contains all information to be processed logically without
human intervention). The second level is validation of the data for conformity with the
requirements of a particular business application.
Sections 4.13.1 and 4.13.2 show the rules for the first verification level (e.g., validate data to
conform with the system logic). Section 4.13.1 defines the pairs of Element Strings that cannot
appear on the same physical entity. Section 4.13.2 defines the Element Strings that mandate
the appearance of another Element String on the same physical entity. All other combinations of
Element Strings are possible at the first level of verification, although they may not make sense
at the second, the application level.
4.2.
4.2.1.
GTIN Rules
Rules
Section / Link
4.3.1.1
4.3.1.2.1
4.3.1.2.2
Management of Uniqueness
4.3.1.3.1
Pre-Defined Characteristics
4.3.1.3.2
Pre-Priced Merchandise
4.3.1.3.3
Promotional Variants
4.3.1.3.4
4.3.1.3.5
4.3.1.3.6
GTIN Rule #
4.2.2.
4.2.3.
4.2.4.
4.2.5.
Rules
Section / Link
GTIN Rule #
4.3.1.4
10
Data Alignment
4.3.1.5
11
www.gs1.org/gtinrules
12
SSCC Rules
Rules
Section
4.4.1
SSCC Rule #
1
Assets Rules
Rules
Section
Asset Rule #
4.5
4.5.1.2
Best Practice
4.5.1.3
4.5.2
4.5.1.4
4.5.1.6
4.5.1.7
GLN Rules
Rules
Section/Link
GLN Rule #
General Rule
4.6.1.1
4.6.1.2
Relocations
4.6.1.3
4.6.1.4
www.gs1.org/glnrules
GSRN Rules
Rules
Section/Link
General Rule
4.7.1.1
4.7.1.2
4.7.1.3
4.7.1.4
GSRN Rule #
4.3.
GTIN Rules
4.3.1.
4.3.1.2. Responsibility
4.3.1.2.1. Allocation and Responsibility for Branded Items
The brand owner, the organisation that owns the specifications of the trade item regardless of
where and by whom it is manufactured, is normally responsible for the allocation of the Global
Trade Item Number (GTIN). On joining a GS1 Member Organisation, the brand owner receives
a GS1 Company Prefix, which is for the sole use of the company to which it is assigned.
The brand owner is the organisation that owns the trade item specifications and may be:
The manufacturer or supplier: The company that manufactures the trade item or has it
manufactured, in any country, and sells it under its own brand name
The importer or wholesaler: The importer or wholesaler that has the trade item
manufactured, in any country and sells it under its own brand name or the importer or
wholesaler that changes the trade item (for example by modifying the packaging of the
trade item)
The retailer: The retailer that has the trade item manufactured, in any country, and sells
it under its own brand
4.3.1.2.2.
There are some exceptions to the rules regarding responsibility described in:
Non-Branded Items: Items without a brand name and generic items (not private labels)
are still assigned Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN) by their manufacturer. As different
manufacturers and/or suppliers may supply items that appear identical to the buyer (this
could be a consumer as well as a retailer or manufacturer), it is possible that items that
are apparently the same have different GTINs. Companies that trade in these items
need to organise their computer applications (e.g., replenishment programs) to cope
with this eventuality. Examples of items that sometimes have no brand are apples,
plasterboard, candles, and drinking glasses. Examples for trade items that sometimes
have no brand and are not intended for retail include salt, fragrances, and food cans.
Customer Specific Items: If a trade item is made specifically for one trade customer
(buyer) and is orderable only by this customer, then the buyer assigns the GTIN. In this
case the GTIN should be formed from the customers GS1 Company Prefix (see Section
1.5). If the supplier (seller) sells a trade item to more than one buyer or intends to sell to
more than one buyer, then the seller assigns the GTIN.
Other Exceptions: If the brand owner does not assign a GTIN, the importer or another
intermediary can assign an item a temporary GTIN. This would imply that the importer takes
on the role of the brand owner and could, for example, register the product in a data
catalogue. This temporary GTIN may be used until a GTIN is assigned in the normal way.
Alternatively, a retail organisation can assign an internal number to an item that does not yet
have a GTIN assigned to it only if the item is used within its own stores.
4.3.1.3. Guidelines for Allocating the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)
4.3.1.3.1. Management of Uniqueness
Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN) must be allocated uniquely. GTINs should not contain any
intelligence or parsable strings. The embedding of internal codes is discouraged because it is
often found that the rules for changing them differ from the rules for changing a GTIN.
For some product types (e.g., Healthcare items) it is common for national regulators to require
the submission of a product filing from a party based within the jurisdiction of the regulator.
Such arrangements have no direct impact on GTIN Allocation but need to be covered by the
normal contractual arrangements (e.g., licensed distributor, subsidiary, reseller).
The net quantity of trade item (weight, volume, or other dimension impacting trade)
If the trade item is a grouping, the number of elementary items contained, and their
subdivision in sub-packaging units, the nature of the grouping (e.g., carton, pallet, boxpallet, flat-pallet)
A modification to any of the basic elements that characterise a trade item will usually lead to a
change in the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).
Note: Price is not a relevant criterion for changing a GTIN except when the price is
printed directly on the trade item.
Note: These rules are intended for global use. Exceptions may occur only when local
regulatory or legal requirements mandate otherwise. For example, in some industries,
such as healthcare, regulations or other requirements may dictate that any trade item
changes require a new GTIN.
Note: For complex products, such as some Medical Devices, key consideration for GTIN
Allocation is the commercialisation of the product (e.g., different for pricing or ordering or
invoicing). If the product is different a different GTIN is required. The figure below is a
scenario to represent the difficulties in determining when a GTIN change is necessary for
complex medical devices, depending upon how the device is viewed (i.e., from a
commercial and/or Form, Fit, Function perspective). Nominally the commercial aspects of
an item determine a GTIN change, the objective is to recognise that other important
factors reside which may not necessarily signify a commercialization shift, but would
impact the GTIN assignment particularly in the Healthcare industry. It is the brand
owners responsibility to manage appropriately the configuration of any complex device
and its appropriate GTIN(s) assignment. The example shows major hardware
components managed by GTIN and Serial Number combinations, recognising that within
this complex medical device there are other potential parameters where configuration
change must be managed; GTIN change may be dictated based on the manufacturers
change management process. It is the Brand Owner that decides upon the identification
requirement.
Figure 4.3.1.3.2-1. Example of the complexity of a Medical Device product with regard to GTIN Allocation
1.
GUI
GUI*
2.
Primary Unit
3.
Battery
Configuration
Independent
Master Serial
Number
Serial Numbers
AI(21)
New GTIN ?
Commercial
1. Language
2. Country of Use
3. Firmware Revision
4. Software Options
5. Hardware Revision
Typically the gross dimensions of a trade item communicated via the item file that do not affect
net trade item quantity or measure do not impact the GTIN assignment. However, as a general
rule if any gross dimension (e.g., length, depth, weight) changes by more than 20 percent, a
new GTIN is required. Changes below 20 percent may require a new GTIN at the discretion of
the brand owner.
In all cases, a change to a GTIN for the trade item at a lower level of packaging will always lead
to a change of any GTIN used for associated packaging at higher grouping levels.
Note: These rules are intended for global use. Exceptions may occur only when local
regulatory or legal requirements mandate otherwise.
Promotional variants of trade items that affect the net weight or volume of the trade item
must be allocated a separate, unique Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). Examples include
an attached free additional item or 10 percent extra free.
Promotional variants of trade items may impact the logistic weight or dimension of the trade
item by more than 20 percent. In this case, the promotional variants must be allocated a
separate, unique GTIN.
Promotional variants of trade items where a price reduction is explicitly specified on the
pack (flash packs) must be allocated a separate, unique GTIN unless local trade practices
or price marking legislation dictate otherwise. An example would be a 10 cents off offer.
Each seasonal promotion of a trade item should be allocated a separate, unique GTIN. An
example would be chocolate that is over-wrapped for Easter.
Other promotional variants should not be allocated a separate, unique GTIN. Examples
include money off coupon, free gift inside (unless this causes an increase in gross weight
by more than 20 percent), "send for" offer, competition offer, or samples sent directly to
consumer bypassing the retail Point-of-Sale.
Minor trade item changes or improvements do not require the allocation of a different GTIN.
Examples include label artwork redesign, minor trade item description changes that do not
impact the supply chain, gross dimension change in any axis of less than 20 percent with
content quantity or measure unchanged. This rule applies to retail consumer trade items
(retail POS unit) and trade item groupings (orderable cases or pallets).
If a trade items quantity or measure changes or if the consumer will be expected to distinguish
between an old and new brand name or product description, then a new GTIN must be
allocated.
Trade items that are a trade item grouping of smaller units identified by a Global Trade Item
Number (GTIN) must be allocated a separate GTIN whenever there is a change to the GTIN
of any of the units contained.
For trade item groupings containing units that are themselves promotional variants or minor
trade item variants of trade items whose GTINs remain unchanged, the rule is the following:
If the trade item grouping has to be distinguished for effective ordering, handling, and
tracking, a separate GTIN must be allocated to it. Examples include promotions that are
limited to certain geographical areas or date specific promotions.
If the identification of minor trade item variants is only relevant to the manufacturer, they
should distinguish these variants by using the Element String product variant (AI 20).
Examples include minor package design changes and side loading as opposed to top
loading cases.
the expiration date of the last original trade items produced with that number
-or-
the last original trade items produced with that number have been supplied to the customer.
Trade Item Any item (product or service) upon which there is a need to retrieve pre-defined
information and that may be priced, ordered, or invoiced at any point in any supply chain.
Retail Consumer Trade Item The trade item intended to be sold to the end consumer at
retail Point-of-Sale. They are identified with a unique GTIN-13, GTIN-12, or GTIN-8. (See
the Section 2.).
Trade Item Grouping A grouping of retail consumer trade items that is not intended for
Point-of-Sale scanning. It is identified with a unique GTIN -14, GTIN -13, or GTIN -12.
Non-GTIN Pack A packaging level for trade items where there is no trading partner
requirement for Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) identification. If a GTIN is required, then
this item becomes a retail consumer trade item or trade item grouping.
Logistic Unit An item of any composition established for transport and/or storage that
needs to be managed through the supply chain. It is identified with an SSCC (Serial
Shipping Container Code).
Note: These rules are intended for global use. Exceptions may occur only when local
regulatory or legal requirements mandate otherwise.
4.3.1.8. GTIN Allocation Considerations for Home Apparel and Home Fashion
The GSMP General Merchandise Work Team validated the existing Global Trade Item (GTIN)
allocation rules and concluded that they are applicable to the apparel and home fashions
product category. The content of this section extends the content in section 4.3.1.8.1 to cover
scenarios specific to apparel and home fashions and may be different in other sectors. This
section is the result of the review of the Trade Item Identification and Communication Guidelines
(VICS EDI) TIIC, May 2001, by the GSMP Work Team.
4.3.1.8.1. Pre-pack/Multi-pack/Set-pack
For a pre-pack or assortment of trade items, each different item within the pre-pack will be
assigned a GTIN maintaining the one-to-one relationship between trade item/colour ID/size ID
and GTIN. Each GTIN must be marked so as to enable scanning at the Point-of-Sale. A
separate, unique GTIN is assigned to each orderable pre-pack. This GTIN is not intended to be
scanned at the retail Point-of-Sale. Different pre-packs of trade items are assigned different
GTINs when either the component item or quantity contents of the pre-packs are different.
A multi-pack is a group of trade items (the same or different) that are intended to be sold as a
single consumer unit at the Point-of-Sale (e.g., a three-pack of men's white T-shirts or a 12piece set of glassware). A multi-pack is not intended to be broken apart and sold as individual
trade items. A multi-pack is assigned a GTIN that is different from the GTIN that may be
assigned to the individual trade items. Generally components of a multi-pack are not marked
with individual GTINs. Each different multi-pack of the same trade items (e.g., three-pack socks
versus six-pack socks) must have a different GTIN assigned. Each different multi-pack GTIN
must also have its own trade item/colour ID/size ID.
For a set-pack, each different trade item within the set-pack will be assigned a GTIN,
maintaining the one-to-one relationship between trade item/colour ID/size ID and the GTIN. The
individual trade item GTIN must be marked to enable retail Point-of-Sale scanning and may or
may not be orderable separately outside the set-pack(s). A separate, unique GTIN is assigned
to each set-pack. Different set-packs are assigned different GTINs when either the trade item or
quantity contents are different. The figure below provides a summary of the requirements.
Figure 4.3.1.8.1-1. Requirements by pack type
PACK
Orderable
by Retailer
Sellable to
Consumer
GTIN Marked
Orderable
by Retailer
Sellable
to
Consum
er
GTIN Marked
Pre-pack
Yes
No
Yes
Maybe
Yes
Yes
Multi-pack
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Set-pack
Yes
Yes
Yes
Maybe
Yes
Yes
4.4.
SSCC Rules
4.4.1.
that an individual SSCC number must not be reallocated within one year of the shipment date
from the SSCC assignor to a trading partner. However, prevailing regulatory or industry
organisation specific requirements may extend this period.
4.4.1.2. Responsibility
The Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) provides functionality to support the management
(tracking, tracing, storage, etc.) of logistic units through the supply chain. To ensure global
uniqueness and traceability, the physical builder of the logistic unit or the brand owner of the
logistic unit is responsible for the allocation of the SSCC.
4.5.
4.5.1.
8003
Asset Type
Check
Digit
N13
Serial Number
(Optional)
X1
variable
X16
The exact method used to allocate the GRAI is left to the discretion of the issuing organisation.
However, a unique number, the Asset Type, must be assigned for each type of asset being
identified, and for ease of administration, the GS1 System recommends that numbers be
allocated sequentially and not contain classifying elements.
When it is not possible to assign an Asset Type (e.g., for museum exhibits), or when the type of
asset is not required by the application (e.g., when the item is only used for a single type of
asset), then the Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI), AI (8004), should be used.
To encode the following Examples of Identification Numbers in a GS1-128 barcode a zero in the
leftmost position must be added to generate the defined length for the 14-digit asset
identification number field.
GRAI
1234567890005
1234567890012
1234567890029
12345678900051234AX01
12345678900051234AX02
12345678900051234AX03
8004
N1 ...
Ni
Xi+1 ...
variable length
Xj (j<=30)
The exact method used to allocate the GIAI is left to the discretion of the issuing organisation.
However, each GIAI must be unique for each individual asset being identified and, for ease of
administration, the GS1 System recommends that GIAIs be allocated sequentially and not
contain classifying elements.
4.5.2.
4.5.3.
4.6.
GLN Rules
the GLN be associated with the master data for the identified location
Once assigned at the source, usually by the party owning the location, the GLN becomes a
global reference that can be used by all. See Section 4.6.1.6 for guidance on trading with
organisations that do not use GLNs.
The GLN allocated to an entity should be communicated from the owner of the location through
the supply chain in advance of a transaction/delivery so that all systems can be prepared for
interaction. GLNs are reference keys for retrieving the indicated information from databases.
From time to time, the details (associated data) related to a GLN might change. The following
subsections are general cases or examples on the allocation of GLNs due to a change in the
circumstances or business conditions in which the number was originally established. See 4.6.3
for GLN allocation rules and scenarios regarding when GLNs should remain the same or should
be changed. These rules are based on business practices.
Note: These rules are intended for global use. Exceptions may occur only when local
regulatory or legal requirements mandate otherwise.
If a company sells a location to another party, the GLN that was assigned should not be
reassigned per the provisions of Section 4.6.1.7.
If the purchase of the whole company by another has included assignment of the GS1
Company Prefix with the consent of the Member Organisation, then the existing GLNs
already allocated can continue to be used.
If a company is split as a result of the purchase, the new owner must assign new GLNs.
In addition, if two activities within a company merge and have separate GLNs before the
merger, then transition to one of the existing GLNs should be made by updating records and
retiring one of the GLNs.
4.6.1.3. Relocations
Relocations within the same building (e.g., a department moves from the second to the seventh
floor of a building), or other changes in address that have little or no impact on such things as
deliveries and payments, do not require assignment of a new GLN. The changed information
may be updated and communicated to trading partners. However, whenever the point of
access changes, a new GLN should be assigned. When a given operation is closed in one
location and replaced by a similar operation at a new location, a new GLN should be assigned.
by the responsible trading partner ensures supply chain efficiency. A GLN shall not be sold,
leased, or loaned to a separate party.
4.6.2.
4.6.3.
Note: These rules are intended for global use. Exceptions may occur only when local
regulatory or legal requirements mandate otherwise.
4.7.
GSRN Rules
4.7.1.
GSRNs allocated by that organisation should be phased out. If the activity covered by the
GSRN is transferred, the new organisation providing the service may continue to use
existing GSRNs if it has taken over the GS1 Company Prefix of the original organisation
providing the service; if not, the GSRN should be phased out and a new GSRN allocated
using the new organisations GS1 Company Prefix.
if the range of services identified by a GSRN changes, the organisation that provides the
service should change the details associated with the GSRN on the related computer file
record. The assignment of a new GSRN is not required in this case.
a GSRN used to identify a particular service relationship that has terminated should not be
reallocated for a period well beyond the lifetime of the relevant records.
service relationship. Typical information includes the service recipients or providers full name,
address, and details of the services received or rendered.
If the identification of a Global Service Relation Number for the Service Recipient (GSRN)
needs to be further identified with a sequence indicator corresponding to specific encounters
during a service relationship, a Service Relation Instance Number (SRIN), AI (8019) may be
associated to the GSRN. As an example, in a healthcare setting this could be used to allow for
differentiation of Subject of Care identification capture from an identification band, both before
and after its replacement (i.e. due to a radiology examination, etc.).
4.8.
GDTI Rules
4.8.1.
A different Document Type shall be used whenever characteristics of the document are different.
By their nature, each document needs to be individually tailored for the intended recipient and,
therefore, requires a unique reference number in addition to the Document Type. Any duplicates of
a document should use the same number as the original. The serial component is optional and
assigned by the document issuer and is unique in a series of documents issued under the same
Document Type. Ideally the serial component should be sequentially allocated for each new
document generated. The serial component is used to communicate exact details pertinent to
the individual document such as:
4.9.
GINC Rules
4.9.1.
the same GTIN on a given item. It is possible and permissible to change one of these
NHRNs without a change to the other NHRNs or to the GTIN.
Note: It is not allowed to have multiple of the same NHRN AI with different data
associated with the same GTIN on a given item.
Comment
AI
Designation
AI
Designation
01
Identification of a
trade item
01
Identification of a
trade item
01
Identification of a
trade item
02
Identification of
logistic unit
contents
01
Identification of a
trade item
37
Count of units
contained
242
Made-to-Order
Variation
01 or 02
with
N1 not
equal to 9
Identification of a
Variable Measure
Trade Item
420
Ship to postal
code, single
postal authority
421
Ship to postal
code with ISO
country code
422
Country of origin
of a trade item
426
Country of full
processing
423
Country of initial
processing
426
Country of full
processing
424
Country of
processing
426
Country of full
processing
425
Country of
disassembly
426
Country of full
processing
390n
Amount payable
or Coupon value
single monetary
area
391n
Amount payable
with ISO currency
code
392n
Amount Payable
for a Variable
Measure Trade
Item Single
Monetary Area
393n
Amount Payable
for a Variable
Measure Trade
Item and ISO
Currency Code
710,
711,
712,
713
(nnn)
National
Healthcare
Reimbursement
Number
Any AI
(01)
allowable
attributes
Any GTIN
allowable
attributes
Comment
AI
Designation
AI
Designation
8006
Component
identification
01
Identification of a
trade item
8018
Global Service
Relation Number
for the Recipient
8017
Global Service
Relation Number
for the Provider
Then
Mandatory
Associated
Element
String
Comment
AI
Designation
01 with
N1 = 0
Identification of a
Variable Measure
Trade Item
Scanned at POS
30 or 3nnn*
or 3nnn**
01 or 02
with
N1 = 9
Identification of a
Variable Measure
Trade Item Not
Scanned at POS
30 or 3nnn*
or 3nnn**
or 8001
02
Identification of
logistic unit
contents
00
02
Identification of
logistic unit
contents
37
10
Batch/lot number
01
or 02
11, 13,
15, 16
Dates
01
or 02
12
Due date
17
Expiration Date
01 or 02 or
255
20
Product variant
01
or 02
If Element String
Then
Mandatory
Associated
Element
String
Comment
21
Serial number
01
240
Additional product
identification
01
or 02
241
Customer part
number
01
or 02
242
Made-to-Order
Variation Number
01 or 02 with
N1 = 9
243
Packaging
Component
Number
01
250
Secondary serial
number
01 and 21
251
Reference to
source entity
01
254
Extension
component of a
GLN
414
30
Variable count
01 or 02
3nnn*
Trade measures
that cannot be
summed
01
3nnn**
Trade measures
that can be
summed
01 or 02
3nnn***
Logistic measures
00 or
01
337n
Kilograms per
square metre
01
37
Count of units
contained
02
390n
Amount payable
or Coupon value
single monetary
area
If Element String
Then
Mandatory
Associated
Element
String
Comment
391n
Amount payable
with ISO currency
code
392n
Amount payable
when scanned at
POS - single
monetary unit
01
392n
Amount payable
when not scanned
at POS single
monetary unit
01
393n
Amount payable
when scanned at
POS with ISO
currency code
01
393n
Amount payable
when not scanned
at POS with ISO
currency code
01
403
Routing code
00
415
GLN of the
invoicing party
8020
422
Country of origin
01
or 02
423
Country of initial
processing
01
or 02
424
Country of
processing
01
or 02
425
Country of
disassembly
01
or 02
426
Country of full
processing
01
or 02
427
Country
Subdivision of
Origin Code for a
Trade Item
01 or 02 and
422
7001
NATO stock
number
01
or 02
7002
UN/ECE meat
carcasses and
cuts classification
01
or 02
7003
Expiration Date
and Time
01
or 02
7004
Active Potency
01 and 10
If Element String
Then
Mandatory
Associated
Element
String
Comment
7005
Catch Area
01 or 02
7006
01 or 02
7007
Harvest Date
01 or 02
7008
Species for
Fishery Purposes
01 or 02
7009
Fishing Gear
Type
01 or 02
7010
Production
Method
01 or 02
703(s)
Number of
processor
01
or 02
710
National
Healthcare
Reimbursement
Number
01
711
National
Healthcare
Reimbursement
Number
01
712
National
Healthcare
Reimbursement
Number
01
713
National
Healthcare
Reimbursement
Number
01
8001
Variables of roll
products
01
8005
01 or 02
8007
International Bank
Account Number
8008
01
or 02
8011
Component / Part
Identifier Serial
Number
8010
8019
Service Relation
Instance Number
8018
If Element String
Then
Mandatory
Associated
Element
String
Comment
8020
Payment slip
reference number
415
8200
Extended
Packaging URL
01
Is (3nnn) where the first three digits are 312, 313, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, and 329
**
Is (3nnn) where the first three digits are 310, 311, 314, 315, 316, 320, 321, 322, 323, 350,
351, 352, 356, 357, 360, 361, 364, 365, and 366
***
Is (3nnn) where the first three digits are 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 340, 341, 342,
343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 353, 354, 355, 362, 363, 367, 368, and 369
Note: Exception for Point-of-Sale. See Figure 5.5.2.6 1. Areas of GS1 System
Application.
For the purposes of interpreting this standard, there are two types of text that appear on a label,
package, or item; Human-Readable Interpretation (HRI) and Non-HRI Text.
Human Readable Interpretation (HRI) is the information below or beside a barcode or tag
which is encoded in the barcode or tag and represents the same characters as carried in
the barcode or tag (See Section 8 Glossary for full definition).
Non-HRI Text is all other text on package, label or item (See Section 8 Glossary for full
definition).
Note: The following rules are intended for global use. Exceptions may occur only when
local regulatory or legal requirements mandate otherwise
Note: At present, HRI rules are applicable to barcodes as rules for EPCglobal RFID tags
are under development.
Human Readable Interpretation Rules
1. Whether a GS1 AIDC Data Carrier encodes a GS1 Identification Key, GS1 Key Attributes,
or a combination of both, the HRI should be placed below the barcode and grouped
together wherever physically possible while maintaining the HRI legibility and minimum
barcode height (as specified in the appropriate Symbol Specification Table referenced by
the GS1 AIDC Application Standard).
a. In cases where the HRI must be printed above, to the left, or to the right of the symbol
due to packaging or space constraints, HRI shall always be printed adjacent to
(obviously associated with) the GS1 AIDC data carrier while protecting quiet zones.
b. If the HRI for GS1 Identification Keys and GS1 Key Attributes is split (for example GS1
Key HRI is below the barcode and GS1 Key attributes HRI is above the barcode), the
preference for GS1 Key HRI placement is always below the barcode.
c. When HRI is grouped together (for example, all HRI data is grouped below the barcode
or all HRI data is grouped above the barcode), HRI shall always follow the encoding
sequencing of the GS1 AIDC data carrier.
2. A single data element shall not be broken into two lines of HRI, for example the data for a
serial number would appear on one line of HRI.
3. Parentheses shall surround AIs in HRI but are not encoded in the GS1 AIDC data carrier.
4. A clearly legible font shall be used (e.g., OCR-B as defined in ISO 1073-2) and the
character set as defined in Section 7.11. Reasonable alternative type fonts and character
sizes are acceptable provided the interpretation is clearly legible.
5. HRI shall be limited to element strings and will not include GS1 AIDC data carrier overhead
such as FNC1 characters.
6. If the required barcode and associated HRI is marked directly on the part, then both satisfy
the requirements for Healthcare Primary Package marking (see Section 2.1.2.3) if the
barcode can be scanned and the HRI is legible through a panel in the primary packaging.
7. HRI shall appear except in rare circumstances for specific applications where there are
extreme space constraints (e.g., direct part marking). If the GS1 AIDC data carrier cannot
be read or scanned and the HRI does not appear on the label, package, or item, non-HRI
text should be used as backup information.
8.
If the barcode is printed in ladder orientation on the product, the HRI should remain clearly
associated with the barcode and may appear below, to the left, or to the right of the symbol
respecting quiet zones. See Figure 4.14 - 1 below.
Product
Product
Product
HRI
HRI
HRI
Note: There may be local variants for non-HRI text on the label (e.g., dates, prices) which
are formatted based on local practice rather than the way the data is encoded in GS1
AIDC data carriers. In this case, the HRI associated with AIDC shall still be expressed as
it is encoded in the GS1 AIDC data carrier encodation (per Application Identifier
definition).
9. When AI (8200) appears on the label, the expression of the URL shall not appear in HRI. If
it appears in Non-HRI text, it shall be expressed as http://brandownerassignedURL.com/GTIN
(where GTIN expressed as 14 digits).
If a deviation from the preferred format is required that results in HRI not being printed, then a
combination of HRI and Non-HRI Text may be used. When doing so, the following rules apply:
If the data represented in the Non-HRI Text is exactly as in the HRI, then the
appropriate AI shall be printed along with the data title. See figure 4.14.1-2.
If data represented in the Non-HRI Text does not match the HRI, then only a data title
may be used. The AI shall not be printed. This is illustrated in figure 4.14.1-3 by the
GTIN and Expiry.
Figure 4.14.1-3. Combination of HRI with AIs, Non-HRI Text (GTIN and Expiry) and data titles
If it is not possible to print both the GS1 AIDC data carrier and the HRI, Figure 4.14.1 4 should
be used to determine how HRI will be implemented. When it is not possible to print all of the
HRI, preference for printing shall be given to the GS1 Key.
Is the product
to be identified an instrument
or implant using DPM
techniques?
Is the product
predominately used in the
Home Care environment?
Y
Is there sufficient
panel size to apply the GS1 Data
Carrier and HRI at or above the
minimum size and quality
standard?
Change to a more
appropriate GS1 Data Carrier
Implement changes to
Artwork or Packaging
Is it practical to
change Artwork or Packaging to
allow printing of the HRI +
GS1 Data Carrier?
By removing
some or all of the HRI, is there
now sufficient panel size to apply the GS1
Data Carrier and any remaining HRI at or
above the minimum size and
quality standard?
No HRI required
Apply GS1 Data Carrier only
Note: Active Potency (AI 7004) HRI Rule. Printing of the Active Potency on the item is
controlled by regulation. Human readable interpretation of the Active Potency is not
required on the trade item.
Date type
Production
Packaging
Best Before
Expiration
Short form
PROD
PACK
BEST
EXP
AIDC techniques are suggested over any manual process to ensure accurate and timely stock
rotation. Every effort should be made to adopt an automated process to increase productivity and
date management.
4.15.1. Multiple Barcode Management Practices for Consumer Trade Items (All
Sectors)
1. Current Standards: All scanning systems shall deploy symbology identifiers (see Section
5.1.2) and when using GS1 Application Identifiers, process them according to GS1 Rules
(see Section 7.8).
2. GTIN Plus Attribute(s) Flag: Where applications require additional data be captured in a
multiple barcode symbol environment, modifications to systems should be made to
automate this requirement to optimize efficiency.
3. Adjacent Placement: Wherever two symbols can be used for the same application (POS,
POC) they should be placed adjacent to one another. Adjacent placement of symbols shall
never infringe on symbol quiet zones. The orientation (stack or row of symbols) or
sequence (which symbol is placed on the left, right, top, or bottom) and shall be determined
by the brand owner. Where adjacent placement on one panel is not permitted based on
space limitations, placement on adjacent panels should be attempted. This practice does
not supersede any Section 6 Symbol Placement Rule (e.g., 8mm (0.3) free space between
symbols and panel edge.)
4. Non-Adjacent Placement: Wherever two symbols are used for different applications (POS,
B2C Extended Packaging (EP) Direct Mode), they should be placed non-adjacent to one
another.
5. Obscure Placement: Wherever a symbol is used for product control purposes only, it
should be made as obscure as possible or even obstructed on the consumer trade item
package.
6. Product URL Barcode Indication: For barcodes encoding AI (01) (8200) see Section 4.14
Human Readable Interpretation Rules, Rule 9.)
7. GS1-128 Use as Secondary Symbol when EAN/UPC or ITF-14 is required
In general distribution, where EAN/UPC and/or ITF-14 is used to encode GTIN and where
GS1-128 is used to encode GTIN attributes, the GTIN should also be encoded in the GS1128 encoding GTIN attributes but GTIN is not required based on previous standards based
implementations.
Note: Where GS1 DataBar and GS1 DataMatrix are used, GTIN and GTIN attributes shall
be concatenated to ensure accurate data association.
GTIN in GS1 DataBar Processing: In order to facilitate migration away from a multiple
barcode environment where one retailer requires EAN/UPC and another GS1 DataBar
Expanded, at a minimum, all general retailers shall be able to process the AI (01) GTIN
from GS1 DataBar Expanded.
non-retail pharmacies shall have the capability to process AI (01) GTIN from GS1
DataMatrix, GS1 DataBar, and GS1-128 in addition to the capability for EAN/UPC and ITF14.
3. GS1-128 as Secondary Symbol: In Point-of-Care applications, where EAN/UPC or ITF-14
is used to encode GTIN and where GS1-128 is used to encode GTIN attributes, GS1-128
should encode GTIN as it is best practice to encode the GTIN attributes and the GTIN in a
single symbol whenever possible to ensure accurate data association.
Note: Where GS1 DataBar and GS1 DataMatrix are used, GTIN and GTIN attributes shall
be concatenated to ensure accurate data association.
4. Scenario-based Management Practices: Multiple barcode practices which apply to all
sectors are found in Section 4.15.1 and take precedence over those specific only to
healthcare. While industry best practice focuses on using only one barcode per package, a
product package that serves multiple markets may have the need for application of multiple
barcodes. When this occurrence is unavoidable, the management practices for use of
multiple symbols found in Figure 4.15.3 - 1 apply for regulated healthcare trade items.
4.15.3 1. The Figure separates solutions based on combinations of scanner environments
encountered for each scenario:
Scanners Encountered Combination #1: Package scanned in Retail Pharmacies (Yes or No)
Scanners Encountered Combination #2: Package scanned in general distribution (Yes or No)
Figure 4.15.3-1. Multiple Barcode Management Practices
Combinations
of Scanners
Encountered
Barcode
Data Scenario
Symbol 1
Symbol 2
GTIN A
Only
Attributes
Symbol
Scanner
Environment
Retail
Pharmacy
or NonRetail
Pharmacy/
Bedside
Automated
Conveyor
Arrangem
ent
Barcode
Gen
Options
Spec
Vertical or
Section
Horizontal
NA
for GTIN A
GS1 DataMatrix
2.1.2.3
GS1-128
2.1.2.4
GS1 DataBar
4.15.1
#1
Proposal
See Note 1
below
See Note 10
below
For * see
Note, 2 below
For ** see
Note 3 below
or
* EAN/UPC, GS1
DataBar, or GS1-128
plus
** Composite
Component
GTIN A
#2
Only
Attributes
Horizontal
for GTIN A
GS1 DataMatrix
2.1.2.6
GS1-128
4.15.1
See Note 1
below
See Note 10
below
For * see
Note 2 below
Combinations
of Scanners
Encountered
Barcode
Data Scenario
Symbol
Scanner
Environment
Symbol 1
Symbol 2
Retail
Pharmacy
or NonRetail
Pharmacy/
Bedside
GTIN A
GTIN A +
Automated
Conveyor
GTIN A
Attributes
Arrangem
ent
Barcode
Gen
Options
Spec
Vertical or
Section
Horizontal
Depends
upon
packaging
limitations
GS1 DataMatrix
2.1.2.3
GS1-128
2.1.2.4
GS1 DataBar
4.15.1
Proposal
See Note 1
below
See Note 4
below
See Note 10
below
or
For * see
Note 6 below
GS1 DataBar, or
GS1-128 plus
For ** see
Note 3 below
** Composite
Component or
* EAN/UPC with **
Composite
Component
GTIN A
GTIN A +
GTIN A
Attributes
Depends
upon
packaging
limitations
GS1 DataMatrix
2.1.2.6
GS1-128
4.15.1
See Note 1
below
See Note 2
below
See Note 4
below
#2
For * see
Note 6 below
See Note 10
below
GTIN A
+
GTIN A +
Attribute
Set 1
Attribute
Set 1
Duplicate
symbols on
bulky
packages
GS1
DataMatr
ix
Duplicat
e of first
symbol
2.1.2.3
2.1.2.4
See Note 5
below
GS1-128
GS1
DataBar
Expande
d
#1
See Note 1
below
See Note 7
below
See Note 10
below
EAN/UP
C plus
Composit
e
Compon
ent
GTIN A
+
GTIN A +
Attribute
Set 1
Set 1
Attribute
Duplicate
symbols on
bulky
packages
GS1-128
EAN/UP
C plus
Composit
e
Compon
ent
#2
GS1
DataMatr
ix
Duplicat
e of first
symbol
2.1.2.6
See Note 1
below
See Note 5
below
See Note 7
below
See Note 10
below
Combinations
of Scanners
Encountered
Barcode
Symbol
Scanner
Data Scenario
Arrangem
ent
Environment
Symbol 1
Symbol 2
Retail
Pharmacy
or NonRetail
Pharmacy/
Bedside
GTIN A
+
GTIN A +
Attribute
Set 2
Automated
Conveyor
Attribute
Set 1
GTIN A +
Attribute
Set 2
Gen
Options
Spec
Vertical or
Depends
upon
packaging
limitations
Horizontal
Attribute
Set 1
Proposal
Section
Horizontal
#1
GTIN A
+
Barcode
GS1
DataMatr
ix
GS1
DataMat
rix
GS1-128
GS1-128
GS1
DataBar
Expande
d
GS1
DataBar
Expande
d
EAN/UP
C plus
Composit
e
Compon
ent
EAN/UP
C plus
Composi
te
Compon
ent
GS1
DataMatr
ix
GS1
DataMat
rix
GS1-128
GS1-128
2.1.2.3
2.1.2.4
See Note 1
below
See Note 5
below
See Note 8
below
See Note 10
below
2.1.2.6
See Note 1
below
See Note 5
below
See Note 8
below
#2
See Note 10
below
#1
#1 or #2
GTIN
with
GIAI or
GRAI
Serial
Number
Not Permitted in Regulated Healthcare on Small Surgical Instruments where only one mark can be
made based on the available marking surface and SGTIN is source-marked by brand owner on
that surface
See Note 10 below
GTIN A
GTIN B
Not Permitted
GTIN A
SSCC
Permitted on trade items which also serve as logistics units. Symbol placement per Section 6.
#2
AI (02) + AI
(37)
Vertical
GS1128
GS1-128
2.2.1
See Note 9
below
SSCC
AI (02) + AI
(37)
Vertical
GS1128
GS1-128
2.2.1
See Note 9
below
GS1
Data
Non-GS1
#1
#2
#1 and #2
carried
by 1
or 2
symbols
Data
Symbols encoding internal or proprietary data should not be placed in a location where they could
be scanned in the open supply chain (e.g. retail POS, by an automated conveyor line scanner per
GS1 specifications)
See Section 4.15.1 Obscure Placement and Note 10 below
Note 1: Concatenation of GTIN and GTIN attributes into one symbol is the preferred
option for Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer Trade Items to validate connectivity
between GTIN and attributes. Separating GTIN attributes from the GTIN in the barcode
should be avoided wherever possible as improper association is possible. The scenario
takes into account the use of EAN/UPC which is widely used in retail pharmacies to
capture GTIN but once a market is prepared to support a data carrier which can encode
GTIN plus the GTIN attributes, this data carrier should replace EAN/UPC when GTIN
attributes are required.
Note 2: Symbols which are not preferred for Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer
Trade Items because they do not allow for concatenation but remain permissible options.
Note 3: GS1 Composite Component does not stand alone as a complete symbol; it is
necessary to associate the composite component with a linear symbol such as
EAN/UPC, ITF-14, GS1-128 or GS1 DataBar. GS1 Composite Component therefore
remains a legitimate option however but only in non-retail applications, GS1 DataMatrix is
preferred for Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer Trade Items based on its ability to
encode all information in one symbol and do so efficiently in terms of print speed and
panel size.
Note 4: It is recommended to use only one symbol that encodes the GTIN and attributes
Note 5: When two symbols are required to encode a large number of GTIN attributes,
both symbols should be the same symbology and both encode GTIN.
Note 6: Symbols which are not preferred for Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer
Trade Items because they do not allow for concatenation but remain permissible options.
Note 7: Recommended for bulky or large trade items or pallets
Note 8: Wherever possible use of one symbol to encode GTIN plus all attributes is
preferred to encoding attributes in two symbols
Note 9: AI (02) + AI (37) not recommended in regulated healthcare supply chain
Note 10: Since June 2007 GS1 has recommended all trading partners in the healthcare
sector invest exclusively in imaging-based scanners. Now that GS1 DataMatrix has been
approved within the standard, it is important to inform all trading partners of a process
within GS1 to establish target deployment dates. Without these dates, brand owners do
not have a way know when to deploy GS1 DataMatrix on their packaging and those
needing to invest in scanning equipment may inadvertently purchase equipment that will
not support the standards. To see GS1 Healthcares Position Paper on GS1 DataMatrix
adoption, visit http://www.gs1.org/healthcare.
Data Carriers
5.1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................230
5.2. Linear Barcodes - EAN/UPC Symbology Specifications ........................................... 234
5.3. Linear Barcodes - ITF-14 Symbology Specifications ................................................. 259
5.4. Linear Barcodes - GS1-128 Symbology Specifications ............................................. 266
5.5. Barcode Production and Quality Assessment ........................................................... 284
5.6. Linear Barcodes GS1 DataBar ..................................................................................334
5.7. Two Dimensional Barcodes GS1 DataMatrix Symbology ....................................... 347
5.8. Composite Barcodes....................................................................................................354
5.9. Two Dimensional Barcodes GS1 QR Code Symbology .......................................... 366
5.10. Appendix: Rules for Encoding/Decoding Element Strings in GS1 Symbologies using
GS1 Application Identifiers ..................................................................................................373
5.1.
Introduction
A data carrier is a means of representing data in machine readable form. Data carriers that are
endorsed by GS1 are described in Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.7.3.7; barcode
production and quality assessment are covered in Section 5.5.
The GS1 System specifies the data carrier used to represent any given Element String. Section
2 covers rules indicating which data carrier should be used to represent which Element Strings
in particular applications. The GS1 System uses the following data carriers:
The EAN/UPC Symbology family of barcodes (UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-13, and EAN-8
barcodes and the two- and five-digit Add-On Symbols) can be read omnidirectionally. These
symbols must be used for all items that are scanned at the Point-of-Sale and may be used
on other trade items.
Figure 5.1-1. UPC-A and EAN-13 Barcodes
UPC-A
EAN-13
ITF-14 (Interleaved 2-of-5) barcodes carry ID numbers only on trade items that are not
expected to pass through the Point-of-Sale. ITF-14 Symbols are better suited for direct
printing onto corrugated fibreboard.
Figure 5.1-2. ITF-14 Barcode
The GS1-128 barcode is a subset of the Code 128 barcode symbology. Its use is
exclusively licensed to GS1. This extremely flexible symbology encodes Element Strings
using Application Identifiers.
Figure 5.1-3. GS1-128 Barcode
GS1 DataBar is a family of linear symbologies used within the GS1 System. This family of
linear symbologies in most cases implicitly encodes Application Identifier (01) and in the
case of GS1 DataBar Expanded explicitly encodes Element Strings using Application
Identifiers.
Figure 5.1-4. GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional Barcode
(01)20012345678909
Composite Component Symbols do not exist in isolation. The primary identification number
is always encoded in the linear symbol and supplementary Application Identifier Element
Strings are encoded in the two-dimensional (2D) component where they take up less space.
Figure 5.1-5. GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional Barcode with a Composite Component
(17)050101(10)ABC123
(01)04012345678901
Data Matrix ISO version ECC 200 is the only version that supports GS1 System data
structures, including Function 1 Symbol Character. Implementation of GS1 DataMatrix shall
be done per approved GS1 System application standards, such as those for Regulated
Healthcare Retail Consumer Trade Items.
Figure 5.1-6. GS1 DataMatrix Barcode
GS1 QR Code, is a subset of ISO/IEC 18004 QR Code 2005. QR Code 2005 supports
GS1 System data structures, including Function 1 Symbol Character. Implementation of
GS1 QR Code shall be done per approved GS1 System application standards.
Figure 5.1-7. GS1 QR Code Barcode
5.1.1.
International Standards
A number of national and regional standardisation bodies have developed barcode
technical standards. The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has published
standard barcode symbology specifications via a subcommittee of ISO/IEC JTC1
(International Organisation for Standardisation/International Electrotechnical Commission Joint
Technical Committee 1).
GS1 is actively involved in developing these standards. The objective is for GS1 System
standards to remain fully compatible with relevant published national, regional, and
international symbology standards. The pertinent documents for Section 5 include the latest
published version of:
Section 5.1: ISO/IEC 15424: Information technology; automatic identification and data
capture techniques; data carrier/symbology identifiers
Section 5.2: ISO/IEC 15420: Information technology; automatic identification and data
capture techniques; bar code symbology specifications; EAN/UPC
Section 5.3: ISO/IEC 16390: Information technology; automatic identification and data
capture techniques; bar code symbology specifications; ITF-14
Section 5.4: ISO/IEC 15417: Information technology; automatic identification and data
capture techniques; bar code symbology specifications; GS1-128 Symbology specifications
ISO 1073-2: Alphanumeric character sets for optical recognition Part 2: Character set
OCR-B Shapes and dimensions of the printed image
Section 5.6: ISO/IEC 24724: Information technology; automatic identification and data
capture techniques; Reduced Space Symbology (RSS) bar code symbology
specification (formerly RSS; now GS1 DataBar)
Section 5.7: ISO/IEC 16022: Information technology; automatic identification and data
capture techniques; Data Matrix bar code symbology specification
Section 5.8: ISO/IEC 24723: Information technology; automatic identification and data
capture techniques; EAN.UCC Composite bar code symbology specification
Section 5.9: ISO/IEC 18004: Information technology; automatic identification and data
capture techniques; QR Code 2005 bar code symbology specification
All sections: ISO/IEC 646: Information technology; ISO 7-bit coded character set for
information interchange
5.1.2.
Symbology Identifiers
The symbology identifier is not encoded in the barcode, but is generated by the decoder after
decoding and is transmitted as a preamble to the data message.
All scanning equipment has the ability to recognise the symbology that has been scanned. Some
scanners have the optional feature of being able to transmit a symbology identifier. The symbology
identifier is a three-character data string comprising a flag character, code character, and a modifier
character. The symbology identifiers used in the GS1 System are shown in Figure 5.1.2 - 1.
Figure 5.1.2-1. Structure of the Symbology Identifiers
Character
Description
The flag character (which has an ASCII value of 93). This denotes that the two characters
following it are Symbol Identifier characters.
The modifier character. This indicates the mode in which the symbology is used.
Note: If used, the symbology identifier is transmitted as a prefix to the data message.
Figure 5.1.2-2. ISO/IEC 15424 Symbology Identifiers used in the GS1 System
Symbology
Identifier (*)
Symbology Format
Content
]E0
13 digits
]E1
2 digits
]E2
5 digits
]E3
15 or 18 digits
]E4
EAN-8
8 digits
]I1
ITF-14
14 digits
]C1
GS1-128
]e0
GS1 DataBar
]e1
GS1 Composite
]e2
GS1 Composite
]d2
GS1 DataMatrix
]Q3
GS1 QR Code
(*)
(**)
Barcodes with Add-On Symbols may be considered either as two separate symbols, each
of which is transmitted separately with its own symbology identifier, or as a single data
packet. The system designer shall select one of these methods, but the method using
symbology identifier ]E3 is preferable for data security.
5.2.
5.2.1.
Symbology Characteristics
Characteristics of barcodes in the EAN/UPC Symbology family include:
Encodable character set: digits (0 through 9) in accordance with ISO/IEC 646: Refer to
Figure 7.11-1 for more details.
Four elements per symbol character comprising two bars (dark bars) and two spaces (light
bars), each of one, two, three, or four modules in width (auxiliary guard patterns have
differing numbers of elements)
Character self-checking
Fixed data string length encodable: 8, 12, or 13 characters including Check Digit,
depending on specific symbol type
Omni-directionally decodable
11 modules for EAN-13, EAN-8, and UPC-A barcodes (left Guard Bar Pattern/centre
Guard Bar Pattern/right Guard Bar Pattern)
Nine modules for UPC-E barcodes (left Guard Bar Pattern/right Guard Bar Pattern)
EAN-13, UPC-A, and UPC-E barcodes, all of which may be accompanied by an Add-On
Symbol
EAN-8 barcode
The four symbol types are described in Sections 5.2.1.3.1, 5.2.1.3.2, 5.2.1.3.3, and 5.2.1.3.4,
and the optional Add-On Symbols are described in Section 5.2.1.3.5.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
B
2
2
1
4
1
2
1
3
2
1
S
1
2
2
1
3
3
1
1
1
1
S
1
1
2
1
2
1
4
2
3
2
B
1
2
2
1
3
3
1
1
1
1
S
2
2
1
4
1
2
1
3
2
1
B
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
S
2
2
1
4
1
2
1
3
2
1
B
1
2
2
1
3
3
1
1
1
1
S
1
1
2
1
2
1
4
2
3
2
Note: S denotes a space (light bar), B denotes a bar (dark bar), and the element widths
are in modules.
Figure 5.2.3.1 - 1 graphically illustrates Figure 5.2.1.2.1 - 1. The sum of the bar (dark bar)
modules in any symbol character determines its parity. Symbol characters in number set A are
odd parity characters. Symbol characters in number sets B and C are even parity characters.
Number set C characters are mirror images of number set B characters.
Symbol characters in number sets A and B always begin on the left with a space module and
end on the right with a dark module. Symbol characters in number set C begin on the left with a
dark module and end on the right with a light module.
A data character shall normally be represented by a symbol character. However, in certain
specific instances defined in Sections 5.2.1.3.1, 5.2.1.3.4, and 5.2.1.3.5, the combination of
number sets in a symbol may itself represent either data or a Check Digit value. This technique
is referred to as variable parity encodation.
Number of
Modules
Add-On Delineator
Note: S denotes a space (light) element and B denotes a bar (dark) element.
Section 5.2.3.2 graphically illustrates these patterns.
The normal Guard Bar Pattern corresponds to the start and stop patterns in other symbologies,
and the special Guard Bar Pattern is used as a stop pattern in UPC-E barcodes.
The rightmost symbol character shall encode the Check Digit calculated in accordance with
Section 7.9.
Since the EAN-13 barcode comprises only 12 symbol characters but encodes 13 digits of data
(including the Check Digit), the value of the additional digit, which is the character in the leftmost
position in the data string, shall be encoded by the variable parity mix of number sets A and B
for the six symbol characters in the left half of the symbol. The numbering system for values of
the leading digit is specified in Figure 5.2.1.3.1 - 1. Figure 5.2.1.3.1 - 2 is an example of an
EAN-13 barcode.
Figure 5.2.1.3.1-1. Left Half of an EAN-13 Barcode
Leading Digit,
Implicitly Encoded
0*
Note: The leading digit value 0 is reserved for symbols encoding GTIN-12 Element
Strings.
>
The rightmost symbol character shall encode the Check Digit calculated in accordance with
Section 7.9. Figure 5.2.1.3.2 - 1 is an example of an EAN-8 barcode.
Figure 5.2.1.3.2-1. EAN-8 Barcode
<
>
The rightmost symbol character shall encode the Check Digit calculated in accordance with
Section 7.9. A UPC-A barcode may be decoded as a 13-digit number by adding an implied
leading zero to the GTIN-12. Figure 5.2.1.3.3 -1 is an example of a UPC-A barcode.
The UPC-E barcode may only be used to encode GTIN-12 Element Strings that commence with
a zero and contain a sequence of four or five zeroes in defined positions, as shown in Figure
5.2.2.3.4 - 1. These zeros are removed from the data during encoding by the zero-suppression
process described in Section 5.2.1.3.4.1. Figure 5.2.1.3.4 - 1 is an example of a UPC-E
barcode.
Figure 5.2.1.3.4-1. UPC-E Barcode (Encoding 001234000057 by Zero-Suppression)
Let D1, D2, and D3 through D12 denote the GTIN-12 data characters (including Check
Digit). D1 shall always be zero. D12 shall be the Check Digit calculated according to the
algorithm in Section 7.9. Let X1 and X2 through X6 denote the six symbol characters in
the final UPC-E barcode. Convert D2 through D11 into a symbol character string by
removing zeroes according to the following rules:
If
Then
D11 equals 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9
and D7 to D10 inclusive are all 0
and D6 is not 0
X2
D3
X3
D4
X4
D5
X5
D6
X6
D11
If
Then
If
X4
D5
X5 X6
D11 4
Then
D4 is 0, 1, or 2
and D5 to D8 inclusive are all 0
X3
D9
X4
D10
X5
D11
X6
D4
X4
D10
X5
D11
X6
3
If
X2
D3
Then
D4 is 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9
and D5 to D9 inclusive are all 0
Determine the number sets for the implicit encodation of D12 from Figure 5.2.1.3.4.1 - 1
Encode symbol characters X1 to X6 using number sets A and B as determined in Step 3.
Figure 5.2.1.3.4.1-1. Number Sets for Implicit Encodation of D12
Value of Check
Digit D12
Example 1
Original Data
0 1 2 3 4 5 0 0 0 0 5 8
Zero-Suppressed
1 2 3 4 5 5
B A B A A B
Rule
2a
Example 2
Original Data
0 4 5 6 7 0 0 0 0 0 8 0
Zero-Suppressed
4 5 6 7 8 4
B B B A A A
Rule
2b
Example 3
Original Data
0 3 4 0 0 0 0 0 5 6 7 3
Zero-Suppressed
3 4 5 6 7 0
B B A A A B
Rule
2c
Example 4
Original Data
0 9 8 4 0 0 0 0 0 7 5 1
Zero-Suppressed
9 8 4 7 5 3
B B A B A A
Rule
2d
Note: The number sets used to implicitly encode the Check Digit are shown in the zerosuppressed column.
Decoded Number
P1
P2
P3
P4
P5
P6
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
D6
D7
D8
D9
D10
D11
D12
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
(0)
X1
X2
X3
X4
X5
(C)
Notes:
The symbol characters at positions P1 and P2 through P5 of the UPC-E barcode are
represented by X1 and X2 through X5.
The leading digit for UPC-E barcodes, which is not encoded, is indicated by 0.
Add-On delineator
The Add-On Symbol has no right Guard Bar Pattern. It does not have an explicit Check Digit.
Checking is done through the mix of the number sets (A or B) used for the two digits. The
choice of number sets is linked to the value of the additional number as shown by Figure
5.2.1.3.5.1 - 1.
Figure 5.2.1.3.5.1-1. Number Sets for Two-Digit Add-On Symbols
Value of the digits carried by the Add-On
Symbol
Left-Hand Digit
Right-Hand Digit
Multiple of 4 (00,04,08,..96)
Value of V
Since V = 3 in Figure 5.2.1.3.5.2 - 1, the sequence of number sets used to encode the value
86104 is B A A A B.
Figure 5.2.1.3.5.2 - 2 shows an example of an EAN-13 barcode with a five-digit Add-On
Symbol.
Figure 5.2.1.3.5.2-2. EAN-13 Barcode with Five-Digit Add-On Symbol
>
Character
Value
1
2
7
8
- 0.025
- 0.025
+0.025
+0.025
+0.025
+0.025
- 0.025
- 0.025
+0.025
+0.025
- 0.025
- 0.025
- 0.025
- 0.025
+0.025
+0.025
Note: The existing symbol generation equipment that uses a value of 0.030 millimetre for
the reduction/enlargement factor at nominal size will continue to be used for the
foreseeable future.
Modules
mm*
Modules
mm
EAN-13
EAN-8
11
7
3.63
2.31
7
7
2.31
2.31
UPC-A
UPC-E
Add-Ons (EAN)
9
9
7-12
2.97
2.97
2.31-3.96
9
7
5
2.97
2.31
1.65
Add-Ons (U.P.C.)
9-12
2.97-3.96
1.65
Length
EAN-13
113
UPC-A
113
EAN-8
81
UPC-E
67
Two-digit Add-On
25
Five-digit Add-On
52
138
92
165
119
5.2.2.
Barcode reader systems are designed to read imperfect symbols to the extent that practical
algorithms permit. This section describes the reference decode algorithm used to determine
decode and decodability in symbol verification in accordance with ISO 15416.
For each symbol character, let S equal the total measured width of the character. The value S is
used to determine reference threshold (RT) values. Individual edge to similar edge
measurements (e) are then compared to the reference threshold to determine E values.
Character values are determined from E values.
Value e1 is defined as the measurement from the leading edge of a bar (dark bar) to the leading
edge of the adjacent bar (dark bar). Value e2 is defined as the measurement from the trailing
edge of a bar (dark bar) to the trailing edge of the adjacent bar (dark bar). For number sets A
and B, the right edge of each of the two bars (dark bars) is considered to be leading, while for
number set C, the left edge of each bar (dark bar) is considered to be leading. These
relationships are illustrated in Figure 5.2.2 - 1.
Figure 5.2.2-1. Symbol Character Decode Measurements
Number Set C
Leading
Edge
b1
b2
Adjacent
Character
e1
e2
b2
b1
Leading
Edge
e2
e1
Reference thresholds RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, and RT5 are given by:
RT1 = (1.5/7)S
RT2 = (2.5/7)S
RT3 = (3.5/7)S
RT4 = (4.5/7)S
RT5 = (5.5/7)S
Within each character, the measurements e1 and e2 are compared with the reference
thresholds. The corresponding integer values E1 and E2 are considered to be equal to 2, 3, 4,
or 5 as follows:
Number Set
Primary Determinant
E1
E2
Secondary Determinant
7(b1 + b2)/S
<= 4
<= 4
>4
>4
B and C
B and C
>3
B and C
>3
B and C
B and C
B and C
B and C
B and C
<= 3
B and C
<= 3
B and C
Note: b1 and b-2 are the widths of the two bar (dark bar) elements
The character is uniquely determined for all combinations of E1 and E2 except for the following
four cases:
These cases require that the combined width of the two bars (dark bars) be tested as follows:
For E1 = 3 and E2 = 4:
For E1 = 4 and E2 = 3:
For E1 = 4 and E2 = 4:
For E1 = 3 and E2 = 3:
e1
s
First Character
e1
s
Check Character
3) Centre Guard
e2
e4
Adjacent
Character
s6
s7
Character Preceding
Centre Guard Bars
e1
Character Following
Centre Guard Bars
e3
Use S7 with e 2, e 3, e 4
Use S6 with e 1, e 2, e 3
4) Special Guard
e4
e2
Adjacent
Character
s
Last Character
e1
e3
E1
5.2.3.
E2
E3
E4
All the encoded digits for EAN-13, UPC-A, and EAN-8 barcodes, and the Add-On Symbols shall
be shown in Human Readable Interpretation form. For UPC-E barcodes, the six digits directly
encoded together with the leading zero and the implicitly encoded Check Digit shall be shown in
Human Readable Interpretation form. Figures 5.2.1.3.1 - 2, 5.2.1.3.2 - 1, 5.2.1.3.3 - 1, 5.2.1.3.4
- 1, 5.2.1.3.5.1 - 2, and 5.2.1.3.5.2 - 2 illustrate each type of symbol and its Human Readable
Interpretation.
The minimum space between the top of the digits and the bottom of the bars (dark bars) shall
be 0.5X. Normally the minimum is one module, which is close enough to keep the Human
Readable Interpretation associated with the symbol.
In the EAN-13, the leftmost digit, which is encoded by variable parity, is printed to the left of the
start guard pattern in line with the other digits.
For UPC-A and UPC-E barcodes, the size of the first and last digits should be reduced to a
maximum width equivalent to four modules. The height is reduced proportionally. The right-hand
side of the first digit is positioned five module widths to the left of the leftmost guard bar. The
left-hand side of the last digit is positioned five module widths to the right of the rightmost guard
bar for UPC-A barcodes and three module widths for UPC-E barcodes. The bottom edge of the
first and last digit shall be aligned with the bottom edge of the remaining full size digits.
The Human Readable Interpretation of the Add-On Symbol shall be above the symbol. The
digits shall be the same height as those of the main symbol. The upper edges of the digits are
aligned with the upper edges of the bars (dark bars) of the main symbol. The minimum space
between the bottom of the digits and the top of the bars (dark bars) shall be 0.5X.
Some industries use specific variations of the recommended Human Readable Interpretation,
such as inserted hyphens to segment the number field. An example of this is shown in Section
5.2.3.6
Value of
Character
Number Set A
(Odd)
Number Set B
(Even)
Number Set C
(Even)
Auxiliary Character
UPC-E
Right Guard Bar Pattern
5.2.3.3. Logical Structure of an EAN-13 and UPC-A Barcode Excluding Quiet Zones
Figure 5.2.3.3-1. Logical Structure of an EAN-13 or UPC-A Barcode
Logical Structure of an EAN-13 or UPC-A Barcode (Excluding Quiet Zones)
Left Guard
Bar Pattern
Characters 12 Through 7
(Left Half)
Centre
Guard Bar
Pattern
Characters 6 Through 1
(Right Half)
3 modules
42 modules (6x7)
5 modules
42 modules (6x7)
3 modules
Figure 5.2.3.3-2. Combination of Number Sets Representing the Thirteenth Character of an EAN-13
Character Position
Value of the
Thirteenth
Character
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
12
11
10
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
B
B
B
A
B
B
B
A
B
B
A
A
B
A
A
B
B
A
A
B
B
B
A
A
B
A
B
B
A
A
A
B
B
A
B
B
A
B
B
A
B
A
A
Characters 8 Through 5
(Left Half)
Centre
Guard Bar
Pattern
Characters 4 Through 1
(Right Half)
Right Guard
Bar Pattern
3 modules
28 modules (4x7)
5 modules
28 modules (4x7)
3 modules
3 modules
42 modules (6x7)
6 modules
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Value of Check
Digit
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
A
B
A
A
B
B
A
A
B
A
A
B
B
A
A
A
B
A
A
B
A
A
B
B
B
A
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
B
A
B
B
25.20
2.97
22.85
2.97
25.53
24.50
24.83
27.57
N
3
3
Figure 5.2.3.6-4. EAN-8 Barcode
Ideal Module
Width
[mm]
EAN-13/UPC-A Dimensions
[mm]
EAN-8 Dimensions
[mm]
Width
Height
Width
Height
0.80
0.264
29.83
18.28
21.38
14.58
0.85
0.281
31.70
19.42
22.72
15.50
0.90
0.297
33.56
20.57
24.06
16.41
0.95
0.313
35.43
21.71
25.39
17.32
1.00
0.330
37.29
22.85
26.73
18.23
1.05
0.346
39.15
23.99
28.07
19.14
1.10
0.363
41.02
25.14
29.40
20.05
1.15
0.379
42.88
26.28
30.74
20.96
1.20
0.396
44.75
27.42
32.08
21.88
1.25
0.412
46.61
28.56
33.41
22.79
1.30
0.429
48.48
29.71
34.75
23.70
1.35
0.445
50.34
30.85
36.09
24.61
1.40
0.462
52.21
31.99
37.42
25.52
1.45
0.478
54.07
33.13
38.76
26.43
1.50
0.495
55.94
34.28
40.10
27.35
1.55
0.511
57.80
35.42
41.43
28.26
1.60
0.528
59.66
36.56
42.77
29.17
1.65
0.544
61.53
37.70
44.10
30.08
1.70
0.561
63.39
38.85
45.44
30.99
1.75
0.577
65.26
39.99
46.78
31.90
1.80
0.594
67.12
41.13
48.11
32.81
1.85
0.610
68.99
42.27
49.45
33.73
1.90
0.627
70.85
43.42
50.79
34.64
1.95
0.643
72.72
44.56
52.12
35.55
2.00
0.660
74.58
45.70
53.46
36.46
Note: Refer to Section 5.5 for the minimum, nominal, and maximum X-dimensions, and
symbol heights for barcodes.
5.3.
5.3.1.
Symbology Characteristics
In the GS1 System, the characteristics of ITF-14 Symbols are:
Encodable character set: digits 0 through 9, in accordance with ISO/IEC 646. Refer to
Figure 7.11 1 for more details.
Elements per symbol character: five (two wide and three narrow) encoded as either five
bars (dark bars) or five spaces (light bars)
Bidirectionally decodable
The symbol character density for ITF-14 is 16 to 18 modules per symbol character pair,
depending on the wide-to-narrow ratio. The value is 16, based on the target ratio of 2.5 to 1.
The non-data overhead is eight to nine modules, depending on the wide-to-narrow ratio.
The value is 8.5, based on the target ratio of 2.5 to 1.
A start pattern
A stop pattern
Binary Representation
Data Character
Binary Representation
Figure 5.3.1.2.1 - 1 uses a modified binary coded decimal encoding scheme. The four leftmost
bit positions for each character are assigned weights of 1, 2, 4, and 7, from left to right; the fifth
position is used for an even parity bit. The sum of the positional weights of the 1 bits is
equivalent to the data character value, except in the case of data character 0, where the
weights 4 and 7 are applied. The parity bit ensures that there are always two 1 bits per
character.
The algorithm shown in Figure 5.3.1.2.1 - 2 defines the rules for converting numeric data into
the symbol characters of an ITF-14 Symbol (numeric data equals the Global Trade Item
Number (GTIN) and, therefore, already contains the Check Digit).
Figure 5.3.1.2.1-2. Rules for Converting Numeric Data into Symbol Characters
Step in Algorithm
Example
367
0367
3. Subdivide the numeric string into digit pairs. The leftmost four digits of the number are
0367.
0367
03 and 67
0 and 6
3 and 7
5. Form each symbol character pair by taking the bar (dark bar) and space (light bar)
elements alternately from the patterns derived from the two steps in 4, commencing with
the first bar (dark bar) of the pattern for the first digit, followed by the first space (light
bar) of the pattern for the second digit.
Figure 5.3.1.2.1 - 3 illustrates the sequence of bar (dark bar) and space (light bar) elements
corresponding to the data character pairs 03 and 67.
NEXT CHAR.
First char.
Quiet Zone
Last char.
START
Quiet Zone
STOP
Figure 5.3.1.2.2 - 2 illustrates a complete barcode for the number 1234, showing the necessary
Quiet Zones.
Start
Stop
Quiet Zone
1234
5.3.1.2.3. Check Digit
A Check Digit is required in the ITF-14 Symbology. Section 7.9 defines the Check Digit position
and calculation.
Width of narrow element (X): the X-dimension of ITF-14 Symbols is defined by the
application specification based on the needs of the application. Refer to Section 5.5.2.6
for specifications by application area.
The wide/narrow ratio (N): the range is 2.25:1 to 3.0:1 but the actual wide-to-narrow
ratio is defined by the application specification based on the needs of the application.
Refer to Section 5.5.2.6 for specifications by application area.
The Quiet Zones to the right and left of the symbol are compulsory. The minimum width
of each Quiet Zone is 10X.
A minimum space of 1.02 millimetre (0.040 inch) between the bottom line of the Bearer
Bar and the top of the human readable characters is required.
The length of an ITF-14 Symbol, including Quiet Zones, is calculated from the following
expression:
W = (P(4N+6)+N+6)X+2Q
Where:
As an example, for an ITF-14 Symbol that has seven character pairs, a target wide-to-narrow
ratio of 2.5:1, a target X width of 1.016 millimetres (0.0400 inch), and Quiet Zone widths of
10.16 millimetres (0.400 inch) the total symbol width is 142.75 millimetres (5.620 inches)
Within each ITF-14 Symbol character (representing two digits), sort the bars (bi) and spaces
(si) such that:
b1<b2<b3<b4<b5
s1<s2<s3<s4<s5
For each symbol character, determine the decodability value V. V is the smallest of V1, V2, or V3.
The scan profile decodability value is the smallest value of V measured in a Scan Reflectance
Profile (SRP). The reference decode algorithm fails when V exhibits a negative value.
The decodability grade for each profile is determined from the decodability value according
to ISO/IEC 15416.
54
00141
28876
1 5 4 0 0 1 4 1 2 8 8 7 6 3
5.3.1.6. Human Readable Interpretation
For Human-Readable Interpretation Rules see Section 4.14. For HRI Rules specific to
Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer Trade Items, see Section 4.14.1.
symbologies. The decoder's valid set of symbologies should be limited to those needed by a
given application to maximize reading security.
Figure 5.3.1.10-1. ITF-14 Symbol: Main Dimensions at X-dimension 1.016 mm (0.0400 in.)
31.75 mm
(1.250 in..)
41.40 mm
(1.630 in.)
9 3
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 0 4
5.84 mm (.230 in
5.4.
5.4.1.
Sections 5.4.1, 5.4.2, 5.4.3, 5.4.4, 5.4.5, and 5.4.6: GS1-128 Symbology subset (using
ISO/IEC 15417 for reference)
Appendix 5.9: GS1 System rules for encoding/decoding Element Strings in GS1
Symbologies using GS1 Application Identifiers
The GS1 System requires that only the subset of ISO/IEC 646 International
Reference Version defined in these GS1 General Specifications be used for
Application Identifier (AI) Element Strings. Refer to Figure 7.11 1 for the allowed
encodable character set.
Characters with ASCII values 128 to 255 may also be encoded in Code 128
Symbols. Characters with ASCII values 128 to 255 accessed by Function 4 Symbol
Character (FNC4) are reserved for future use and are not used in GS1-128
barcodes.
Four non-data function characters. FNC2 and FNC4 are not used in GS1-128
barcodes.
Four code set selection characters (including single character code set shift)
Six elements per symbol character comprising three bars (dark bars) and three spaces
(light bars), each one, two, three, or four modules in width. The Stop Character is made
up of seven elements comprising four bars (dark bars) and three spaces (light bars).
Character self-checking
Bi-directionally decodable
Data character density is 11 modules per symbol character (5.5 modules per numeric
character in code set C, 13 modules per Stop Character)
Non-data overhead:
5.4.2.
GS1-128 barcodes have a special double character start pattern consisting of the
appropriate Start Character and immediately followed by a Function 1 Symbol
Character Code (FNC1). The FNC1 adds to the symbols non-data overhead. The
total symbol overhead is 46 modules.
The FNC1 character may also be used as a Separator Character between Element
Strings not contained in the pre-defined table shown in Figure A1-1 Section 5.10.1
The maximum physical length is 165.10 millimetres (6.500 inch) including Quiet
Zones.
For a given length of data, the symbol size is variable between limits in X-dimension
to accommodate the ranges in quality achievable by the various printing processes.
Start Pattern
For Human-Readable Interpretation Rules see Section 4.14. For HRI Rules specific to
Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer Trade Items, see Section 4.14.1.
Figure 5.4.2-1. General Format of a GS1-128 Barcode
5.4.3.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
1 1
Figure 5.4.3.1 - 2 illustrates the encodation of the symbol character value 35, which represents
data character C in code sets A or B or the digits 35 in code set C.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
1 1 1
Code
Set A
ASCII
Value
for
Code
Set A
Code
Set B
ASCII
Value
for
Code
Set B
Code
Set C
Element Pattern
Element Widths
(Modules)
space
32
space
32
00
33
33
01
"
34
"
34
02
10
11
Symbol
Character
Value
Code
Set A
ASCII
Value
for
Code
Set A
Code
Set B
ASCII
Value
for
Code
Set B
Code
Set C
Element Pattern
Element Widths
(Modules)
35
35
03
36
36
04
37
37
05
&
38
&
38
06
apostrophe
39
apostrophe
39
07
40
40
08
41
41
09
10
42
42
10
11
43
43
11
12
comma
44
comma
44
12
13
45
45
13
14
full
stop
46
full
stop
46
14
15
47
47
15
16
48
48
16
17
49
49
17
18
50
50
18
19
51
51
19
20
52
52
20
21
53
53
21
22
54
54
22
23
55
55
23
24
56
56
24
25
57
57
25
26
colon
58
colon
58
26
27
semicolon
59
semicolon
59
27
28
<
60
<
60
28
29
61
61
29
30
>
62
>
62
30
10
11
Symbol
Character
Value
Code
Set A
ASCII
Value
for
Code
Set A
Code
Set B
ASCII
Value
for
Code
Set B
Code
Set C
Element Pattern
Element Widths
(Modules)
31
63
63
31
32
64
64
32
33
65
65
33
34
66
66
34
35
67
67
35
36
68
68
36
37
69
69
37
38
70
70
38
39
71
71
39
40
72
72
40
41
73
73
41
42
74
74
42
43
75
75
43
44
76
76
44
45
77
77
45
46
78
78
46
47
79
79
47
48
80
80
48
49
81
81
49
50
82
82
50
51
83
83
51
52
84
84
52
53
85
85
53
54
86
86
54
55
87
87
55
56
88
88
56
57
89
89
57
58
90
90
58
59
91
91
59
60
92
92
60
10
11
Symbol
Character
Value
Code
Set A
ASCII
Value
for
Code
Set A
Code
Set B
ASCII
Value
for
Code
Set B
Code
Set C
Element Pattern
Element Widths
(Modules)
61
93
93
61
62
94
94
62
63
95
95
63
64
NUL
00
grave
accent
96
64
65
SOH
01
97
65
66
STX
02
98
66
67
ETX
03
99
67
68
EOT
04
100
68
69
ENQ
05
101
69
70
ACK
06
102
70
71
BEL
07
103
71
72
BS
08
104
72
73
HT
09
105
73
74
LF
10
106
74
75
VT
11
107
75
76
FF
12
108
76
77
CR
13
109
77
78
SO
14
110
78
79
SI
15
111
79
80
DLE
16
112
80
81
DC1
17
113
81
82
DC2
18
114
82
83
DC3
19
115
83
84
DC4
20
116
84
85
NAK
21
117
85
86
SYN
22
118
86
87
ETB
23
119
87
88
CAN
24
120
88
89
EM
25
121
89
90
SUB
26
122
90
10
11
Symbol
Character
Value
Code
Set A
ASCII
Value
for
Code
Set A
ASCII
Value
for
Code
Set B
Code
Set B
Code
Set C
Element Pattern
Element Widths
(Modules)
91
ESC
27
123
91
92
FS
28
124
92
93
GS
29
125
93
94
RS
30
126
94
95
US
31
DEL
127
95
96
FNC3
FNC3
96
97
FNC2
FNC2
97
98
SHIFT
SHIFT
98
99
CODE
C
CODE
C
99
100
CODE
B
FNC4
CODE
B
101
FNC4
CODE
A
CODE
A
102
FNC1
FNC1
FNC1
103
Start A
104
Start B
105
Start C
Symbol
Character
Values
Code
Set
A
Code
Set
B
Code
Set
C
Element Widths
(Modules)
10
11
11
12
13
Element Pattern
10
Stop
Note: The Stop Character comprises 13 modules in four bars (dark bars) and three spaces (light
bars). Every other character comprises 11 modules, starts with a bar (dark bar), ends with a space (light
bar), and comprises six elements, each of which varies from one to four modules in width. The numeric
values in the B and S columns represent the number of modules in each bar (dark bar) or space (light
bar) element respectively in the symbol characters
Code set characters: Code A, B, or C characters change the symbol code set from the code
set previously defined to the new code set, which is defined by the code character. This
change applies to all characters following the code set character until either the end of the
symbol, another code set character, or the shift character is encountered.
Shift character: The shift character changes the code set from A to B or B to A for the single
character following the shift character. Characters following the affected character shall
revert to the code set A or B defined prior to the shift character.
The Function 1 Symbol Character (FNC1) shall be subject to the special considerations
defined in Section 5.4.3.6. An FNC1 in the first position following the Start Character of a
Code-128 Symbol is at all times a reserved use, which identifies the GS1 System.
The Function 2 Character (FNC2) (Message Append) is not used in the GS1 System. It
instructs the barcode reader to temporarily store the data from the symbol containing the
FNC2 and transmit it as a prefix to the data of the next symbol. This may be used to
concatenate several symbols before transmission. This character may occur anywhere in
the symbol. Where the sequence of data is significant, provision should be made to ensure
reading of the symbols in the correct sequence.
The Function 3 Character (FNC3) (Initialise) instructs the barcode reader to interpret the
data from the symbol containing the FNC3 as instructions for initialisation or reprogramming
of the barcode reader. The data from the symbol shall not be transmitted by the barcode
reader. This character may occur anywhere in the symbol.
The Function 4 Character (FNC4) is not used in the GS1 System. In Code 128 Symbols,
FNC4 is used to represent an extended ASCII character set (byte values 128 to 255) as
specified in ISO 8859-1: Information technology; 8-bit single-byte coded graphical character
sets; Part 1: Latin alphabet No.1, or otherwise in an application specification. If a single
FNC4 is used, the value 128 is added to the ASCII value of the following data character in
the symbol. A shift character may follow the FNC4 if it is necessary to change the code set
for the following data character. Subsequent data characters revert to the standard ASCII
set. If two consecutive FNC4s are used, the value 128 is added to the ASCII value of the
following data characters until two further consecutive FNC4s are encountered or the end of
the symbol is reached. If, during this sequence of extended ASCII encodation, a single
FNC4 is encountered, it is used to revert to standard ASCII encodation for the next data
character only. Shift and code set characters shall have their normal effect during such a
sequence. The default reference character set for extended ASCII values 128 to 255 is the
corresponding half of ISO 8859-1, Latin alphabet 1, but application specifications may
define or reference alternative sets corresponding to byte values 128 to 255.
Start Characters A, B, and C define the corresponding code set to be used initially in the symbol.
Start A begins the GS1-128 Symbol data encodation according to character set A.
Start B begins the GS1-128 Symbol data encodation according to character set B.
Start C begins the GS1-128 Symbol data encodation according to character set C. Start
Character C should always be used when the data inclusive of the AI begins with four or more
numeric characters.
Code set A
If: S 63
Then: ASCII value = S + 32
If: 64 S 95
Then: ASCII value = S - 64
Code set B
If: S 95,
Then: ASCII value = S + 32
5.4.4.
Dimensional Requirements
GS1-128 barcodes shall conform to the dimensions in the subsections that follow.
5.4.5.
Calculate eight width measurements p, e1, e2, e3, e4, b1, b2, and b3 (see Figure
below)
b1
b2
b3
e1
e3
e2
e4
Convert measurements e1, e2, e3, and e4 to normalised values e1, e2, e3, and e4, which will
represent the integral module width (ei) of these measurements. The following method is
used for the i-th value:
Look up the character in the decode table using the four values E1, E2, E3, and E4 as the
key (see Figure 5.4.5 2).
Retrieve the self-checking symbol character value V, which is stored in the table with the
character. The value V is equal to the sum of the modules for the bars (dark bars) as
defined for that character.
Verify that:
(V-1, 75)p / 11 < (b1 + b2 + b3) < (V + 1, 75)p / 11
Otherwise the character is in error.
The calculation indirectly uses character parity to detect all decode errors caused by single nonsystematic one-module edge errors.
Using these five steps, decode the first character. If it is a Start Character, continue decoding
the symbol in the normal forward direction. If it is not a Start Character but decodes as a Stop
Character, attempt to decode all subsequent characters in the reverse direction.
After all characters have been decoded, make sure there is a valid Start Character, a valid Stop
Character, and that the Symbol Check Character is correct.
Translate the symbol characters into the appropriate data characters from code set A, B, or C
according to the Start Character, code characters, and shift characters used in the symbol.
In addition, perform other secondary checks on Quiet Zones, beam acceleration, absolute
timing, and dimensions that are appropriate considering the specific reading device and
intended application environment.
Note: In this algorithm the symbol is decoded using edge to similar edge measurements
(e) and an additional measurement of the sum of the three bar (dark bar) widths.
Figure 5.4.5-2. Edge Differences for Decoding Code 128 Symbols
Char.
Value
E1
E2
E3
E4
Char.
Value
E1
E2
E3
E4
00
54
01
55
02
56
03
57
04
58
05
59
06
60
07
61
08
62
09
63
10
64
11
65
12
66
13
67
14
68
15
69
16
70
17
71
18
72
19
73
20
74
21
75
22
76
23
77
24
78
25
79
26
80
27
81
28
82
29
83
30
84
31
85
32
86
Char.
Value
E1
E2
E3
E4
Char.
Value
E1
E2
E3
E4
33
87
34
88
35
89
36
90
37
91
38
92
39
93
40
94
41
95
42
96
43
97
44
98
45
99
46
100
47
101
48
102
49
103
50
104
51
105
52
StopA
53
StopB
Note: StopA values are for decoding in a forward direction. StopB values apply to the first six
elements of the Stop Character starting at the rightmost side when scanned in a reverse
direction.
5.4.6.
Symbol Quality
5.4.6.1. General
ISO/IEC 15416 defines a standardised methodology for measuring and grading barcodes. Code
128 Symbols shall be evaluated according to that standard. The reference decode algorithm
defined in Section 5.3.1.4 shall be used for the assessment of the decode and decodability
parameters under ISO/IEC 15416.
Note: For GS1-128 barcode minimum quality levels, refer to Section 5.4.7.
5.4.6.2. Decodability
Decodability is a measure of how closely the decode algorithm measurement values approach
those in a theoretically perfect symbol. Thus, decodability is a parameter that measures how
closely the Scan Reflectance Profile is to approaching decode failure for a given printed symbol.
For the calculation of the decodability value V, the following provisions apply, which supplement
those described in ISO/IEC 15416 for edge to similar edge decodable symbologies:
Substitute V1 for VC in the formula VC = K / (S / 2n)
Where:
Calculate V2
1,75 - (ABS((Wb x 11/S) - M))
V2 = 1,75
Where:
5.4.7.
The Function 1 Symbol Character (FNC1) may validly occur as the Symbol Check Character.
FNC1 in the third or subsequent character position is transmitted as the ASCII character 29 (GS).
Symbols using FNC1 in the first data position should have symbology identifiers enabled.
When FNC1 is used in the first position it shall not be represented in the transmitted message,
although its presence is indicated by the use of modifier value 1 in the symbology identifier.
Start C
FNC1
105
102
Weights (Step 2)
Products (Step 3)
105
10
25
03
Code B
10
25
100
56
102
20
75
12
500
336
1150
1150 / 103 = 11
Remainder = Symbol
Check Character value
17
The Symbol Check Character shall be positioned immediately following the final data or special
character and before the Stop Character.
Note: The Symbol Check Character shall not be shown in the Human Readable
Interpretation.
5.4.7.7. Use of Start, Code Set, and Shift Characters to Minimize Symbol Length
(Informative)
The same data may be represented by different GS1-128 barcodes through the use of different
combinations of Start, code set, and shift characters.
The following rules should normally be implemented in printer control software to minimise the
number of symbol characters needed to represent a given data string (and, therefore, reduce
the overall symbol length).
If the data begins with four or more numeric data characters, use Start Character C.
If an ASCII symbology element (e.g., NUL) occurs in the data before any lowercase
character, use Start Character A.
If Start Character C is used and the data begins with an odd number of numeric data
characters, insert a code set A or code set B character before the last digit, following rules
1c and 1d to determine between code sets A and B.
If four or more numeric data characters occur together when in code sets A or B and:
If there is an even number of numeric data characters, then insert a code set C
character before the first numeric digit to change to code set C.
If there is an odd number of numeric data characters, then insert a code set C character
immediately after the first numeric digit to change to code set C.
When in code set B and an ASCII symbology element occurs in the data:
If following that character, a lowercase character occurs in the data before the
occurrence of another symbology element, then insert a shift character before the
symbology element.
Otherwise, insert a code set A character before the symbology element to change to
code set A.
If following that character, a symbology element occurs in the data before the
occurrence of another lowercase character, then insert a shift character before the
lowercase character.
Otherwise, insert a code set B character before the lowercase character to change to
code set B.
When in code set C and a non-numeric character occurs in the data, insert a
code set A or code set B character before that character, and follow rules 1c
and 1d to determine between code sets A and B.
Note: In these rules, the term lowercase is used for convenience to mean any code set
B character with Code 128 Symbol character values 64 to 95 (ASCII values 96 to 127)
(e.g., all lowercase alphanumeric characters plus `{|}~DEL). The term symbology
element means any code set A character with Code 128 Symbol character values 64 to
95 (ASCII values 00 to 31).
Note: If the Function 1 Symbol Character (FNC1) occurs in the first position following the
Start Character, or in an odd-numbered position in a numeric field, it should be treated as
two digits for the purpose of determining the appropriate code set.
ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Codabar
Code 39
Code 93
EAN/UPC
Telepen
GS1 DataBar
5.5.
5.5.1.
Introduction
This section has been evolving to meet the changes to data carriers and their use within the
GS1 System. Some of those changes are, for example, dimension requirements, the
introduction of new symbols (e.g., GS1 DataBar and Composite Component), and the shift from
the use of analogue Film Masters to digital barcode files.
Consideration should be given to how these changes affect barcode production and the
maintenance of quality in the production process.
5.5.2.
The barcode(s) specified by the GS1 System for each application area
The minimum, target, and maximum X-dimension (narrow element width) for the
symbol, based on the scanning environment
The minimum and target barcode height, based on the scanning environment
The Quiet Zone width and, for primary and secondary symbols, the minimum and
maximum separation between the two symbols. (These measurements are expressed
as multiples of the X-dimension in the form nX.)
The minimum ISO quality specification expressed as g.g/aa/www, where g.g is the
minimum overall symbol grade to one decimal place (on a 4.0 scale), aa is the effective
measuring aperture in thousandths of an inch, and www is the wavelength of the light
source in nanometres.
Note: Please refer to Section 2 for any specific application standard (such as Section
2.1.2.4, Fixed Measure - Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer Trade Items, and
Section 2.1.5, Fixed Measure - Direct Part Marking) that may supplement or supersede
these symbol specification tables for specific application areas.
Before determining the exact symbol specification required, additional factors, such as the
scanning environment, SHALL be considered. These are summarised in Section 5.5.2.1.
Symbol Specification Tables (SSTs) do not use magnification values and instead list the target,
minimum, and maximum values for the symbol's X-dimension and height.
The minimum recommended symbol size based on printing press or print characterisation
tests
Colour/substrate considerations (e.g., separate print station for symbol or double ink layer)
The optimum orientation of the symbol on the printed web (the direction of movement of the
media in relation to a printing plate on a printing press)
Direct part marking, such as is done by dot peening on items, requires special
considerations for material properties
Laser or chemically etched parts with low contrast or light marked elements on a dark
background (e.g., circuit boards and electronic components, medical instruments, surgical
implants)
High-speed ink jet printed parts and components where the marked dots cannot form a
scannable linear symbol
Very small items that require a symbology with a square aspect ratio and/or cannot be
marked within the allocated packaging space by existing GS1 DataBar and Composite
symbols
Ensure the symbol will not be obstructed by other graphics or package design parameters
(e.g., folds, creases, corner wraps, flaps, laminates, embossed logos/patterns, text)
Ensure that only the symbol intended for scanning will be scanned (e.g., obscure all
symbols on the individual units within larger trade items so that the individual units' symbols
do not scan instead of the larger unit's symbol)
Section 6 contains complete information on symbol placement criteria to meet quality and
ergonomic needs.
0.264 mm
(0.0104 in)
0.660 mm
(0.0260 in)
0.750 mm
(0.0300 in)
Functional
Bands
Composite Barcodes
for Hand Scanning
Hand Scanning of 2D Symbols Requiring
2D Image Scanners
Hand Scanning of 2D
Symbols (DPM "A")
Requiring 2D Image
Scanners
Hand Scanning of 2D Symbols
(DPM B")
Requiring 2D Image Scanners
2D Barcodes for Fixed Scanning by
Imaging Scanners in General Distribution
2D Barcodes for Hand Scanning by Imaging Scanners
in Retail Pharmacies
0.100 mm
(0.0039 in)
0.255 mm
(0.0100 in)
0.396 mm
(0.0156 in)
0.300 mm
(0.0118 in)
0.495 mm
(0.0195 in)
0.615 mm
(0.0242 in)
0.990 mm
(0.0390 in)
1.016 mm
(0.0400 in)
1.520 mm
(0.0600 in)
X-dimension Range
Note: Figure not to scale and target size for each functional band can be found in the
Symbol Specification Tables (see Section 5.5.2.7)
The Scanner Functional Bands
The Omnidirectional Scanners for General Retail/POS band is primarily intended for
General Retail Consumer Trade Items to provide orientation-free scanning in high-volume
check-out lanes. Scanners are designed to read over-square symbols such as EAN/UPC
and GS1 DataBar Retail POS Family. The approximate average distance between scanner
and symbol is 100 millimetres (4 inches).
The Linear Barcodes for Imaging Scanners for Retail Pharmacies band is intended for
regulated healthcare consumer trade items sold in a pharmacy or apothecary that is a
separate retail store or a controlled area for distribution of healthcare trade items inside a
larger retail operation. This band allows for the use of 2D symbols but this functional band
shows the X-dimension ranges used for linear barcodes. Over the counter trade items that
are sold in retail pharmacy but also general retail are marked according to general retail
scanning specifications.
The Fixed Scanners in General Distribution band is primarily intended to facilitate automated
scanning of trade items packaged for transport and logistic units using fixed mount scanners.
In this environment it is essential to maintain symbol height and location to achieve
acceptable scan rates.
Linear barcodes for both Retail and General Distribution band covers trade items in specific
packaging suitable for transport purposes in General Distribution Scanning, but that are
also scanned as General Retail Consumer Trade Items. See the overlap area between
EAN/UPC Retail and General Distribution (Retail/GD) in Figure 5.5.2.6.1 - 1.
The Imaging Scanners for Non-Retail Regulated Healthcare trade items band is intended
for non-retail regulated healthcare consumer trade items sold outside of the retail channel.
For example these X-dimension bands should be used for products destined for hospitals or
nursing homes that will never be scanned in a retail pharmacy.
The Linear barcodes for hand scanning band is intended for non-retail trade items using a
linear barcode.
The Composite Component barcodes for hand scanning band is intended for non-retail
trade items using Composite Component barcodes which are, in effect, a multi-row 2D
linear barcode. In general, the rule is that Composite Components shall be printed at the
same X-dimension as their linear host. GS1 DataMatrix Symbols shall be printed at Xdimensions that are 50 percent greater than corresponding linear symbols with Composite
Components. Therefore, the bands for linear symbols and Composite Components are very
similar in X-dimension and if the same scanner types are chosen, as in the case of
Composite Symbols, the bands become one.
2D barcodes for Imaging Scanners for Retail Pharmacy band is intended for regulated
healthcare consumer trade items sold in a pharmacy or apothecary that is a separate retail
store or a controlled area for distribution of healthcare trade items inside a larger retail
operation. This band allows for the use of linear symbols but this functional band shows the
X-dimension ranges used for 2D barcodes. Over the counter trade items that are sold in
retail pharmacy but also general retail are marked according to general retail scanning
specifications.
Today, there is no functional band for mobile devices as the variables of symbol selection,
data, operative scanning environment, and allowable symbol specifications for size would
require a detailed table solely for mobile devices. At this time, the assumption for mobile
devices is that they will support all currently approved symbols, symbol data scenarios, and
symbol size specifications however where testing and/or practical experience shows a
constraint, this will be addressed in GS1 standards.
Key is
GDTI, GRAI, GIAI,
GLN?
Table 9
Section 5.5.2.7.9
N
Y
Key is
GSRN?
Table
Table11
3
Section
Figure 5.5.2.7.11
5.5.2.7
N
Scanned
at General
Retail?
Scanned
General
Distribution?
Table 3
Section 5.5.2.7.3
Table 1
Section 5.5.2.7.1
Scanned
in Regulated
Healthcare Retail
Scanned
General
Distribution?
Table 8
Section 5.5.2.7.8
Table 10
Section 5.5.2.7.10
Scanned
General
Distribution?
Logistic
Unit?
Table 5
Section 5.5.2.7.5
Regulated
Healthcare
Non-Retail
Item?
Table 8
Section 5.5.2.7.8
Table 2
Section
5.5.2.7.2
Unit?
Regulated
Healthcare
Item?
Direct Part
Marking?
Table 7
Section 5.5.2.7.7
N
N
Table 6
Section 5.5.2.7.6
Direct Part
Marking?
Table 4
Section 5.5.2.7.4
Note: If an item is a General Retail Consumer Trade Item and Regulated Healthcare
Retail Consumer Trade Item then the barcode marking for general retail is required at a
minimum.
Figure 5.5.2.6.1-3. Summary of the Symbol Specification Tables per following Figure 5.5.2.6.1 - 2 GS1
Symbology Operational Environment Decision Tree
Symbol
General
Spec.
Retail
POS
Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
Table 8
Table 9
Table 10
Table 11
Retail
Pharmacy
* NonRetail
Pharmacy
Non-Retail
NonHealthcare
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
General
Distribution
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
Direct
Part
Marking
Logistics
Unit
(SSCC)
GIAI,
GSRN
GRAI,
GLN
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Find the appropriate GS1 System application area using Figure 5.5.2.6 - 1.
If the application area references two Symbol Specification Tables, use the decision
tree in Figure 5.5.2.6.1 - 2 to determine which one to use.
Figure 5.5.2.7 - 1 provides a quick reference list of the symbol quality parameters depending on
their type and their application.
Figure 5.5.2.7-1. Quick Reference on Symbol Quality
Symbology
Application or ID Key
ISO (ANSI)
Symbol Grade
Aperture
Wavelength
EAN/UPC
GTIN-8
1.5 (C)
See Symbol
Specification Tables
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and
10 for values
660 nm +/-10
EAN/UPC
GTIN-12
1.5 (C)
See Symbol
Specification Tables
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and
10 for values
660 nm +/-10
EAN/UPC
GTIN-13
1.5 (C)
See Symbol
Specification Tables
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and
10 for values
660 nm +/-10
GS1-128
GTIN-12, GTIN-13,
GTIN-14
1.5 (C)
See Symbol
Specification Tables
2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and
10 for values
660 nm +/-10
GS1-128
SSCC
1.5 (C)
10 mils
660 nm +/-10
Symbology
Application or ID Key
ISO (ANSI)
Symbol Grade
Aperture
Wavelength
ITF-14 (<0.635 mm
(0.025 in.) X)
GTIN-12, GTIN-13,
GTIN-14
1.5 (C)
See Symbol
Specification Tables
2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 for
values
660 nm +/-10
ITF-14 (0.635 mm
(0.025 in.) X)
GTIN-12, GTIN-13,
GTIN-14
0.5 (D)
20 mils
660 nm +/-10
Composite
GTIN-8, GTIN-12,
GTIN-13,GTIN-14 and
other AIs
1.5 (C)
6 mils
660 nm +/-10
GS1 DataBar
GTIN-8, GTIN-12,
GTIN-13,GTIN-14 and
other AIs
1.5 (C)
See Symbol
Specification Tables
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and
10
660 nm +/-10
GS1 DataMatrix
1.5 (C)
See Symbol
Specification Tables
6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11
Table 1 Addendum
for values.
660 nm +/-10
GS1 QR Code
1.5 (C)
See Symbol
Specification Table
1 Addendum, 7, 9,
and 11 for values.
660 nm +/-10
5.5.2.7.1. Symbol Specification Table 1 - Trade Items Scanned in General Retail POS and
not General Distribution
Figure 5.5.2.7.1-1. GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1
Primary
Symbol(s)
Specified
X-dimension
mm (inches)
(*)
Minimum
Target
Maximum
For Minimum
X-dimension
For Target
X-dimension
EAN-13
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28 (0.720")
EAN-8
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
UPC-A
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
UPC-E
0.264
(0.0104")
GS1 DataBar
Omnidirectio
nal
Minimum
Quality
Specification
Quiet Zone
For Maximum
X-dimension
Left
Right
22.85 (0.900")
45.70 (1.800")
11X
7X
1.5/06/660
14.58 (0.574")
18.23 (0.718")
36.46 (1.435")
7X
7X
1.5/06/660
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28 (0.720")
22.85 (0.900")
45.70 (1.800")
9X
9X
1.5/06/660
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28 (0.720")
22.85 (0.900")
45.70 (1.800")
9X
7X
1.5/06/660
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
12.14 (0.478)
15.19 (0.598)
30.36 (1.195)
None
None
1.5/06/660
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260)
25.10 (0.988 )
31.37 (1.235)
62.70 (2.469)
None
None
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Expanded
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
8.99 (0.354)
11.23 (0.442)
22.44 (0.883)
None
None
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Expanded
Stacked
(*****)
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.75 (0.738)
23.44 (0.923)
46.86 (1.845)
None
None
1.5/06/660
Max
separati
on
between
symbols
Quiet
Zone
(****)
GS1 DataBar
Stacked
Omnidirectio
nal
(***)
(****)
Primary
Symbol(s)
Specified
Plus Addon 2 or 5
X-dimension
mm (inches)
Quiet
Zone
Min
separati
on
between
symbols
Min.
Quality
Spec.
(*)
Minimum
Target
Maximum
For Min.
Xdimension
For Target
Xdimension
For Max.
Xdimension
EAN-13 + 2
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28
(0.720")
22.85
(0.900")
45.70
(1.800")
11X
7X
12X
5X
1.5/06/ 660
EAN-13 + 5
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28
(0.720")
22.85
(0.900")
45.70
(1.800")
11X
7X
12X
5X
1.5/06/ 660
UPC-A + 2
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28
(0.720")
22.85
(0.900")
45.70
(1.800")
9X
9X
12X
5X
1.5/06/ 660
UPC-A + 5
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28
(0.720")
22.85
(0.900")
45.70
(1.800")
9X
9X
12X
5X
1.5/06/ 660
UPC-E + 2
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28
(0.720")
22.85
(0.900")
45.70
(1.800")
9X
7X
12X
5X
1.5/06/ 660
UPC-E + 5
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28
(0.720")
22.85
(0.900")
45.70
(1.800")
9X
7X
12X
5X
1.5/06/ 660
Left
Right
(*)
These barcodes may only be printed using an X-dimension below 0.264 millimetre (0.0104 inch) or 80 percent
magnification under the following conditions:
The allowance for X-dimensions between 0.249 millimetre (0.0098 inch) or 75 percent magnification and
0.264 millimetre (0.0104 inch) or 80 percent magnification is only applicable to on demand (e.g., thermal,
laser) print processes. For all other printing processes, an X-dimension of 0.264 millimetre (0.0104 inch) is
attainable and is the minimum allowable size.
When printing a minimum symbol with any method of printing, the area provided for printing the symbol and
the required Quiet Zone should never be less than the area required for an X-dimension of 0.264 millimetre
(0.0104 inch).
When printing a minimum symbol with any method of printing, the symbol height SHALL never be truncated
below the minimum.
(**)
The minimum symbol height dimensions listed for all symbologies including EAN/UPC Symbols do not include
the Human Readable Interpretation. The minimum heights of EAN/UPC Symbols do not include the extended
bars: see Section 5.2.1.4.2 for dimensions of the extended bars. Because of the operative scanning
environment for EAN/UPC Symbols, there is a direct relationship between the symbols height and width. This
means the minimum symbol height listed is tied to the minimum, target, and maximum X-dimension listed.
There is no maximum for the height, but if the maximum X-dimension is used, the symbol height must be equal
to or greater than those listed in the Minimum Symbol Height column. For GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked
symbols, the table reflects the minimum symbol height for symbols that are two rows in height.
(***)
In addition to the factors above related to digital printing, one other exception is permitted; For loose produce
being weighed at the Point-of-Sale (POS) using GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional minimum X-dimension
of 0.203 millimetre (0.0080 inch) is permitted but may produce scanning performance reduction. However, for
POS, this performance drop off is not noticeable when the product must be weighed at the Point-of-Sale. Even
with a slower scanning performance to conduct the transaction, the weighing process takes longer than the
scanning process. For that reason, a lower minimum X-dimension should never be used on products crossing
Point of Sale which are not weighed as loose produce during the scan event.
(****)
The current symbol specification for GS1 DataBar Omni-directional (minimum height 33X) and GS1 DataBar
Stacked Omni-directional (minimum height 69X) indicate a square aspect ratio for the symbol segments. To
enhance scanning performance, in an omni-directional scanning environment, an over square aspect ratio
shall be used following the example of the EAN/UPC symbology specification and rigorous field test of the GS1
DataBar symbology (46X or 95X).
(*****)
For North American Coupon Codes using GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked in 2 row and 3 row configurations
the X Dimension may be as low as 0.0080 (0.203mm) as long as a minimum overall bar height of 1.020
(25.91mm) is maintained. X-dimensions less than 0.0100 (.254mm) might not always be feasible for all GS1
DataBar Coupon barcodes due to variables, such as printing process, symbol orientation, and material. Due to
the time sensitive nature of the coupon printing process, these variables should be considered during the
design and barcode origination processes. Barcode verification should always be done from printing press
proofs.
Note: See Section 5.5.2.6 to ensure the correct Symbol Specification Table is used.
In addition to the symbol used at general retail POS, an additional 2D symbol may be used to
carry AI (8200). As AI (8200) has a mandatory association with GTIN, the GTIN within the
symbol ensures compatibility with direct or indirect mode. GS1 DataMatrix is approved for all
applications including regulated healthcare trade items covered by SSTs 6, 7, 8, and 10, but for
general retail consumer trade items, either GS1 QR Code or GS1 DataMatrix are GS1 approved
options. When using 2D symbols to carry AI (8200) on general retail trade items, the following
specifications are required.
Figure 5.5.2.7.1-2. GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 1 Addendum for AI (8200)
Symbol(s)
Specified (**)
X-dimension
mm (inches)
Minimum
GS1
DataMatrix
(ECC 200) (*)
Target
Maximum
For Minimum
X-dimension
For Target
X-dimension
For Maximum
X-dimension
Quiet Zone
Minimum
Quality
Specification
Surrounding
Symbol
0.743
0.396
(0.0150")
0.495
(0.0195")
0.396
0.495
(0.0195")
(0.0293)
1X on all
four sides
1.5/***/660
4X on all
four sides
1.5/***/660
0.743
GS1 QR
Code (*)
(0.0150")
(0.0293)
(*)
2D X-dimension - Optical effects in the image capture process require that the GS1 DataMatrix and
GS1 QR Code Symbols be printed at 1.5 times the equivalent X-dimension allowed for linear symbols.
(**)
Where a linear symbol appears on the package, reverse and mirror-image representation of GS1 2D
symbols shall not be permitted.
(*) X-dimension
mm (inches)
Minimum
Target
Maximum
For
Minimum Xdimension
For Target
Xdimension
For
Maximum
Xdimension
Quiet Zone
Left
(***) Minimum
Quality
Specification
Right
EAN-13
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
34.28
(1.350")
45.70
(1.800")
45.70
(1.800")
11X
7X
1.5/10/660
EAN-8
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
27.35
(1.077")
36.46
(1.435")
36.46
(1.435")
7X
7X
1.5/10/660
UPC-A
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
34.28
(1.350")
45.70
(1.800")
45.70
(1.800")
9X
9X
1.5/10/660
UPC-E
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
34.28
(1.350")
45.70
(1.800")
45.70
(1.800")
9X
7X
1.5/10/660
ITF-14
0.495
(0.0195")
0.495
(0.0195")
1.016
(0.0400")
31.75
(1.250")
31.75
(1.250")
31.75
(1.250")
10X
10X
1.5/10/660
GS1-128
0.495
(0.0195")
0.495
(0.0195")
1.016
(0.0400")
31.75
(1.250")
31.75
(1.250")
31.75
(1.250")
10X
10X
1.5/10/660
GS1 DataBar
Omnidirection
al
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
16.34
(0.644)
21.78
(0.858)
21.78
(0.858)
NA
NA
1.5/10/660
GS1 DataBar
Stacked
Omnidirection
al
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
34.16
(1.346)
45.54
(1.794)
45.54
(1.794)
NA
NA
1.5/10/660
GS1 DataBar
Expanded
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
16.83
(0.663)
22.44
(0.884)
22.44
(0.884)
NA
NA
1.5/10/660
GS1 DataBar
Expanded
Stacked
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
35.15
(1.385)
46.86
(1.846)
46.86
(1.846)
NA
NA
1.5/10/660
GS1 DataBar
Stacked
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
6.44
(0.254)
8.58
(0.338)
8.58
(0.338)
NA
NA
1.5/10/660
GS1 DataBar
Limited
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
4.95
(0.195)
6.60
(0.260)
6.60
(0.260)
NA
NA
1.5/10/660
GS1 DataBar
Truncated
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
6.44
(0.254)
8.58
(0.338)
8.58
(0.338)
NA
NA
1.5/10/660
(*)
UPC-E and EAN-8 Symbols are designed for use on small packages. Whenever space permits, UPC-A, EAN13, ITF-14, or GS1-128 Symbols should be used in the General Distribution Scanning environment.
The minimum symbol height dimensions listed for all symbologies including EAN/UPC Symbols do not include
the Human Readable Interpretation (or Bearer Bars for ITF-14 Symbols). The minimum heights of EAN/UPC
Symbols do not include the extended bars: see Section 5.2.1.4.2 for dimensions of the extended bars.
Because of the operative scanning environment for EAN/UPC Symbols, there is a direct relationship between
the symbols height and width. This means the minimum symbol height is tied to the minimum, target, and
maximum X-dimension listed.
ITF-14 Symbols with X-dimensions below 0.635 millimetre (0.0250 inch) should not be printed directly on
corrugate with conventional (plate-based) processes. Packages and/or containers marked with ITF-14
Symbols with X-dimensions between 1.016 millimetres (0.0400 inch) and 1.219 millimetres (0.048 inch) are
acceptable based on historical specifications, but a migration to the 1.016 millimetres (0.0400 inch) maximum
X-dimension should be made on new artwork. The ITF-14 Symbols bar width ratio target is 2.5:1, and the
acceptable range is 2.25:1 to 3:1.
GS1-128 Symbols have a maximum symbol length of 165.10 millimetres (6.500 inch), which may impact the
maximum achievable X-dimension. For example, a GS1-128 Symbol containing an SSCC has a maximum
achievable X-dimension for 0.940 millimetre (0.0370 inch)
(**)
The minimum symbol height for General Distribution Scanning is always 31.75 millimetres (1.250 inch). The
minimum symbol height dimensions for ITF-14 and GS1-128 Symbols relate to the bar heights only (do not
include Human Readable Interpretation text or ITF-14 Symbol Bearer Bars). There is no maximum for the
height, but if the maximum X-dimension is used, the symbol height must be equal to or greater than those
listed in the Minimum Symbol Height column.
(***)
For ITF-14 Symbols printed on labels with off-set, thermal, or laser print with an X-dimension 0.495 millimetre
(0.0195 inch), the minimum quality specification is 1.5/10/660. For ITF-14 Symbols printed directly on
corrugate or labels with an X-dimension greater than or equal to 0.635 millimetre (0.0250 inch), the minimum
quality specification is 0.5/20/660.
Note: See Section 5.5.2.6 to ensure the correct Symbol Specification Table is used.
5.5.2.7.3. Symbol Specification Table 3 - Trade Items scanned at General Retail POS and
General Distribution
Figure 5.5.2.7.3-1. GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 3
Symbol(s)
Specified
(*) X-dimension
mm (inches)
Minimum
Target
Maximum
For Minimum
X-dimension
For Target
X-dimension
For Maximum
X-dimension
Quiet Zone
Left
Minimum
Quality
Specification
Right
EAN-13
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
34.28
(1.350")
45.70
(1.800")
45.70
(1.800")
11X
7X
1.5/06/660
EAN-8
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
27.35
(1.077")
36.46
(1.435")
36.46
(1.435")
7X
7X
1.5/06/660
UPC-A
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
34.28
(1.350")
45.70
(1.800")
45.70
(1.800")
9X
9X
1.5/06/660
UPC-E
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
34.28
(1.350")
45.70
(1.800")
45.70
(1.800")
9X
7X
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Omnidirectional
(***)
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
22.77
(0.897)
30.36
(1.196)
30.36
(1.196)
None
None
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Stacked
Omnidirectional
(***)
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
47.03
(1.853)
62.70
(2.470)
62.70
(2.470)
None
None
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Expanded
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
16.83
(0.663)
22.44
(0.884)
22.44
(0.884)
None
None
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Expanded
Stacked
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
35.15
(1.385)
46.86
(1.846)
46.86
(1.846)
None
None
1.5/06/660
(*)
UPC-E and EAN-8 Symbols are designed for use on small packages. Whenever space permits, UPC-A and
EAN-13 Symbols should be used.
(**)
The minimum symbol height dimensions listed for all symbologies including EAN/UPC Symbols do not include
the Human Readable Interpretation. The minimum heights of EAN/UPC Symbols do not include the extended
bars: see Section 5.2.1.4.2 for dimensions of the extended bars. Because of the operative scanning environment
for EAN/UPC Symbols, there is a direct relationship between the symbols height and width. This means the
minimum symbol height listed is tied to the minimum, target, and maximum X-dimension listed.
There is no maximum for the height, but if the maximum X-dimension is used, the symbol height must be equal
to or greater than those listed in the Minimum Symbol Height column.
(***)
The current symbol specification for GS1 DataBar Omni-directional (minimum height 33X) and GS1 DataBar
Stacked Omni-directional (minimum height 69X) indicate a square aspect ratio for the symbol segments. To
enhance scanning performance, in an omni-directional scanning environment, an over square aspect ratio shall
be used following the example of the EAN/UPC symbology specification and rigorous field test of the GS1
DataBar symbology (46X or 95X).
Note: See Section 5.5.2.6 to ensure the correct Symbol Specification Table is used.
(*) X-dimension
mm (inches)
Minimum
Target
Maximum
For Minimum
X-dimension
For Target
X-dimension
For
Maximum
Xdimension
Minimum
Quality
Specification
Quiet Zone
Left
Right
EAN-13
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28 (0.720")
22.85 (0.900")
45.70
(1.800")
11X
7X
1.5/06/660
EAN-8
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
14.58 (0.574")
18.23 (0.718")
36.46
(1.435")
7X
7X
1.5/06/660
UPC-A
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28 (0.720")
22.85 (0.900")
45.70
(1.800")
9X
9X
1.5/06/660
UPC-E
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28 (0.720")
22.85 (0.900")
45.70
(1.800")
9X
7X
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Omnidirectional
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
8.71 (0.343")
10.90 (0.429")
21.78
(0.858)
NA
NA
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Stacked
Omnidirectional
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.24 (0.718")
27.78 (0.897")
45.54
(1.794)
NA
NA
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Expanded
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
8.99 (0.354")
11.23 (0.442")
22.44
(0.883)
NA
NA
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Expanded
Stacked
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.75 (0.738")
23.44 (0.923")
46.86
(1.845)
NA
NA
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Stacked
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
3.43 (0.135)
4.29 (0.169)
8.58 (0.338)
N/A
N/A
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Limited
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
2.64 (0.104)
3.3 0 (0.130)
6.60 (0.260)
N/A
N/A
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Truncated
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
3.43 (0.135)
4.29 (0.169)
8.58 (0.338)
N/A
N/A
1.5/06/660
ITF-14
0.250
(0.00984")
0.495
(0.0195")
0.495
(0.0195")
12.70 (0.500")
12.70 (0.500")
12.70
(0.500")
10X
10X
1.5/06/660
GS1- 128
0.250
(0.00984")
0.495
(0.0195")
0.495
(0.0195")
12.70 (0.500")
12.70
(0.500")
12.70
(0.500")
10X
10X
1.5/06/660
(*)
ITF-14 Symbols with X-dimensions below 0.635 millimetre (0.0250 inch) should not be printed directly on
corrugate with conventional (plate based) processes. Packages and/or containers marked with ITF-14
Symbols with X-dimensions between 1.016 millimetres (0.0400 inch) and 1.219 millimetres (0.0480 inch)
are acceptable based on historical specifications, but a migration to the 1.016 millimetre (0.0400 inch)
maximum X-dimension should be made on new artwork. The ITF-14 Symbols bar width ratio target is
2.5:1, and the acceptable range is 2.25:1 to 3:1.
Section 5.5.3.4 gives full details on when barcodes can be printed at less than the minimum X-dimension.
In general, barcodes may only be printed using an X-dimension below 0.264 millimetre (0.0104 inch) or 80
percent magnification under the following conditions:
The allowance for X-dimensions between 0.249 millimetre (0.0098 inch) or 75 percent magnification and
0.264 millimetre (0.0104 inch) or 80 percent magnification is only applicable to on demand (e.g., thermal,
laser) print processes. For all other printing processes, an X-dimension of 0.264 millimetre (0.0104 inch)
is attainable and is the minimum allowable size.
When printing a minimum symbol with any method of printing, the area provided for printing the symbol
and the required Quiet Zone should never be less than the area required for an X-dimension of 0.264
millimetre (0.0104 inch).
When printing a minimum symbol with any method of printing, the symbol height SHALL never be
truncated.
(**)
The minimum symbol height dimensions listed for all symbologies including EAN/UPC Symbols do not
include the Human Readable Interpretation (or Bearer Bars for ITF-14 Symbols), The minimum heights of
EAN/UPC Symbols do not include the extended bars: see Section 5.2.1.4.2 for dimensions of the extended
bars.
Because of the operative scanning environment for EAN/UPC Symbols, there is a direct relationship
between the symbols height and width. This means the minimum symbol height listed is tied to the
minimum, target, and maximum X-dimension listed.
The minimum bar height for ITF-14 and GS1-128 Symbols in this operative scanning environment is 12.70
millimetres (0.500 inch), but if the package is physically too small to accommodate this rule, further
truncation is permitted. In no case shall the bar height be less than 5.08 millimetres (0.200 inch).
There is no maximum for the symbol height, but if the maximum X-dimension is used, the symbol height
must be equal to or greater than those listed in the Minimum Symbol Height column.
Whereas, linear symbol heights are set at a fixed dimension, Composite Components are printed at the
same X-dimension as the linear portion of the Composite Symbology, and the barcode height varies
depending on the amount of data, the X-dimension, and which linear symbol is used in conjunction with the
Composite Component. Note that Composite Components have to be printed with a linear symbol such as
GS1 DataBar, GS1-128, UPC-A, or EAN-13. ITF-14 cannot be used with Composite Components.
Note: See Section 5.5.2.6 to ensure the correct Symbol Specification Table is used.
(*) X-dimension
mm (inches)
Minimum
GS1-128
0.495
(0.0195")
Target
0.495
(0.0195")
Maximum
0.940
(0.0370")
For
Minimum Xdimension
31.75
(1.250")
For Target
Xdimension
31.75
(1.250")
For
Maximum
Xdimension
31.75
(1.250")
Quiet Zone
Left
10X
Minimum Quality
Specification
Right
10X
1.5/10/660
(*)
If the item is too small to accommodate the minimum X-dimension, the minimum X-dimension is 0.250
millimetre (0.0098 inch).
(**)
The minimum symbol height indicated is for bar height only and does not include the Human Readable
Interpretation. If the item is too small to accommodate the minimum, the minimum bar height is the
greater of 15 percent of the symbol width including Quiet Zones or 12.70 millimetres (0.500 inch). If the
package is physically too small to accommodate this rule, further truncation is permitted, but in no case
shall the bar height be less than 5.08 millimetres (0.200 inch).
There is no maximum for the height, but if the maximum X-dimension is used, the symbol height must
be equal to or greater than those listed in the Minimum Symbol Height column.
Note: See Section 5.5.2.6 to ensure the correct Symbol Specification Table is used.
X-dimension
mm (inches)
For
Maximum
Xdimension
Minimum
Quality
Specification
Minimum
Target
GS1- 128
0.170
(0.0067")
0.495
(0.0195")
0.495
(0.0195")
12.70
(0.500")
GS1 DataMatrix
(ECC 200) (*)
0.255
(0.0100")
0.380
(0.0150")
0.495
(0.0195")
GS1 DataBar
Omnidirectional
0.170
(0.0067")
0.200
(0.0080")
0.660
(0.0260")
5.61
(0.221")
6.60
(0.260")
21.78
(0.858)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Truncated
0.170
(0.0067")
0.200
(0.0080")
0.660
(0.0260")
2.21
(0.087")
2.60
(0.102")
8.58
(0.338)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Stacked
0.170
(0.0067")
0.200
(0.0080")
0.660
(0.0260")
2.21
(0.087")
2.60
(0.102")
8.58
(0.338)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Stacked
Omnidirectional
0.170
(0.0067")
0.200
(0.0080")
0.660
(0.0260")
11.73
(0.462")
13.80
(0.543")
45.54
(1.794)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Limited
0.170
(0.0067")
0.200
(0.0080")
0.660
(0.0260")
1.70
(0.067")
2.00
(0.079")
6.60
(0.260)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Expanded
0.170
(0.0067")
0.200
(0.0080")
0.660
(0.0260")
5.78
(0.228")
6.80
(0.268")
22.44
(0.884)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Expanded
Stacked
0.170
(0.0067")
0.200
(0.0080")
0.660
(0.0260")
12.07
(0.475")
14.20
(0.559")
46.86
(1.846)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/06/660
EAN-13
0.170
(0.0067")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28
(0.720")
22.85
(0.900")
45.70
(1.800")
11X
7X
1.5/06/660
EAN-8
0.170
(0.0067")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
14.58
(0.574")
18.23
(0.718")
36.46
(1.435")
7X
7X
1.5/06/660
UPC-A
0.170
(0.0067")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28
(0.720")
22.85
(0.900")
45.70
(1.800")
9X
9X
1.5/06/660
UPC-E
0.170
(0.0067")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28
(0.720")
22.85
(0.900")
45.70
(1.800")
9X
7X
1.5/06/660
ITF-14
0.170
(0.0067")
0.495
(0.0195")
0.495
(0.0195")
12.70
(0.500")
12.70
(0.500")
12.70
(0.500")
10X
10X
1.5/06/660
1X
1X
1.5/06/660
1X
1X
1.5/06/660
2X
2X
1.5/06/660
CC-A
CC-B
CC-C
(*)
Maximum
For Target
Xdimension
Quiet Zone
12.70
(0.500")
12.70
(0.500")
Left
10X
Right
10X
1.5/06/660
1.5/08/660
2D X-dimension - Optical effects in the image capture process require that the GS1 DataMatrix symbol be
printed at 1.5 times the equivalent printing X-dimension allowed for linear or Composite Symbols.
Note: See Section 5.5.2.6 to ensure the correct Symbol Specification Table is used.
Note: This table contains several symbol options. All are permitted to promote backward
compatibility, but Section 2 Application Standards define which symbols are the preferred
options for the future.
X-dimension
mm (inches) Note 1 Note 6
Quiet
Zone
Minimum
Quality
Specification
Minimum
Target
0.254(0.0
100)
0.300
(0.0118)
0.615
(0.0242)
1X on all
four
sides
1.5/06/660
0.254
(0.0100)
0.300
(0.0118)
0.615
(0.0242)
4X on all
four
sides
1.5/06/660
QR Code
GS1 DataMatrix
0.254
0.300
0.615
Ink Based
Direct Part
Marking
(0.0100)
(0.0118)
(0.0242)
1X on all
four
sides
GS1
DataMatrix
0.100
0.200
0.300
(0.0039)
(0.0079)
(0.0118)
0.200
0.300
0.495
(0.0079")
(0.0118)
(0.0195")
GS1 DataMatrix
GS1
Maximum
1.5/08/660
Note 5
1X on all
four
sides
1.5/03/Note3
1X on all
four
sides
1.5/06/Note 3
Direct Part
Marking - A
Note 2
GS1
DataMatrix
Note 5
Direct Part
Marking - B
Note 2
Note 4 Note 5
Note 4 Note 5
For Direct
Marking of items
other than
Medical devices
For Direct
Marking of items
other than
Medical devices
For Direct
Marking of
Medical devices
such as Small
Medical / Surgical
Instruments
For Direct
Marking of
Medical devices
such as Small
Medical / Surgical
Instruments
For Direct
Marking of Small
Medical / Surgical
Instruments
Note 1: Optical effects in the image capture process require that label based GS1
DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code symbols be printed at approximately 1.5 times the
equivalent X-dimension allowed for linear symbols in the same application.
Note 2: There are two basic types of non ink based Direct Part Marks, those with
connected modules in the L shaped finder pattern (GS1 DataMatrix Direct Part Marking
A) created by DPM marking technologies such as laser or chemical etching and those
with non connected modules in the L shaped finder pattern (GS1 DataMatrix Direct Part
Marking B) created by DPM marking technologies such as dot peen. Due to the marking
technologies and characteristics of reading they each have varied ranges of X-dimensions
and different quality criteria recommended and may require different reading equipment.
GS1 DataMatrix A is suggested for marking of medical devices such as small medical /
surgical instruments. The Minimum X-dimension of 0.100mm is based upon the specific
need for permanence in direct marking of small medical instruments which have limited
marking area available on the instrument with a target useable area of 2.5mm x 2.5mm and
a data content of GTIN (AI 01) plus Serial Number (AI 21).
Note 3: The wavelength for Direct Part Marked GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code is
based upon the practical scanning environment and thus must in the grade be matched to
the scanner / imagers being used. See ISO/IEC 15415 and ISO/IEC 29158.
Note 4: The angle is an additional parameter defining the angle of incidence (relative to the
plane of the symbol) of the illumination for Direct Part Marking verification. It shall be
included in the overall symbol grade when the angle of incidence is other than 45 degrees.
Its absence indicates that the angle of incidence is 45 degrees. See ISO/IEC 15415 and
ISO/IEC 29158.
Note 5: The effective aperture for GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code quality
measurements should be taken at 80 percent of the minimum X-dimension allowed for the
application. For Direct Part Marking - A this would equate to an aperture of 3; for Direct
Park Marking B this would equate to an aperture of 6 and for general healthcare label
printing, an aperture of 8. See ISO/IEC 15415 and ISO/IEC 29158.
Note 6: The largest X-dimension in a given range that will allow a symbol with the needed
data content to fit within the available marking area should be used to maximize marking
and reading performance (depth of field, tolerance to curvature, etc.).
Note 7: In practical application, where very small symbol sizes are needed, it may be
necessary to work with GS1 DataMatrix module X-dimensions smaller than those 2342
suggested. Where dimensional restrictions prohibit the application of a full size code,
reduced x-dimension AIDC marking is encouraged to facilitate information capture. It
should be noted that these practices may limit the symbol effectiveness, including but not
limited to:
-
the need for, and limited availability of, special scanners/imagers for reading,
5.5.2.7.8. Symbol Specification Table 8 - Trade Items Scanned in Retail Pharmacy and
General Distribution or Non-Retail Pharmacy and General Distribution
Figure 5.5.2.7.8-1. GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 8
Symbol(s)
Specified
X-dimension
mm (inches)
For Target
Xdimension
For
Maximum
Xdimension
31.75
(1.250")
Minimum
0.495
(0.0195")
Target
0.495
(0.0195")
Maximum
1.016
(0.0400")
31.75
(1.250")
0.750
(0.0300")
0.750
(0.0300")
1.520
(0.0600")
0.495
(0.0195")
0.495
(0.0195")
0.495
(0.0195")
0.495
(0.0195")
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
1.016
(0.0400")
34.28
(1.350")
27.35
(1.077")
34.28
(1.350")
34.28
(1.350")
31.75
(1.250")
45.70
(1.800")
36.46
(1.435")
45.70
(1.800")
45.70
(1.800")
31.75
(1.250")
45.70
(1.800")
36.46
(1.435")
45.70
(1.800")
45.70
(1.800")
31.75
(1.250")
GS1 DataBar
Omnidirectio
nal
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
16.34
(0.644)
21.78
(0.858)
GS1 DataBar
Truncated
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
6.44
(0.254)
GS1 DataBar
Stacked
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
GS1 DataBar
Stacked
Omnidirectio
nal
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
GS1 DataBar
Limited
0.495
(0.0195")
GS1 DataBar
Expanded
GS1 DataBar
Expanded
Stacked
GS1- 128
GS1
DataMatrix
(ECC 200)
(*)
EAN-13
EAN-8
UPC-A
UPC-E
ITF-14
CC-A
CC-B
CC-C
(*)
31.75
(1.250")
Minimum
Quality
Specification
Quiet Zone
Left
10X
1.5/10/660
1.5/20/660
11X
7X
1.5/10/660
7X
7X
1.5/10/660
9X
9X
1.5/10/660
9X
7X
1.5/10/660
10X
10X
1.5/10/660
21.78
(0.858)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/10/660
8.58
(0.338)
8.58
(0.338)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/10/660
6.44
(0.254)
8.58
(0.338)
8.58
(0.338)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/10/660
0.660
(0.0260")
34.16
(1.346)
45.54
(1.794)
45.54
(1.794)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/10/660
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
4.95
(0.195)
6.60
(0.260)
6.60
(0.260)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/10/660
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
16.83
(0.663)
22.44
(0.884)
22.44
(0.884)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/10/660
0.495
(0.0195")
0.660
(0.0260")
0.660
(0.0260")
46.86
(1.846)
46.86
(1.846)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/10/660
1X
1X
1.5/06/660
35.15
(1.385)
All CCs need to be printed at the same Xdimensions as their linear components,
therefore consult the appropriate row and
column for the linear symbol to be used.
10X
Right
1X
1X
1.5/06/660
2X
2X
1.5/06/660
2D X-dimension - Optical effects in the image capture process require that the GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR
Code symbols be printed at 1.5 times the equivalent printing X-dimension allowed for linear symbols.
Note: See Section 5.5.2.6 to ensure the correct Symbol Specification Table is used.
Note: This table contains several symbol options. All are permitted to promote backward
compatibility, but Section 2 Application Standards define which symbols are the preferred
options for the future.
Note: Since June 2007 GS1 has recommended all trading partners in the healthcare
sector invest exclusively in imaging-based scanners. Now that GS1 DataMatrix has been
approved within the standard, it is important to inform all trading partners of a process
within GS1 to establish target deployment dates. Without these dates, brand owners do
not have a way know when to deploy GS1 DataMatrix on their packaging and those
needing to invest in scanning equipment may inadvertently purchase equipment that will
not support the standards. To see GS1 Healthcares Position Paper on GS1 DataMatrix
adoption, visit http://www.gs1.org/healthcare.
5.5.2.7.9. Symbol Specification Table 9 - GS1 Keys GDTI, GRAI, GIAI and GLN
Figure 5.5.2.7.9-1. GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 9
Symbol(s)
Specified
X-dimensions mm(inches)
Minimum
Target
Maximum
GS1- 128
0.250
(0.0098")
0.250
(0.0098")
0.495
(0.0195")
12.70
(0.500")
GS1
DataMatrix
(ECC 200)
(*)
0.380
(0.0150")
0.380
(0.0150")
0.495
(0.0195")
GS1 QR
Code (*)
0.380
(0.0150")
0.380
(0.0150")
0.495
(0.0195")
(*)
For
Minimum
Xdimension
For Target
Xdimension
12.70
(0.500")
For
Maximum
Xdimension
12.70
(0.500")
Quiet Zone
Left
Right
10X
10X
Minimum Quality
Specification
1.5/06/660
1.5/08/660
1.5/08/660
2D X-dimension - Optical effects in the image capture process require that the GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR
Code symbols be printed at 1.5 times the equivalent printing X-dimension allowed for linear symbols.
Note: See Section 5.5.2.6 to ensure the correct Symbol Specification Table is used.
Note: This table contains several symbol options. All are permitted to promote backward
compatibility, but Section 2 Application Standards define which symbols are the preferred
options for the future.
5.5.2.7.10.
Symbol Specification Table 10 Regulated Healthcare Retail Consumer
Trade Items Not Scanned in General Distribution
Figure 5.5.2.7.10-1. GS1 System Symbol Specification Table 10
Symbol(s)
Specified
X-dimension
mm (inches)
mm (inches)
Minimum
Target
Maximum
For
Minimum
Xdimension
GS1- 128
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
12.70
(0.500")
GS1 DataMatrix
(ECC 200) (*)
0.396
(0.0156")
0.495
(0.0195")
0.990
(0.0390")
GS1 DataBar
Omnidirectional
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
GS1 DataBar
Truncated
0.264
(0.0104")
GS1 DataBar
Stacked
Minimum Quality
Specification
Quiet Zone
For Target
Xdimension
For
Maximum
X-dimension
12.70
(0.500")
12.70
(0.500")
Left
10X
Right
10X
1.5/06/660
1.5/08/660
0.660
(0.0260")
8.71
(0.343")
10.89
(0.429")
21.78 (0.858)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/06/660
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
3.43
(0.135")
4.29
(0.169")
8.58 (0.338)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/06/660
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
3.43
(0.135")
4.29
(0.169")
8.58 (0.338)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Stacked
Omnidirectional
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.22
(0.718")
27.77
(0.897")
45.54
(1.794)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Limited
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
2.64
(0.104")
3.30
(0.130")
6.60 (0.260)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Expanded
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
8.98
(0.354")
11.22
(0.442")
22.44
(0.883)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/06/660
GS1 DataBar
Expanded
Stacked
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.74
(0.738")
23.43
(0.923")
46.86
(1.846)
Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
1.5/06/660
EAN-13
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28
(0.720")
22.85
(0.900")
45.70
(1.800")
11X
7X
1.5/06/660
EAN-8
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
14.58
(0.574")
18.23
(0.718")
36.46
(1.435")
7X
7X
1.5/06/660
UPC-A
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28
(0.720")
22.85
(0.900")
45.70
(1.800")
9X
9X
1.5/06/660
UPC-E
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
18.28
(0.720")
22.85
(0.900")
45.70
(1.800")
9X
7X
1.5/06/660
ITF-14
0.264
(0.0104")
0.330
(0.0130")
0.660
(0.0260")
12.70
(0.500")
12.70
(0.500")
12.70
(0.500")
10X
10X
1.5/06/660
CC-A
CC-B
CC-C
(*)
1X
1X
1.5/06/660
1X
1X
1.5/06/660
2X
2X
1.5/06/660
2D X-dimension - Optical effects in the image capture process require that the GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR
Code symbols be printed at 1.5 times the equivalent printing X-dimension allowed for linear symbols.
Note: See Section 5.5.2.6 to ensure the correct Symbol Specification Table is used.
Note: Since June 2007 GS1 has recommended all trading partners in the healthcare
sector invest exclusively in imaging-based scanners. Now that GS1 DataMatrix has been
approved within the standard, it is important to inform all trading partners of a process within
GS1 to establish target deployment dates. Without these dates, brand owners do not have a
way know when to deploy GS1 DataMatrix on their packaging and those needing to invest in
scanning equipment may inadvertently purchase equipment that will not support the standards.
To see GS1 Healthcares Position Paper on GS1 DataMatrix adoption, visit GS1.org\GS1Healthcare.
5.5.2.7.11.
Symbol(s)
Specified
X-dimensions mm(inches)
For Target
Xdimension
Target
Maximum
GS1- 128
0.170
(0.0067")
0.250
(0.0098")
0.495
(0.0195")
12.70
(0.500")
GS1
DataMatrix
(ECC 200)
(*)
0.255
(0.0100")
0.380
(0.0150")
0.495
(0.0195")
1.5/08/660
GS1 QR
Code (*)
0.255
(0.0100")
0.380
(0.0150")
0.495
(0.0195")
1.5/08/660
12.70
(0.500")
For
Maximum
Xdimension
12.70
(0.500")
Left
Minimum Quality
Specification
Minimum
(*)
For
Minimum
Xdimension
Quiet Zone
10X
Right
10X
1.5/06/660
2D X-dimension - Optical effects in the image capture process require that the GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR
Code symbols be printed at 1.5 times the equivalent printing X-dimension allowed for linear symbols.
Note: See Section 5.5.2.6 to ensure the correct Symbol Specification Table is used.
Note: This table contains several symbol options. All are permitted to promote backward
compatibility, but Section 2 Application Standards define which symbols are the preferred
options for the future.
5.5.3.
Barcode Production
The following subsections will:
Provide general printing and packaging background for major application groups
The various definitions and specialist terms used throughout this section are found in ISO/IEC
15419, Information Technology, Automatic Identification and Data Capture Techniques, Bar
Code Digital Imaging and Printing Performance Testing, ISO/IEC 15416, Information
technology, Automatic Identification and Data Capture Technologies, Bar Code Print Quality
Test Specification Linear Symbols and ISO/IEC 15415, Information technology, Automatic
Identification and Data capture Techniques, Bar Code Print Quality Test Specification, Twodimensional Symbols.
Data input
Quiet Zones
Adjusted bar width compensation (BWC) (including the General Purpose Printer Dot/Pixel
Comparison figure)
Test requirements
System configuration
Test procedure
Conformance
Test report, including sample test layout, from normative reference Annex A of ISO/IEC 15419
Certification
Test requirements
Test procedure
Conformance
Test report
Equipment specification
Pixel-Sized Dot
The most common printing densities used by on-demand, barcode printers are 200 and 300 dpi.
However, due to the constraints of the dot pitch, these printers cannot print a minimum Xdimension of 0.264 mm (0.0104 inch) or 80 percent magnification symbol correctly. The closest
to 80 percent that these printers can print is 75.7 percent or 76.9 percent depending on the
exact dot geometry (see Figure 5.5.3.1.3 - 2).
Even though a minimum X-dimension of 0.264 mm (0.0104) inch or 80 percent magnification) is
the minimum value specified, users of on-demand printers have used magnifications between
75 percent and 80 percent in Point-of-Sale (POS) scanning environments for years. They have
done so with no significant reduction in scan rate, as compared to symbols printed precisely at
80 percent. Because larger in-specification symbols are always easier to scan, 80 percent
symbols and larger are preferred. However, when an on-demand printer is required, the 75 to
80 percent symbols are an acceptable alternative given the following qualifications for printing:
The allowance for symbols from the EAN/UPC Symbology family of magnifications from
75 to 80 percent is only applicable to on-demand (e.g., thermal, laser) print processes.
For all other printing processes, 80 percent is attainable and is the minimum allowable
size.
When printing a minimum symbol with any method of printing, the area provided for
printing the symbol, including the required Quiet Zones, should never be less than the
area required for an 80 percent symbol. This area is derived from the total width of an
80 percent symbol times its height.
When printing a minimum symbol with any method of printing, the symbol height SHALL
never be truncated below minimum bar height as stated in the Symbol Specification
Tables.
The minimum print quality grade is the same for all symbols in the EAN/UPC
Symbology family: 1.5/06/660.
Figure 5.5.3.1.3-2. Achievable X-dimensions for Thermal Printed EAN/UPC Symbols
Reference
DPI
Actual
DPI
Dots Per
Millimetre
mm
Dots
Per
Module
Width
Module Width
(X-dimension)
Inch
mm
(*) Corrected
Magnification
200
203.2
0.004921
0.12500
0.0098
0.250
(**) 75.76%
200
203.2
0.004921
0.12500
0.0148
0.375
113.64%
200
203.2
0.004921
0.12500
0.0197
0.500
151.52%
200
203.2
0.004921
0.12500
0.2461
0.625
189.39%
300
304.8
12
0.003281
0.08333
0.0098
0.250
(**) 75.76%
300
304.8
12
0.003281
0.08333
0.0131
0.333
100.01%
300
304.8
12
0.003281
0.08333
0.0164
0.417
126.26%
300
304.8
12
0.003281
0.08333
0.0197
0.500
151.52%
300
304.8
12
0.003281
0.08333
0.0230
0.583
176.77%
400
406.4
16
0.002461
0.06250
0.0098
0.250
(**) 75.76%
400
406.4
16
0.002461
0.06250
0.0123
0.312
94.70%
400
406.4
16
0.002461
0.06250
0.0148
0.375
113.64%
400
406.4
16
0.002461
0.06250
0.0172
0.437
132.58%
400
406.4
16
0.002461
0.06250
0.0197
0.500
151.52%
400
406.4
16
0.002461
0.06250
0.0221
0.563
170.45%
400
406.4
16
0.002461
0.06250
10
0.0246
0.625
189.39%
600
609.6
24
0.001640
0.04167
0.0098
0.250
(**) 75.76%
600
609.6
24
0.001640
0.04167
0.0115
0.292
88.38%
600
609.6
24
0.001640
0.04167
0.0131
0.333
101.01%
600
609.6
24
0.001640
0.04167
0.0148
0.375
113.64%
600
609.6
24
0.001640
0.04167
10
0.0164
0.417
126.26%
600
609.6
24
0.001640
0.04167
11
0.0180
0.458
138.89%
600
609.6
24
0.001640
0.04167
12
0.0197
0.500
151.52%
600
609.6
24
0.001640
0.04167
13
0.0213
0.542
164.14%
600
609.6
24
0.001640
0.04167
14
0.0230
0.583
176.77%
600
609.6
24
0.001640
0.04167
15
0.0246
0.625
189.39%
(*) The nominal EAN/UPC Symbol is based on a module width (X-dimension) of either 0.0130 inch or 0.330
millimetre. In North America, long-standing GS1 US specifications set the nominal module size (X-dimension) at
0.0130 inch or 0.330 millimetres. The ISO/IEC specification for EAN/UPC Symbols set the nominal module size
(X-dimension) at 0.330 millimetre. The international metric nominal is 0.0606 percent smaller than the original
inch-based nominal. The data in the right-most column labelled Corrected Magnification are based on a nominal
module width (X-dimension) of 0.330 millimetre.
(**) See Figure 5.5.2.7.1-1 for when a Magnification of less than 80% is acceptable
1.0 MM
ORIGINAL FILM
PRINTED BAR
MASTER BAR
Verifying the Film Master on receipt confirms that the correct BWA has been applied and that it
is otherwise as specified. Note that a special type of verifier using traditional measurement and
capable of more precise measurement is necessary at this point, since Film Master
requirements are specified in terms of element widths and are subject to tolerances of only plus
or minus five microns for EAN/UPC Symbols. In addition, the verifier needs to be capable of
measuring the intensity of light transmitted through, rather than that reflected by, the film
material. Also, Film Masters may be either photographic positives or negatives, and in the latter
case, the light and dark characteristics of the background and bars are reversed. In the absence
of such a verifier, reliance may be placed on the verification report normally provided by the
Film Master supplier with the master.
If a proof of the print job is produced, the barcode should be verified as part of the approval
process. Note, however, that since proofing presses are not the same as production printing
presses, there may be a slight difference in the quality of the proof and the production job.
While the presses are being made ready, a check of bar widths on the first few printed sheets
can help to ensure that the press is correctly set to produce near-ideal bar widths. Once the
presses have started to roll, periodic sampling should be carried out, at intervals based on
experience or dictated by the company's quality control procedures, to monitor both bar widths
and other aspects of symbol quality (in particular Symbol Contrast), since these are the
attributes most easily adjusted during the run.
Finally, a further sample should be verified following completion of the print job. The Scan
Reflectance Profile (SRP) analysis SHALL be used as the basis for decision making, to ensure
that the job has achieved at least the minimum quality grade specified by the customer or based
on the application. The following items are recommended to appear on or with a Film Master:
A test square (outside the symbol area) for emulsion studies (this should be incorporated in
the film, not affixed on a separate label)
Bar edge
Base density
Negative image
Polarity
Positive image
Material
Dimensional stability
Archival properties
Tolerances
Defects
Quiet Zones
Corner marks
Optical densities (including table Reference Density Values, and, from informative
reference Annex A of ISO/IEC 15421 Optical Density Profiles, the following figures:
Minimum and Maximum Values of Optical Density, Measurement of Slope, Threshold Point
for Bar Edge Determination, Measurements for Ratio-Based Symbologies, Measurements
for (n,k) Symbologies, and Symbol Character Pitch Measurement)
Orientation
Polarity
Encodation
Test Methods
Without additional software linking the decoded data to a database, the quality and
accuracy of the data content of a symbol cannot be confirmed.
The verifier cannot confirm that the symbol dimensions are those intended and are as
indicated in Symbol Specification Tables (SSTs). For example, many of the simpler verifiers
cannot measure in dimensional terms (X-dimension), though they can be remarkably
accurate in measuring the relationships of element widths to each other. The amount that
bar widths differ from nominal width on average in a symbol is called the average bar error.
This number is expressed as a fraction of X-dimension. A positive value indicates average
bar growth and a negative value indicates bar shrinkage.
The verifier does not check that the Human Readable Interpretation matches the barcode
data (and it is necessary to check that the two correspond, particularly where the barcode
generating software does not include Human Readable Interpretation data).
Because only a sample of the symbols produced are actually verified, the quality of all the
symbols in a production batch cannot be guaranteed beyond the statistical confidence limits
associated with the sampling rate used.
Even a perfect symbol at the time of production can be damaged or otherwise affected in its
passage through the supply chain (e.g., scratched, frozen, dampened).
Operator error can cause inconsistent results. Operators should be properly trained and
visual checks should be made to confirm verifier results (e.g., where the barcode is
expected to get a good result and fails the verifier test, recheck the operation of using the
verifier).
The correct barcode has been printed for the scanning environment of the item (e.g., an
ITF-14 Symbol shall not be used on an item intended for retail Point-of-Sale).
Traditional Verification
Traditional verification methods were introduced in the early to mid-1970s and were based on
the measurement of two symbol parameters: print contrast signal (PCS) and the bar width
deviation. If the bar (or space) widths were within a defined (but somewhat arbitrary) tolerance,
and if PCS was above a defined minimum value, the symbol was regarded as being "in spec."
Initially, none of these measurements were automated, and human factors affected the
accuracy and consistency of measurements. Also, checking that the symbol was correctly
encoded was a laborious task. However, within a few years, instruments were developed that
performed these measurements automatically. These were the first true verifiers that enabled
the printer to take steps to produce the symbols as nearly perfectly as this process allowed.
Traditional verification does not necessarily give results that correlate very closely with the
actual scanning performance of the symbols. One reason is that the assessment of the symbol
gives only a single threshold for acceptability: "Pass" or "Fail. In addition if the assessment is
based on a single scan across the symbol, which might be through an exceptionally good or
bad section of the symbol, it cannot be guaranteed to be truly representative of its condition.
Measurements of bar gain or loss are less meaningful in the case of certain symbologies, like
the EAN/UPC Symbology and the GS1 128 barcode, where decoding relies primarily on edgeto-similar-edge distances, which are relatively immune to even substantial amounts of
consistent gain or loss across the symbol. These distances are measured from the leading edge
of one bar to the leading edge of the next (or from one trailing edge to the next), which tends to
move in the same direction if there is bar gain or loss. A more subtle factor is that the method is
not standardised, either as to where the dark and light reflectance (or density) measurements
are made for the calculation of PCS, or as to how the exact position of an element edge is
defined, so that some models of verifier could assess a given symbol as "Pass whereas others
could Fail it a source of potential and, indeed, actual disagreements among suppliers and
customers.
ISO Verification
During the 1980s, two factors led to attempts to improve the traditional verification technique.
One was the disparity between traditional verification results and the real life performance of
symbols, and the other was the increasing number of product rejections by customers based on
differing verification results between the supplier's instrument and his customer's.
A wide-ranging programme by a group of experts from barcode and user industries working on
all types of scanning systems determined the factors that most directly affect symbol-scanning
performance and resulted in the analysis of the Scan Reflectance Profile (SRP). This
methodology was originally known as ANSI verification because it was first described in the
United States' standard ANSI X3.182, published in 1990 under the title Bar Code Print Quality
Guidelines. The method was then defined in a European standard (EN 1635), published in
1995, and an international standard (ISO/IEC 15416), published in 2000. ISO/IEC 15416 is the
definitive international specification of the ISO barcode verification methodology, and the
numeric grading system is used.
The method, as described in the ISO/IEC 15416 standard, is technically fully compatible with
the ANSI X3.182 and EN 1635 method, so verifiers based on these standards are not obsolete.
Additionally, ISO/IEC 15415 standard achieves comparable results to the linear barcode symbol
quality standard ISO/IEC 15416, with the modifications in terms of parameters and
methodologies that are applicable to two dimensional symbols.
In simple terms, an ISO verifier looks at the symbol in exactly the same way a scanner sees it.
The ISO verifier reports its assessment of the symbol quality not as a single "Pass or Fail"
decision, but as one of a range of four passing grades (from 4 to 1, in order of decreasing
quality) or one failing grade (0). This enables an application to set the most appropriate
minimum grade for acceptability. It may be noted that the ANSI standard uses the alphabetic
scale A to D for passing grades and F for failing symbols, but the grade thresholds are identical.
The relationship between symbol grades measured in this way and the way the symbols
behaved when they were scanned was so close that users rapidly came to accept the SRP
assessment method for verifying symbols received from their trading partners. Users knew that
as long as a symbol achieved grade 1.5 or better it would give them acceptable performance
when they had to scan it to capture the encoded data.
Note: The GS1 System requires that the Quiet Zone be a measured parameter for
EAN/UPC Symbology, GS1-128 Symbols, and ITF-14 Symbols per the values expressed in
ISO/IEC 15416, Section 5. For GS1 DataMatrix it is equal to one x-dimension expressed in
ISO/IEC 16022 Section 7 and for GS1 QR Code it is equal to the four x-dimension expressed in
ISO/IEC 18004 Section 5.
Types of Verifiers
There are many types of verifiers and almost as many ways of classifying them, but for practical
purposes, it is convenient to group them into two classes related to where they are used and the
extent to which all their possible functions are required. This grouping corresponds reasonably
closely to the Class A and Class B classification respectively (as used in the European prestandard ENV 12647).
The first group (broadly equivalent to the Class A category) contains the full-function type of
verifier, which is mainly found in a quality control laboratory. It performs a full range of
measuring functions and provides comprehensive analytical reports on the symbol, enabling the
cause of problems to be diagnosed. Its use requires a good degree of knowledge of the
technology, and the operator must, therefore, be specially trained. Its measurement accuracy
may be substantially higher than the average; its cost almost certainly is, and the time taken to
perform the necessary scans and output the results may be relatively long; however, in the
expected conditions for which such an instrument is purchased, this is not likely to be a
problem. This type of verifier may have motorised optical heads to improve the evenness of
movement and achieve the multiple scanning requirements, and to enable accurate dimensional
measurements. In addition, this verifier may have interchangeable measuring apertures and
light sources to enable measurement of symbols with a wide range of X-dimensions and to
meet the illumination needs of differing application standards. Some of these instruments are
used in conjunction with a personal computer with special verification software for the symbol
analysis and display/printing of results, while others are integrated stand-alone units.
The second group (corresponding to the Class B category) contains all the simpler, easy-to-use
devices intended for use in the pressroom or on the receiving dock by relatively less trained
operators. At their simplest, these devices are used to rapidly check that symbols are of the
desired grade or better and, particularly in the pressroom, to obtain an indication of bar gain or
loss and of contrast to help the press operator fine-tune his machine. Typically they have a
single light source and measuring aperture, though by using plug-in wands or mice, a degree of
interchange functionality may be achieved. Some instruments use laser beam illumination,
which facilitates multiple scans of the symbol, though the effective measuring aperture may not
be circular in shape, and its size may not be precisely known. They also may be more limited in
their reflectance measurements.
A group of specialised verifiers is designed for mounting on printing equipment. They monitor
the barcodes produced by the equipment and provide continuous analysis of key parameters,
notably element widths, to enable the operator to control the printing process very quickly.
Some are designed for high-speed presses and others for on-demand printers. Some are even
able to automatically feedback control instructions to improve symbol quality and reprint
defective labels.
A particular verifier may be hard to fit neatly into either class, as it may resemble the simpler
class of unit in its physical construction, but its functions and the amount of information that it
can give on the symbol may correspond more closely to those of the laboratory unit. Partly for
this reason and partly because the Class A and Class B reporting requirements did not
necessarily correspond precisely to what a verifier manufacturer might wish to offer for
commercial reasons, the international standard ISO/IEC 15426 (composed of ISO/IEC 15426-1
for linear symbols and ISO/IEC 15426-2 for two dimensional symbols),, which replaces ENV
12647, has eliminated the classification scheme in favour of a minimum set of reporting
requirements for all verifiers, to which manufacturers are at liberty to add in accordance with
their view of the market needs.
Scan Reflectance Profile (SRP) grading (further explained in normative reference Annex B
of ISO/IEC 15416)
Decode
Decodability (including the Decodability Grades figure; also covered in normative reference
Annex A of ISO/IEC 15416)
Symbol Grading for two dimensional symbols consisting of the following topics can be found in
section 5 of ISO/IEC 15415:
Substrate opacity
Gloss
Over-laminate
Significance of SRPs
Interpretation of results
Alphabetic grading
Traditional methodologies
Guidance on grading for applications also specifying print contrast signal (PCS)
Number of scans
Two-width symbologies
(n,k) symbologies
Average bar error is not graded directly, but is used to calculate what fraction of a defined bar
tolerance is consumed by the printing process. This traditional bar tolerance calculation differs
by symbology and, in the case of the EAN/UPC Symbology, it also differs by the X-dimension at
which the symbol is printed. Generally a smaller X-dimension yields a smaller tolerance.
Validates verifiers for UPC-A, EAN-13, ITF, GS1-128, GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 DataBar
symbols. Covers all GS1 symbologies except Composite Component and GS1 QR Code
Validates that the verifier is working within its specified tolerances for the symbology selected
Each test card is designed to test particular characteristics of ISO/IEC 15416 and ISO/IEC
15415 -based verification equipment. The standards are manufactured on special materials and
are made traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This
traceability is facilitated through a custom designed piece of hardware (nicknamed the Judge)
and has been engineered to measure the various attributes outlined in ISO/IEC 15416. The
Judge has also been made traceable to NIST in Washington, D.C.
The idea behind the standard is to regularly test the verification equipment to ensure it is
operating within ISO tolerance levels as published by the verifier manufacturer. This is
especially important in heavy use applications where various operators may be involved or
where a new user is learning to properly verify. The operator should routinely scan each of the
symbols on the test card to determine if the verifier device provides the values listed. These
specifications stipulate an aperture and 660 nanometres +/-10 nanometres wavelength be used,
and the exact scanning method should be determined by following all of the verifier
manufacturer recommendations. This may require some practice to obtain the right touch, but it
will inform the operator when the correct method has been used.
If the verifier reports values that agree with the values listed on the test card (within the verifier
manufacturers stated accuracy and repeatability limits), then the operator can assume the
verifier is calibrated. If, after repeated attempts, the device does not provide the value as printed
on the standard (within the verifier manufacturers stated accuracy and repeatability limits), then
the device or the operators scanning technique must be considered suspect. In this event, the
operator should refer to his or her operators manual as to the proper remedies specified by the
verifier manufacturer.
Test cards are sensitive and should be handled with care. If the symbols show dirty areas, one
can safely clean these by using a soft cotton pad and photographic grade film cleaner. If visible
scratches develop on a symbol, that area of the symbol SHALL not be used. If sufficient visible
scratches develop so that a clean scan path is not available, then the test card is no longer
useable and SHALL be replaced.
The test card serves as a device for, or means of, confirming that an ISO-based verifier has
been properly calibrated and that users are obtaining results within the accuracy limits stated by
the manufacturer of their instruments.
It is possible that a defective verifier, use of a damaged or incorrect reflectance patch, or, in
some cases, a careless user performing the calibration to the patch might provide a false
indication of successful calibration. The proper use of the Calibrated Conformance Standard
Test Cards is the only way multiple trading partners can be assured of reliable quality
measurements for the printed GS1 endorsed symbol.
As a general rule, any ISO-based verifier (NIST or non-NIST traceable) should be periodically
tested using a Calibrated Conformance Standard Test Card. This procedure will confirm both
the accuracy of the instrument and the skill of the user.
5.5.3.3.10.
Since ISO verification does not measure dimensions, it is part of the additional visual checking
that has to be carried out to ensure that, for example, the symbol height meets the application
requirements.
With better digital imaging software, element dimensions can only be adjusted automatically to
the nearest integer number of pixels in the output device, be it imagesetter or printer, enabling
element width ratios to be maintained with allowance duly made, for example, for bar gain/loss
and adjustment of element widths for digits 1, 2, 7, and 8 in EAN/UPC Symbols. This means
that symbol sizes may not match those input as target dimensions, but will vary in discrete steps
within the permitted range, which will result in a more accurate symbol overall.
Note: For a list of international standards pertaining to GS1 System Symbologies, see
Section 5.1.1
Acceptance Criteria
The acceptance criteria are intended to confirm that symbols adhere to all the requirements in
the Symbol Specification Tables with an allowance for a small measurement variation between
commercial verifiers or operators:
X-dimension is to have an Acceptance Criteria of 2% (-2% on the minimum specified Xdimension and +2% on the maximum specified X-dimension)
The measurements for height and each quiet zone have an Acceptance Criteria of 5%
(-5% on the minimum specified dimension and +5% on the maximum specified
dimension)
EAN/UPC Symbology
The main characteristic of the EAN/UPC Symbology that affects verification is the different
treatment of the three sets of symbol characters for digits 1, 2, 7, and 8 from the remaining
digits (0, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9). The reference decode algorithm uses the combined width of both
bars in these characters to discriminate between a 1 and a 7, and between a 2 and an 8, which
are ambiguously decodable since they share the same set of edge-to-similar-edge modular
dimensions. The addition to or subtraction from the element widths of 1/13 module is intended
to increase the differences between the sums of the bar widths for each pair of ambiguous
characters. The decodability parameter for these characters takes account of bar gain and loss
whereas it does not for the remaining symbol characters. Consequently, a symbol not
containing any of these four symbol characters may suffer substantial bar gain or loss without
degrading its decodability, whereas a symbol that does contain one or more of them is likely to
have a lower decodability grade, with the same amount of bar gain or loss. However, the laws of
probability suggest that only some 6.9 percent of symbols would not be affected by this, so it is
wise to be cautious and assume that bar gain or loss is a possible cause of a poor decodability
grade for EAN/UPC Symbols. It is also wise (for process control purposes) not to assume that
the decodability grade correlates with bar width deviation, but it is far safer and easier to rely on
the traditional measurement of bar width deviation for adjusting the production process.
The measuring aperture for EAN/UPC Symbols, irrespective of X-dimension, is 6 mils (which is
equivalent to 0.15 millimetre (0.006 inch)). This is not one of the four ISO-recommended
standard default aperture sizes, which are 3, 5, 10, and 20 millimetres, but is usually available
from verifier manufacturers. This diameter was based on measurement of symbols with various
apertures and much test scanning in order to determine which aperture gave results correlating
best with scanning performance.
Additional EAN/UPC Symbol Grading Criteria
ISO/IEC 15416 Bar code print quality test specification - Linear symbols allows for additional
pass/fail criteria to be stipulated by a symbology specification. For the EAN/UPC Symbology, the
minimum quiet zone dimensions are given in 5.2.1.4.4. Any individual scan profile which does not
meet these requirements allowing for the following tolerances shall receive a grade of "0".
Figure 5.5.3.3.10.3-1. Minimum Width of Measured Quiet Zones
Symbol Version
EAN-13
10X
6.2X
EAN-8
6.2X
6.2X
UPC-A
8X
8X
UPC-E
8X
6.2X
Add-Ons (EAN)
4.2X
Add-Ons (U.P.C.)
4.2X
Symbols that fall below range defined in 5.2.3.7-1 Magnification factors shall receive a grade of
0 (see 5.5.3.4.3 for exception).
Note: The choice of minimum quiet zone dimension was based on the historical U.P.C.
Quality Guideline. Since EAN-13 and EAN-8 were not included, minimum quiet zone
dimension similarly derived were chosen for those symbols.
GS1-128 Symbology
The important aspects to verify for a GS1-128 Symbol are its print quality, which is assessed in
the standard way, and its formatting, which may need to be visually checked from the
information output by the verifier. The Code 128 Symbology is an edge-to-similar- edge
decodable symbology, but its reference decode algorithm also requires a check of the sum of
the widths of the three bars in each character as part of its parity checking process.
Consequently, its decodability is affected by bar gain or loss.
Measuring apertures for GS1-128 Symbols varies according to the application. For all
applications except the GS1-128 Coupon Extended Code, an aperture of 10 mils is specified,
giving a minimum acceptable grade of 1.5/10/660. The GS1 Common Currency Coupon Code
requires an aperture of 6 mils and a minimum grade of 1.5/06/660.
Data contained in GS1-128 Symbols must be formatted according to these specifications for the
use of Application Identifiers (AIs). Specific features to check are:
Presence of Function 1 Symbol Character (FNC1) as a flag for the GS1 System subset of
the Code 128 Symbol, in the first position after the Start Character
Sequencing of AIs, with pre-defined length AIs preceding non pre-defined length ones
The extent to which a verifier can do this automatically will vary greatly among devices, even
those that have GS1-128 Symbols as a specific symbology option.
ITF-14 Symbology
ITF-14 barcodes are, unlike the others used in the GS1 System, two-width (narrow/wide) symbols
that cannot be decoded by the edge-to-similar-edge technique, but all element widths must be
measured. They are, therefore, more subject to the problems caused by bar gain or loss.
The standard ISO verification technique is fully applicable to these symbols. However, in the
GS1 System application, additional checks must be made to ensure that the X-dimension
(magnification factor) is within the permitted range.
Measuring apertures for the ITF-14 Symbol SHALL be 10 mils for symbols with an X-dimension
less than 0.635 millimetre (0.0250 in) and SHALL be 20 mils for symbols with an X-dimension
equal to or greater than 0.635 millimetre (0.0250 in).
The minimum acceptable grade for symbols printed with the higher range of X-dimension
(above 0.635 millimetre or 0.0250 in) SHALL be 0.5/20/660. This is because the brown
corrugated substrates on which such symbols are often printed typically have a reflectance
value below 40 percent, and sometimes below 30 percent, and cannot, therefore, ever achieve
a Symbol Contrast better than 40 percent (the lower threshold for a grade 2 Symbol Contrast)
no matter how dense the ink or how well the other attributes of the symbol are graded. As a
result, the Scan Reflectance Profile (SRP) grade will most often be dictated by Symbol
Contrast, so it cannot be higher than 1 for symbols on these materials, giving a maximum
achievable overall symbol grade of 1.0.
Such symbols may also be affected by the inherent interference in the background reflectance
caused by the substrate's composition, which may well lead to reduced defect grades and
possibly low edge contrast and modulation values. It is, therefore, desirable to ensure that
symbols printed on these corrugated materials are of as high a quality as possible in respect of
the other parameters.
GS1 DataMatrix
Determining symbol quality for items marked with GS1 DataMatrix (both traditionally printed
and Direct Part Marked - DPM) involves a specialized approach due to the physical nature of
the marking and the optical systems used to read those marks. The minimum symbol quality
grade for GS1 DataMatrix Symbols shall be specified by the application specification. The
measurement of the quality parameters for DPM symbols shall be made by a verifier
conforming to ISO/IEC 15415 and when direct marked augmented with AIM DPM-1-2006
which defines DPM quality specific alternative illumination conditions, terms, parameters,
modifications to the measurement and grading of certain parameters and the reporting of the
grading results. According to these standards an overall grade is shown in the form:
Grade/Aperture/Light/Angle
Where:
"Grade" is the overall symbol grade as defined in ISO/IEC 15415 Information technology Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Bar code print quality test
specification - Two-dimensional symbols (e.g., the arithmetic mean to one decimal place of
the Scan Reflectance Profile or scan grades) with the additional information found in the
AIM DPM Quality Guideline for direct marked parts. For GS1 DataMatrix, the grade number
may be followed by an asterisk, *, which indicates that the surroundings of the symbol
contain extremes of reflectance that may interfere with reading. For most applications, this
should be specified as causing the symbol to fail.
"Aperture" is the diameter in thousandths of an inch (to the nearest thousandth) of the
synthetic aperture defined in ISO/IEC 15415 Information technology - Automatic
identification and data capture techniques - Bar code symbol print quality test specification Two-dimensional symbols.
"Light" defines the illumination: A numeric value indicates the peak light wavelength in
nanometers (for narrow band illumination); the alphabetic character W indicates that the
symbol has been measured with broadband illumination ("white light"), the spectral
response characteristics of which must imperatively be defined or have their source
specification clearly referenced.
"Angle" is an additional parameter defining the angle of incidence (relative to the plane of
the symbol) of the illumination. It shall be included in the reporting of the overall symbol
grade when the angle of incidence is other than 45 degrees. Its absence indicates that the
angle of incidence is 45 degrees.
Note: This international standard provides for 30 degrees and 90 degrees illumination in
addition to the default 45 degrees.
The aperture is normally specified as being 80 percent of the minimum X-dimension allowed
for the application. The printing method must produce the GS1 DataMatrix "L" pattern with
gaps between the dots less than 25 percent of the specified aperture. If symbols with greater
than the minimum X dimension are allowed by the application, the same absolute maximum
gap dimension must be maintained.
GS1 QR Code
Determining symbol quality for items marked with GS1 QR Code symbols involves a
specialized approach due to the physical nature of the marking and the optical systems used
to read those marks. The minimum symbol quality grade for GS1 QR Code Symbols shall be
specified by the application specification. The overall grade is shown in the form minimum
grade/aperture/measuring wavelength.
Grade/Aperture/Light/Angle
Where:
"Aperture" is the diameter in thousandths of an inch (to the nearest thousandth) of the
synthetic aperture defined in ISO/IEC 15415 Information technology - Automatic
identification and data capture techniques - Bar code symbol print quality test
specification - Two-dimensional symbols.
"Light" defines the illumination: A numeric value indicates the peak light wavelength in
nanometers (for narrow band illumination); the alphabetic character W indicates that the
symbol has been measured with broadband illumination ("white light"), the spectral
response characteristics of which must imperatively be defined or have their source
specification clearly referenced.
"Angle" is an additional parameter defining the angle of incidence (relative to the plane
of the symbol) of the illumination. It shall be included in the reporting of the overall
symbol grade when the angle of incidence is other than 45 degrees. Its absence
indicates that the angle of incidence is 45 degrees.
The aperture is normally specified as being 80 percent of the minimum X-dimension allowed
for the application
5.5.3.3.11.
Symbol Contrast is governed by the reflectance of the substrate and ink. A symbol printed in
black ink on a white paper will almost certainly achieve the top grade 4 for Symbol Contrast, as
white papers typically have reflectance in excess of 75 percent, and black ink will usually have
about 3 to 8 percent reflectance. Coloured backgrounds or coloured inks will affect the result.
Highly glossy materials may also appear to have a lower background reflectance than expected.
The worst case may be when printing on a corrugated brown fibre-board material, which may
have a reflectance in a range between 27 and 40 percent, so even with a very dense, low
reflectance ink it can never achieve better than the minimum passing grade 1 for Symbol
Contrast (grade 1 includes Symbol Contrast values from 20 to 39 percent).
The causes of low Symbol Contrast and the solutions are:
Background too dark: Use lighter or less glossy material, or change background colour (if
printed) to one with higher reflectance
Bars too light: Change bar colour for one with lower reflectance, and increase ink weight or
print head temperature (thermal printing) (Watch for consequential increase in bar widths)
Show-through of contents: Use more opaque material for package, or print opaque white
underlay prior to printing symbol
Minimum reflectance, or Rmin, must always be equal to or less than half the highest reflectance
value, Rmax. In practice, this means that the reflectance of at least one bar must meet this
criterion. For example, if Rmax is 70 percent, at least one bar must have a reflectance of 35
percent or less. A symbol that fails on this parameter will almost certainly have a low Symbol
Contrast grade also. The cause of and solution for Rmin being too high include:
Bars too light: Change bar colour to one with lower reflectance, and increase ink weight or
print head temperature (thermal printing) (Watch for consequential increase in bar widths)
Minimum Edge Contrast (ECmin) will always be lower than Symbol Contrast, but will only be a
problem in itself if it approaches or drops below 15 percent (the pass/fail threshold). However,
low edge contrast (EC) values, acceptable under this criterion, may still cause low modulation
(MOD) grades. The causes of a low value of ECmin and the possible remedies are:
Local variations in inking of the bars: Adjust press settings to ensure even inking
Show-through of contents: Use more opaque material for package, or print opaque white
underlay prior to printing symbol
Elements adjoining the edge in question are excessively narrow relative to the measuring
aperture used: Increase X-dimension; ensure correct measuring aperture is used; ensure
correct bar width adjustment (BWA) applied to Film Master/original symbol; print bars
marginally narrower than spaces of same modular dimension
Modulation, being calculated as the percentage of Symbol Contrast represented by the ECmin,
will be reduced for the same reasons as when ECmin is low in the symbol. A scanner will tend
to see spaces as narrower than bars and also to see narrow elements as less distinct than
wider ones. Consequently, if there is significant bar loss, modulation will be reduced. Measuring
with an aperture that is too large for the X-dimension will also reduce modulation.
The causes of a low value of modulation (often listed as MOD on verification reports) and the
possible remedies are:
Local variations in inking of the bars: Adjust press settings to ensure even or darker inking
Show-through of contents: Use more opaque material for package, or print opaque white
underlay prior to printing symbol
Element(s) adjoining the edge in question appear excessively narrow relative to the
measuring aperture used: Increase X-dimension; ensure correct measuring aperture is
used; apply correct BWA when originating symbol; print bars marginally narrower than
spaces of same modular dimension
5.5.3.3.12.
Other Parameters
Decode is graded on a pass/fail basis by applying the reference decode algorithm to the edge
positions and element widths determined for the symbol. A failure to decode may be evidence
of the symbol being incorrectly encoded, which may include an incorrect Check Digit. It also
may indicate either that the bars and spaces initially identified by the global threshold are too
many or too few for a valid symbol or that one or more edge positions are ambiguous. The
possible causes of decode failure and possible remedies are:
Symbol incorrectly encoded: Re-originate symbol; over-label with correctly encoded symbol
Check Digit incorrectly calculated: Correct software error in origination system; re-originate
symbol; over-label with correctly calculated symbol
Gross element width errors due to excessive bar gain or loss, or to defects: Apply correct
bar width adjustment (BWA) when originating symbol; adjust press or printer settings
Too many elements detected due to defects: Correct cause of defects; adjust press (relief
printing processes) to reduce haloing; replace print head (thermal/ink-jet printing)
Too few elements detected (failure to cross global threshold): Refer to solutions for edge
contrast (EC)
In the ISO standard, a decode failure occurs because an incorrect number of elements has
been perceived to be present, either because the profile of one or more elements has failed to
cross the global threshold or because a gross defect has caused one element to be seen as
three or more, corresponding to the separately graded Edge Determination failure in the ANSI
standard, which may also be reported by some verifiers following the ANSI methodology.
Figure 5.4.3.3.12 1 shows a symbol in which the narrow spaces have been partly filled in,
reducing their contrast below the global threshold and causing an edge determination or decode
failure. This could also be interpreted as an extreme example of modulation (MOD).
Figure 5.5.3.3.12-1. Symbol with Edge Determination Problem
Figure 5.5.3.3.12 - 2 illustrates a Scan Reflectance Profile (SRP) showing narrow space profiles
failing to reach the global threshold, giving an (ISO) decode failure or (ANSI) edge
determination failure.
Figure 5.5.3.3.12-2. Scan Reflectance Profile with Narrow Space Profiles
Decodability grades are influenced by bar gain or loss in most symbologies and by distortion of
the symbol. Distortion can occur with relief printing processes, such as flexography, when the
printing plate is stretched around the press cylinder with the bars parallel to the cylinder axis
(e.g., at right angles to the print direction). A common reason for distortion with digitallyoriginated images is that they have been rescaled in graphics software, resulting in uneven
addition or removal of pixels to or from the element widths. Print processes that tend to produce
irregular bar edges, such as ink-jet and photogravure, will also be likely to give lower
decodability grades. The causes of a low value of decodability and the possible remedies are:
Bar gain/loss (systematic): Apply correct bar width adjustment (BWA) when originating
symbol; adjust press settings
Element width gain/loss (non-systematic): Correct missing pixels (burnt-out print head
elements, blocked ink-jet nozzles); rectify cause of defects
Irregular element edges (ink-jet, photogravure, screen process printing): Change print
technology; increase X-dimension/magnification factor; re-orient symbol relative to
cylinder engraving angle/screen mesh
The symbol in Figure 5.5.3.3.12 - 3 is taken from the GS1 Calibrated Conformance Standard
Test Card and has an engineered low decodability grade of 50 percent. As may be determined
from the accompanying Scan Reflectance Profile (SRP), just to the left of halfway across the
symbol, the width of a two-module bar has been increased in the sixth digit (and since the
character is a 1, its decodability is affected by bar width). Although the original symbol has a
very consistent image density, the profile also shows the effect of modulation (MOD), most
noticeably on the narrow spaces.
Figure 5.5.3.3.12-3. Calibration Symbol with Engineered Low Decodability Grade
Figure 5.5.3.3.12-4. Scan Reflectance Profile of Symbol with Low Decodability Character
Defects, which show as irregularities in the Scan Reflectance Profile, may be caused by spots
of extraneous ink in Quiet Zones or in the spaces. Small voids (white areas) in the bars are also
highlighted as defects. In symbols printed on recycled or some other materials, local variations
in reflectance of the background will also show as defects. The significance of a defect is in
direct relation to the depth of the irregularity it causes in the Scan Reflectance Profile. Common
causes and the most likely solutions include:
Defective print head elements (thermal printing or ink-jet printing), which will tend to
produce an unprinted line running through the symbol in the direction of printing: Clean
or replace print head
Satellite (ink droplets in the white are surrounding the printed bars): Clean head;
change ink formulation
Haloing (e.g., a double line impression where there should only be a single line
impression): Adjust impression pressure and/or ink viscosity
Incorrect matching of thermal transfer ribbons and substrate (poor adhesion of ink to
surface): Use correct ribbon for substrate; use smoother substrate
The use of a smaller or larger measuring aperture than specified for the symbol will produce
misleading defect grades, and this is perhaps the strongest argument for ensuring that the right
aperture size is used. Too small an aperture will exaggerate the apparent size of a defect; too
large an aperture will tend to smooth it out.
Quiet Zones are a frequent source of scanning problems. Although the ISO standard does not
directly require measurement of the Quiet Zones, it requires any additional requirements
specified by the application specification to be graded on a pass/fail basis. These GS1 General
Specifications establish Quiet Zone requirements for all symbols used in the GS1 System, and
a Quiet Zone less than the minimum width will, therefore, cause the profile grade to fail.
Possible causes of Quiet Zone failure and the remedies are:
Printed box surrounding symbol or other interfering print: Enlarge box; ensure symbol
registration to other print allows adequate margins; use Quiet Zone Indicators if possible
Symbol too close to label edge: Adjust label feed; reposition symbol farther from edge;
use larger label size or smaller symbol
5.5.3.4.2. Background
Many printer users have asked if the magnifications in the 75 to 80 percent range for EAN/UPC
Symbols printed by thermal and laser on-demand printers are acceptable for use. The most
common printing densities used by on-demand, barcode printers are 200 and 300 dpi. However,
due to the constraints of the dot pitch, these printers cannot print an 80 percent symbol
correctly. The nearest to 80 percent that these printers can print is 75.7 or 76.9 percent
depending on the exact dot geometry.
Even though 80 percent magnification is the minimum value specified in the EAN/UPC Symbol
specification, users of on-demand printers have used magnifications between 75 and 80
percent in Point-of-Sale scanning environments for years. They have done so with no significant
reduction in scan rate, as compared to symbols printed precisely at 80 percent. Because larger
in-specification EAN/UPC Symbols are always easier to scan, 80 percent symbols and larger
are preferred. However, when an on-demand printer is required, the 75 to 80 percent EAN/UPC
Symbols are an acceptable alternative given the conditions in Section 5.5.3.4.3.
Note: As you move from 80 to 75 percent magnification, the Quiet Zone increases from
0.094 inch (2.38 millimetres) to 0.124 inch (3.16 millimetres) in order to keep the overall
width constant at 1.175 inches (29.85 millimetres).
5.5.3.4.4. Summary
When printing with on-demand printers (e.g., thermal or laser) the resulting element widths for
EAN/UPC Symbols SHALL never be less than 75 percent magnification. If the symbol printed
with element widths is less than 80 percent, then the overall symbol shall have both larger Quiet
Zones and taller bars such that the resulting area is not less than that of 80 percent
magnification symbols. The symbol print quality must still meet the EAN/UPC Symbol
requirements of 1.5/06/660.
5.5.3.5.2. Background
GS1 has developed these verification templates on the basis of ISO/IEC 15416 Information
technology Automatic identification and data capture techniques, Bar Code Print Quality Test
Specifications for Linear Symbols and ISO/IEC 15415 Information technology Automatic
identification and data capture techniques Bar code print quality test specification Two
dimensional symbols. This not only allows for assessing the quality of printed barcodes but also
checks against other key aspects of GS1 System (symbol location, fit-for purposes, data
integrity, etc.).
Note: The acceptance criteria are intended to ensure that symbols adhere to all the
requirements in the SSTs with an allowance for a small measurement variation.
A GS1 initiated Verifier Conformance Testing Project was conducted because of concerns
expressed that different verifiers or verification services were unable to perform consistently.
The perception was that different verifiers gave substantially different results when measuring
the same symbol. A precisely defined test programme was performed under the auspices of
GS1 and concluded that:
All verifiers tested (each one ISO compliant) demonstrated the capability of consistent
performance.
Operators of verifiers require proper training and instruments require regular calibration
in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
It is therefore important to stress the need for professional verification services and that barcode
print quality should be integral part of an overall quality programme. Section 5.5.2.7 provides a
quick reference list of symbol quality specifications depending on the symbol type, the
application, or the identification number the symbol is carrying.
All GS1 user companies should perform quality control of barcode production and most GS1
Member Organisations offer a verification service. These report templates may be used by any
organisation or company as part of a quality programme while respecting the Copyright of the
GS1 logo (or any heading or text that imply actual GS1 endorsement (subject to local licensing
agreements such as accreditation programmes, which may allow exceptions)).
The templates below highlighting critical issues relating to verification and provides a common
template for reporting on the most common areas of application. They are not a guarantee of
scan performance.
Product Description:
Type of barcode:
<Symbol Type>
Data encoded:
<Number of Symbols>
Please Note:
ISO/IEC <x.x>/06/660
(0.0 4.0) PASS/FAIL
(dependent on
symbol
encoded)
Overall ISO/IEC
Grade2
3.8/06/660
(magnification)
0.330mm
(0.0130
inch)
0.264 -0.660
mm (0.0104 0.0260 inch)
Decode
4.0
Barcode Height
23mm (0.9
inch)
22.85mm
(0.900 inch)
Symbol Contrast
3.8
3.63mm
(0.143 inch)
Minimum
Reflectance
4.0
2.31mm
(0.091 inch)
Edge Contrast
4.0
Human Readable
One-to-one
match with
barcode data
Modulation
4.0
165.10 mm
(6.500 inch)
Defects
4.0
Validity of GS1
Company Prefix
Decodability
4.0
Data Structure
(dependent on
structure
encoded)
Symbol Structure1
3
X-dimension
Barcode Width
Required
Within
Standard
Range
ISO/IEC
Grade
ISO/IEC
Parameters
Comment
Reference
Required
Within
Standard
Range
Assessed
GS1 Parameters
Comment
Reference
1.5
Educational Comments4
Note 3 The text in red in this table provides sample results from the
testing of an EAN/UPC symbol.
It is the responsibility of the brand owner to ensure the correct use of the GS1
Company Prefix and the correct allocation of the data content.
This report may not be amended after issue. In the event of a dispute over
contents the version held at [TESTING AGENCY] will be deemed to be the
correct and original version of this report.
This report does not constitute evidence for the purpose of any litigation, and
[TESTING AGENCY] will not enter into any discussion, or respond to any
correspondence in relation to litigation.
Every possible effort has been made to ensure that the information and
specifications in the Barcode Verification Reports are correct, however, [TESTING
AGENCY] expressly disclaims liability for any errors.
Product Description:
Type of barcode:
<Symbol Type>
Data encoded:
Print Method:
Number of barcodes on product:
<Print Method>
<Number of Symbols>
Please Note:
ISO <x.x>/06/660
(0.0 4.0) PASS/FAIL
Symbol
Structure
Data Structure
Validity of GS1
Company Prefix
Human
Readable
NN X
NN
mm
(inch)
Matrix Size
X-dimension/
Cell Size
Dependent
on symbol
encoded
Cell Contrast/Symbol
Contrast
Required
Within
Standard
Range?
4 to 0
Dependent
on structure
encoded
ISO Grade
ISO/IEC Parameters
Comment
Reference
Required
Within
Standard
Range?
Values
GS1
Parameters
Comment
Reference
PASS
/FAIL
4-0
Cell Modulation/
Modulation
4-0
Axial Nonuniformity
4-0
Grid Nonuniformity
4-0
Unused Error
Correction (UEC)
4-0
Print Growth
(Horizontal)
Informative Only
0%100%
NonGrade
d
Print Growth
(Vertical)
Informative Only
0%100%
NonGrade
d
Fixed Pattern
Damage
4-0
4-0
4-0
L1 and L2*
4-0
Format Information**
Version Information**
Educational Comments
It is the responsibility of the brand owner to ensure the correct use of the
GS1 Company Prefix and the correct allocation of the data content.
Educational comments are based on the technical analysis of the symbol. In this comment box the operator
comments on what the problem is and how to make the symbol better by explaining the parameters meanings.
This report may not be amended after issue. In the event of a dispute
over contents the version held at [TESTING AGENCY] will be deemed to
be the correct and original version of this report.
* GS1 DataMatrix Only, see ISO/IEC 15415
** GS1 QR Code Only, see ISO/IEC 15415,
all others are both for GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code
This report does not constitute evidence for the purpose of any litigation,
and [TESTING AGENCY] will not enter into any discussion, or respond to
any correspondence in relation to litigation.
Every possible effort has been made to ensure that the information and
specifications in the Barcode Verification Reports are correct, however,
[TESTING AGENCY] expressly disclaims liability for any errors.
5.6.
5.6.1.
GS1 DataBar
5.6.1.1. Introduction
GS1 DataBar is a family of linear symbologies used within the GS1 System. There are three
types of GS1 DataBar symbols, two of which have a number of variations optimised for different
application requirements.
The first type has four variations (GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional, GS1 DataBar Truncated, GS1
DataBar Stacked and GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional) and encodes AI (01) in a linear
symbol. The second type comprises only one variation namely GS1 DataBar Limited which
encodes AI (01) in a linear symbol for use on small items that will not be scanned in an
omnidirectional scanning environment. The third type has two variations; a single row variation
(GS1 DataBar Expanded) and a multi-row stacked variation (GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked)
Both variations encode GS1 System primary item identification plus supplementary AI Element
Strings, such as weight and best before date, in a linear symbol that can be scanned
omnidirectionally by suitably programmed slot scanners.
GS1 DataBar Stacked is a variation of the first type of GS1 DataBar Symbology that is stacked
in two rows and used when the normal symbol would be too wide for the application. It comes in
two variations: a truncated variation used for small item marking applications and a taller
variation that is designed to be read by omnidirectional scanners. GS1 DataBar Expanded can
also be printed in multiple rows as a stacked symbol.
Any member of the GS1 DataBar family can be printed as a stand-alone linear symbol or as a
component of a composite symbol with an accompanying two-dimensional (2D) Composite
Component printed above the GS1 DataBar linear component.
The GS1 DataBar family is fully described in ISO/IEC 24724 (formerly RSS; now GS1 DataBar).
GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional, GS1 DataBar Truncated, GS1 DataBar Stacked, GS1
DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional and GS1 DataBar Limited: Digits 0 through 9 (with
the restriction of GS1 DataBar Limited to 0 or 1 in the first digit) in accordance with
ISO/IEC 646. Refer to Figure 7.11 1 for more details.
GS1 DataBar Expanded variations: The GS1 System requires that only the subset of
ISO/IEC 646 International Reference Version defined in these GS1 General
Specifications be used for Application Identifier (AI) Element Strings. Refer to Figure
7.11 1 for the allowed encodable character set.
Symbol character structure: Different (n,k) symbol characters are used for each member of
the family, where each symbol character is n modules in width and is composed of k bars
and k spaces
Maximum numeric data capacity (including implied Application Identifiers (AIs) where
appropriate, but not including any encoded FNC1 characters):
All GS1 DataBar symbols except the expanded versions: AI (01) plus a 14-digit numeric
item identification
Error detection:
GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional, GS1 DataBar Truncated, GS1 DataBar Stacked and
GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional: mod 79 checksum
Character self-checking
Bidirectionally decodable
Data compaction: Each member of the GS1 DataBar family has data compaction
methods optimised for the data strings that it will encode. GS1 DataBar Expanded
variations are also optimised for specific sequences of Application Identifiers (AIs) that
are commonly used.
Component linkage: All GS1 DataBar symbols include a linkage flag. If the linkage flag
is 0, then the GS1 DataBar symbol stands alone. If the linkage flag is 1, then a 2D
Composite Component and its separator pattern are printed above the GS1 DataBar
symbol with the separator pattern aligned and contiguous to the GS1 DataBar symbol.
Edge to similar edge decoding: All GS1 DataBar family symbol characters, finder
patterns, and Symbol Check Characters can be decoded using edge-to-edge
measurements.
Large symbol characters: Unlike EAN/UPC Symbols, a GS1 DataBar Symbols symbol
characters do not directly correspond to the encoded data character. The symbols
symbol characters encode thousands of possible combinations to increase the encoding
efficiency. They are then combined mathematically to form the encoded data string.
GS1-128 Symbol emulation: Readers set to the GS1-128 Symbol emulation mode
transmit the data encoded within a GS1 DataBar symbol as if the data were encoded in
one or more GS1-128 Symbols.
The left and right Guard Bar Patterns consist of a narrow space and narrow bar. These
variations do not require a Quiet Zone.
(01)20012345678909
module). For example, a GS1 DataBar Truncated Symbol with an X-dimension of 0.254 millimetre
(0.0100 inch) would be 24.38 millimetres (0.960 inch) wide by 3.30 millimetres (0.130 inch) high.
Figure 5.6.1.2.2-1. GS1 DataBar Truncated Barcode
(01)00012345678905
(01)00012345678905
(01)00034567890125
5.6.1.3. The Second Group of GS1 DataBar Symbols: GS1 DataBar Limited
The GS1 DataBar Limited barcode is the second group of GS1 DataBar symbols. It encodes the
Element String AI (01). This Element String is based on the GTIN-12, GTIN-13, or GTIN-14
Data Structures. However, when using the GTIN-14 Data Structure, only the indicator value 1 is
allowed. When encoding GTIN-14 Data Structures with an Indicator value greater than 1, one of
the first group of GS1 DataBar symbols must be used: see section 5.6.1.2.
The GS1 DataBar Limited barcode is designed for small items that will not need to be read by
omnidirectional Point-of-Sale (POS) scanners. Its dimensions are 79X wide, starting with a 1X
space and ending with a 5X space, by 10X high (where X is the width of a module). For
example, a GS1 DataBar Limited barcode with an X-dimension of 0.254 millimetre (0.0100 inch)
would be 20.07millimetres (0.790 inches) wide by 2.54 millimetres (0.100 inch) high.
Figure 5.6.1.3-1. GS1 DataBar Limited Barcode
(01)15012345678907
Figure 5.6.1.3 - 2 shows the structure of the GS1 DataBar Limited barcode. A GS1 DataBar
Limited Symbol contains two data characters and a Symbol Check Character. The Symbol
Check Character encodes a modulo 89 check value for data security.
Figure 5.6.1.3-2. GS1 DataBar Limited Barcode Structure
5.6.1.4. The Third Group of GS1 DataBar Symbols: GS1 DataBar Expanded Variations
GS1 DataBar Expanded variations are the third group of GS1 DataBar symbols and are a variable
length linear symbology capable of encoding up to 74 numeric or 41 alphabetic characters of AI
Element String data. The two variations, GS1 DataBar Expanded and GS1 DataBar Expanded
Stacked are designed to encode primary and supplementary data on items for Point-of-Sale
(POS) and other applications. They have the same capabilities as a GS1-128 Symbol except that
they are also designed to be scanned by omnidirectional slot scanners. They are designed for
variable weight products, perishable products, traceable retail products, and coupons.
Figure 5.6.1.4 - 1 shows the structure of a six-segment GS1 DataBar Expanded Symbol. GS1
DataBar Expanded Symbols contain a Symbol Check Character, 3 to 21 symbol characters and
2 to 11 finder patterns, depending on the symbol length. GS1 DataBar Expanded is capable of
being scanned in separate segments, each segment consisting of a symbol character or
Symbol Check Character and the adjacent finder pattern. The Symbol Check Character
encodes a modulo 211 check value for data security.
Figure 5.6.1.4-1. GS1 DataBar Expanded Structure
The left and right Guard Bar Patterns consist of a narrow bar and narrow space. GS1 DataBar
Expanded variations do not require a Quiet Zone.
(01)90614141000015(3202)000150
(01)90614141000015(3202)000150
GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked is used when the symbol area or print mechanism is not wide
enough to accommodate the full single-row GS1 DataBar Expanded Symbol. It is designed for
variable weight products, perishable products, traceable retail products, and coupons.
Fixed-Length Sequences
This section contains information on Fixed-Length Sequences.
5.6.1.4.3.1.1.
This sequence consists of the two Application Identifier (AI) Element Strings AI (01), followed by
AI (3103), AI (3202), or AI (3203) for weight. The AI (01) Element String must start with an
Indicator value of 9 for variable measure. Using AI (3103) (weight in grams), the special
compression can only be applied up to a maximum weight of 32.767 kilograms. Using AI (3202)
(weight in 0.01 pounds) the special compression can only be applied up to a maximum weight
of 99.99 pounds. Using AI (3203) (weight in 0.001 pounds) the special compression can only be
applied up to a maximum weight of 22.767 pounds. If the weight is in excess of these values,
the sequence defined in Section 5.6.1.4.3.1 still enables special compression to be performed.
5.6.1.4.3.1.2.
This sequence consists of the two or three Application Identifier (AI) Element Strings AI (01), AI
(310n), or (320n) for weight (n ranging from 0 to 9) and optionally AI (11), AI (13), AI (15), or AI (17)
for date. The AI (01) Element String must start with an Indicator value of 9 for variable measure. If
the date is not needed, this sequence still gives additional compression when the weight is outside
the ranges required by the AI (01) and weight with limited range sequence above.
Open-Ended Sequences
This section contains information on Open-Ended Sequences.
5.6.1.4.3.2.1.
This sequence consists of the two Application Identifier (AI) Element Strings, AI (01), followed
by AI (392x) for price or AI (393x) for price with ISO currency code (where x is in the range of 0
to 3). The AI (01) Element String must start with an Indicator value of 9 for variable measure.
For example, this sequence is used for an AI (01) Element String, price and weight, because
the fixed-length sequence AI (01) and weight does not give additional compression if the AI
Element String for price is added to the end since the length of the sequence is fixed.
5.6.1.4.3.2.2.
AI (01)
Any sequence that starts with Application Identifier (AI) (01) will have special compression applied
to the AI (01). So when the data includes AI (01), it SHALL be the first Element String encoded.
5.6.1.4.4. Maximum Width and Height of GS1 DataBar Expanded Versions (Informative)
Advice for maximum symbol size to optimize scanner performance
0.0080
X [mm]
0.010
0.203
0.0130
0.254
0.0260
0.330
0.0390
0.660
0.991
Characters
4
0.816
20.73
1.020
25.91
1.326
33.68
2.652
67.36
3.978
101.04
1.072
27.23
1.340
34.04
1.742
44.25
3.484
88.49
5.226
132.74
1.208
30.68
1.510
38.35
1.963
49.86
3.926
99.72
5.889
149.58
1.464
37.19
1.830
46.48
2.379
60.43
4.758
120.85
7.137
181.28
1.600
40.64
2.000
50.80
2.600
66.04
5.200
132.08
7.800
198.12
1.856
47.14
2.320
58.93
3.016
76.61
6.032
153.21
9.048
229.82
10
1.992
50.60
2.490
63.25
3.237
82.22
6.474
164.44
9.711
246.66
11
2.248
57.10
2.810
71.37
3.653
92.79
7.306
185.57
10.959
278.36
12
2.384
60.55
2.980
75.69
3.874
98.40
7.748
196.80
11.622
295.20
13
2.640
67.06
3.300
83.82
4.290
108.97
8.580
217.93
12.870
326.90
14
2.776
70.51
3.470
88.14
4.511
114.58
9.022
229.16
13.533
343.74
15
3.032
77.01
3.790
96.27
4.927
125.15
9.854
250.29
14.781
375.44
16
3.168
80.47
3.960
100.58
5.148
130.76
10.296
261.52
15.444
392.28
17
3.424
86.97
4.280
108.71
5.564
141.33
11.128
282.65
16.692
423.98
18
3.560
90.42
4.450
113.03
5.785
146.94
11.570
293.88
17.355
440.82
19
3.816
96.93
4.770
121.16
6.201
157.51
12.402
315.01
18.603
472.52
20
3.952
100.38
4.940
125.48
6.422
163.12
12.844
326.24
19.266
489.36
21
4.208
106.88
5.260
133.60
6.838
173.69
13.676
347.37
20.514
521.06
22
4.344
110.34
5.430
137.92
7.059
179.30
14.118
358.60
21.177
537.90
Best Performance
Not Recommended
Figure 5.6.1.4.4.2-1. GS1 DataBar Symbol Length Specification (curved surface) Table 2
Diameter (inch)
0.25
0.50
0.75
1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.50
3.00
Lmax (inch)
0.131
0.262
0.393
0.524
0.654
0.785
0.916
1.047
1.309
1.571
Diameter (mm)
6.35
12.70
19.05
25.40
31.75
38.10
44.45
50.80
63.50
76.20
Lmax (mm)
3.32
6.65
9.97
13.30
16.62
19.95
23.27
26.60
33.25
39.90
Diameter (inch)
3.50
4.00
4.50
5.00
5.50
6.00
6.50
7.00
7.50
8.00
Lmax (inch)
1.833
2.094
2.356
2.618
2.880
3.142
3.456
3.665
3.927
4.189
Diameter (mm)
88.90
101.60
114.30
127.00
139.70
152.40
167.64
177.80
190.50
203.20
Lmax (mm)
46.55
53.20
59.85
66.50
73.15
79.80
87.78
93.10
99.75
106.40
Diameter (inch)
8.50
9.00
9.50
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
Lmax (inch)
4.451
4.712
4.974
5.236
10.472
15.708
20.944
26.180
31.42
Diameter (mm)
215.90
228.60
241.30
254.00
508.00
762.00
1016.00
1270.00
1524.00
Lmax (mm)
113.05
119.69
126.34
132.99
265.99
398.98
531.98
664.97
797.96
Diameter (inch)
0.25
0.50
0.75
1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.50
3.00
Lmax (inch)
0.131
0.262
0.393
0.524
0.654
0.785
0.916
1.047
1.309
1.571
Diameter (mm)
6.35
12.70
19.05
25.40
31.75
38.10
44.45
50.80
63.50
76.20
Lmax (mm)
3.32
6.65
9.97
13.30
16.62
19.95
23.27
26.60
33.25
39.90
Diameter (inch)
3.50
4.00
4.50
5.00
5.50
6.00
6.50
7.00
7.50
8.00
Lmax (inch)
1.833
2.094
2.356
2.618
2.880
3.142
3.456
3.665
3.927
4.189
Diameter (mm)
88.90
101.60
114.30
127.00
139.70
152.40
167.64
177.80
190.50
203.20
Lmax (mm)
46.55
53.20
59.85
66.50
73.15
79.80
87.78
93.10
99.75
106.40
Diameter (inch)
8.50
9.00
9.50
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
Lmax (inch)
4.451
4.712
4.974
5.236
10.472
15.708
20.944
26.180
31.42
Diameter (mm)
215.90
228.60
241.30
254.00
508.00
762.00
1016.00
1270.00
1524.00
Lmax (mm)
113.05
119.69
126.34
132.99
265.99
398.98
531.98
664.97
797.96
Note: See Figure 6.2.3.2 3 Relationship between diameter and the X-dimension
Figure 5.6.1.4.4.3-1. GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked Height Specification (Informative) Table 3
Height of GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked by row [Metric Units]
X [mm]
0.203
0.254
0.330
0.381
0.508
0.660
0.762
0.889
0.991
54.10
63.12
70.36
Height
(modules)
Row
2
71
14.41
18.03
23.43
27.05
36.07
46.86
108
21.92
27.43
35.64
41.15
54.86
71.28
82.30
96.01
107.03
145
29.44
36.83
47.85
55.25
73.66
95.70
110.49
128.91
143.70
182
36.95
46.23
60.06
69.34
92.46
120.12
138.68
161.80
180.36
219
44.46
55.63
72.27
83.44
111.25
144.54
166.88
194.69
217.03
256
51.97
65.02
84.48
97.54
130.05
168.96
195.07
227.58
253.70
293
59.48
74.42
96.69
111.63
148.84
193.38
223.27
260.48
290.36
330
66.99
83.82
108.90
125.73
167.64
217.80
251.46
293.37
327.03
10
367
74.50
93.22
121.11
139.83
186.44
242.22
279.65
326.26
363.70
11
404
82.01
102.62
133.32
153.92
205.23
266.64
307.85
359.16
400.36
0.0080
0.0100
0.0130
0.0150
0.0200
0.0260
0.0300
0.0350
0.0390
Height
(modules)
71
0.568
0.710
0.923
1.065
1.420
1.846
2.130
2.485
2.769
108
0.864
1.080
1.404
1.620
2.160
2.808
3.240
3.780
4.212
145
1.160
1.450
1.885
2.175
2.900
3.770
4.350
5.075
5.655
182
1.456
1.820
2.366
2.730
3.640
4.732
5.460
6.370
7.098
219
1.752
2.190
2.847
3.285
4.380
5.694
6.570
7.665
8.541
256
2.048
2.560
3.328
3.840
5.120
6.656
7.680
8.960
9.984
293
2.344
2.930
3.809
4.395
5.860
7.618
8.790
10.255
11.427
Row
330
2.640
3.300
4.290
4.950
6.600
8.580
9.900
11.550
12.870
10
367
2.936
3.670
4.771
5.505
7.340
9.542
11.010
12.845
14.313
11
404
3.232
4.040
5.252
6.060
8.080
10.504
12.120
14.140
15.756
Best Performance
Reduced Performance
Not Recommended
Price: $3.55
In addition to the minimum print quality grade, all elements in the row separator patterns should
be visually distinguishable.
GS1 DataBar Limited cannot be used to encode a GTIN-14 Data Structure with an Indicator value
greater than 1. Otherwise GS1 DataBar Truncated or GS1 DataBar Stacked must be used. GS1
DataBar Stacked is the smallest symbol; however, as the heights of both rows are very low, it is
harder to scan and cannot be used with wand scanners. If space is available, GS1 DataBar
Limited can be used for number structures that it can encode. Otherwise GS1 DataBar Truncated
should be used for GTIN-14 Data Structures with an Indicator value greater than 1.
If the symbol is a GS1 DataBar Composite Symbol, then using a wider GS1 DataBar Symbol such
as GS1 DataBar Truncated instead of GS1 DataBar Limited may be preferable because the wider
companion 2D Composite Component may result in a GS1 DataBar Composite Symbol of lower
overall height even though the GS1 DataBar component itself is slightly taller.
If the data capacity in a two-column or three-column CC-B 2D Composite Component is
inadequate to encode the required 2D components data message, then the linear component can
be changed to increase the number of columns of the companion CC-B component. This will
increase the maximum data capacity of the CC-B component as shown in Figure 5.6.1.10 - 1.
Figure 5.6.1.10-1. Data Capacity of CC-B
Number of CCB Columns
Used with
Maximum Numeric
Characters
Maximum Alpha
Characters
95
55
219
127
338
196
5.7.
5.7.1.
Introduction
This section of the GS1 General Specifications addresses some of the technical aspects of the
two-dimensional barcode symbology called GS1 DataMatrix. GS1 DataMatrix is a standalone,
two-dimensional matrix symbology that is made up of square modules arranged within a
perimeter finder pattern. Unlike a Composite Component symbol (see Section 5.8.1), GS1
DataMatrix does not require a linear symbol. GS1 DataMatrix has been used in the public
domain since 1994.
This section provides only a brief technical description and overview of the GS1 DataMatrix
symbology. A more detailed technical specification can be found in the International Standard
ISO/IEC 16022. The GS1 System has adopted GS1 DataMatrix partly because, like GS1 QR
Code, GS1 DataMatrix can encode GS1 System data structures and offers other technical
advantages. Its compact design and the existence of various production methods that
accommodate placing the symbology onto various substrates offer certain advantages over
other symbologies currently in the GS1 System.
Data Matrix ISO version ECC 200 is the only version that supports GS1 System data structures,
including Function 1 Symbol Character. The ECC 200 version of Data Matrix uses ReedSolomon error correction, and this feature helps correct for partially damaged symbols. In the
remainder of this section, the ECC 200 version of Data Matrix is assumed when the symbology
is described as GS1 DataMatrix. This version of Data Matrix is similar in stability to ISO versions
of current GS1 System symbologies.
Implementation of GS1 DataMatrix shall be done per approved GS1 System application
guidelines. This section will not describe the specific applications. The user needs to refer to
specific application standards and guidelines in other sections of these GS1 General
Specifications as they are approved for use. However, some of the production processes that
are used to produce GS1 DataMatrix Symbols are as follows:
Direct part marking, such as is done by dot peening on items, such as automotive,
aircraft metal parts, medical instruments, and surgical implants
Laser or chemically etched parts with low contrast or light marked elements on a dark
background (e.g., circuit boards and electronic components, medical instruments,
surgical implants)
High-speed ink jet printed parts and components where the marked dots cannot form a
scannable linear symbol.
Very small items that require a symbology with a square aspect ratio and/or cannot be
marked within the allocated packaging space by existing GS1 DataBar and Composite
Symbols
GS1 DataMatrix Symbols are read by two-dimensional imaging scanners or vision systems.
Most other scanners that are not two-dimensional imagers cannot read GS1 DataMatrix. GS1
DataMatrix Symbols are restricted for use with new niche applications that will involve imaging
scanners throughout the supply chain.
5.7.2.
Figure 5.7.2 1 represents a GS1 DataMatrix Symbol with 20 rows and 20 columns
(including the perimeter finder pattern but not including Quiet Zones).
GS1 DataMatrix solid L shaped finder or alignment pattern is one module wide.
GS1 DataMatrix Quiet Zone is one module wide on all four sides. As with other barcode
Quiet Zones, do not print in this area.
ECC 200 symbols can always be recognized from older versions of Data Matrix because the
corner opposite the middle of the finder pattern is a zero module or white in normal print.
For square GS1 DataMatrix symbols, only an even number of rows and columns exist.
Depending on data requirements, symbols can range from 10 row by 10 columns (10 x10)
to 144x144 (including finder pattern but not the Quiet Zone).
ECC 200 (ECC = Error Checking and Correction) that uses Reed-Solomon error correction.
Figure 5.7.3.2 1 ECC 200 Square Symbol Attributes, shows the fixed amounts of error
correction associated for each allowable Data Matrix Symbol size.
FNC1 for GS1 System compatibility shall be encoded at the beginning of the data string and
should be used as a group separator. When a FNC1 is used as a group separator, it shall
be represented in the transmitted message by the ASCII character <GS> (ASCII value 29).
5.7.3.
The GS1 System requires that only the subset of ISO/IEC 646 International Reference
Version defined in these GS1 General Specifications be used for Application Identifier
(AI) Element Strings. Refer to Figure 7.11 1 for the allowed encodable character set.
Large, square ECC symbols (at least 32 X32) will include alignment patterns to separate
the data regions.
Reflectance reversal: (Inherent) Symbols can be read when marked so that the image
is either dark on light or light on dark.
Extended Channel Interpretation (ECI) capability allows GS1 DataMatrix to encode data
from other alphabets.
Row Col
10
10
12
Size
8x8
No.
Total
ReedSolomon
Inter-
Data Capacity
Matrix
Codewords
Block
leaved
Num.
Alphanum.
Size
Data
Data
Cap.
Cap.
Error
Error Blocks
Error
Max. Correctable
Byte
Correction
Codeword
Cap.
Overhead % Error/Erasure
8x8
62.5
2/0
12 10x10
10x10
10
58.3
3/0
14
14 12x12
12x12
10
10
16
10
55.6
5/7
16
16 14x14
14x14
12
12
12
12
24
16
10
50
6/9
18
18 16x16
16x16
18
14
18
14
36
25
16
43.8
7/11
20
20 18x18
18x18
22
18
22
18
44
31
20
45
9/15
22
22 20x20
20x20
30
20
30
20
60
43
28
40
10/17
24
24 22x22
22x22
36
24
36
24
72
52
34
40
12/21
26
26 24x24
24x24
44
28
44
28
88
64
42
38.9
14/25
32
32 14x14
28x28
62
36
62
36
124
91
60
36.7
18/33
36
36 16x16
32x32
86
42
86
42
172
127
84
32.8
21/39
40
40 18x18
36x36
114
48
114
48
228
169
112
29.6
24/45
44
44 20x20
40x40
144
56
144
56
288
214
142
28
28/53
48
48 22x22
44x44
174
68
174
68
348
259
172
28.1
34/65
52
52 24x24
48x48
204
84
102
42
408
304
202
29.2
42/78
64
64 14x14 16
56x56
280
112
140
56
560
418
277
28.6
56/106
72
72 16x16 16
64x64
368
144
92
36
736
550
365
28.1
72/132
Symbol
Size (*)
Row Col
Size
No.
Total
ReedSolomon
Inter-
Data Capacity
Matrix
Codewords
Block
leaved
Num.
Alphanum.
Size
Data
Data
Cap.
Cap.
Error
Error Blocks
Error
Max. Correctable
Byte
Correction
Codeword
Cap.
Overhead % Error/Erasure
80
80 18x18 16
72x72
456
192
114
48
912
682
453
29.6
96/180
88
88 20x20 16
80x80
576
224
144
56
1152
862
573
28
112/212
96
96 22x22 16
88x88
696
272
174
68
1392
1042
693
28.1
136/260
96x96
816
336
136
56
1632
1222
813
29.2
168/318
108x108 1050
408
175
68
2100
1573
1047
28
204/390
120x120 1304
496
163
62
2608
1954
1301
27.6
248/472
132x132 1558
620
156
62
8 (**)
3116
2335
1556
28.5
310/590
155
62
2 (**)
Data
Region
Size (*)
Mapping Total
Matrix
Row Col
Size
No. Size
ReedSolomon
Inter-
Codewords Block
Block Cap. Cap.
s
Cap.
Data Capacity
Error
Max.
Correctable
Correction
Codeword
Blocks Cap.
Overhead % Error/Erasure
Cap.
Cap.
18
6x16
6x16
10
58.3
3/+
32
6x14
6x28
10
11
10
11
20
13
52.4
5/+
12
26
10x24
10x24
16
14
16
14
32
22
14
46.7
7/11
12
36
10x16
10x32
22
18
22
18
44
31
20
45.0
9/15
16
36
14x16
14x32
32
24
32
24
64
46
30
42.9
12/21
16
48
14x22
14x44
49
28
49
28
98
72
47
36.4
14/25
(*)
(**)
In the largest symbol (144x144), the first eight Reed-Solomon blocks shall be 218 codewords
long encoding 156 data codewords. The last two blocks shall encode 217 codewords (155 data codewords). All the blocks
have 62 error correction codewords.
(***)
The square format is divided into 4 to 36 data regions for symbols sized 32 by 32 modules and
larger. The rectangular format symbols may also be divided into two data regions. Each data
region is separated from the other regions by alignment patterns that consist of an alternating
pattern of ones and zeroes and a solid line of ones (a dark line when there is no reflectance
reversal). Figure 5.7.3.2 - 3 shows a four-segment square symbol on the left and a two-segment
rectangular symbol on the right, each with hypothetical data shown to create the effect.
Figure 5.7.3.2-3. Segmented GS1 DataMatrix Symbols: Square and Rectangular Formats
(Sizes of these GS1 DataMatrix Symbols are larger than what would be used in a typical
application so that typical alignment patterns can be easily seen.)
Message Content
]d2
Separator
None
"grade" is the overall symbol grade as defined in ISO/IEC 15415 Information technology Automatic identification and data capture techniques Bar code symbol print quality test
specification - Two-dimensional symbols (e.g., the arithmetic mean to one decimal place of
the Scan Reflectance Profile or scan grades). For GS1 DataMatrix, the grade number may
be followed by an asterisk (*) which indicates that the surroundings of the symbol contain
extremes of reflectance that may interfere with reading. For most applications, this should
be specified as causing the symbol to fail.
"aperture" is the diameter in thousandths of an inch (to the nearest thousandth) of the
synthetic aperture defined in ISO/IEC 15415 Information technology - Automatic
identification and data capture techniques Bar code symbol print quality test specification
- Two-dimensional symbols.
"light" defines the illumination: A numeric value indicates the peak light wavelength in
nanometres (for narrow band illumination); the alphabetic character W indicates that the
symbol has been measured with broadband illumination (white light) the spectral response
characteristics of which must imperatively be defined or have their source specification
clearly referenced.
"angle" is an additional parameter defining the angle of incidence (relative to the plane of
the symbol) of the illumination. It shall be included in the reporting of the overall symbol
grade when the angle of incidence is other than 45 degrees. Its absence indicates that the
angle of incidence is 45 degrees.
Note: This international standard provides for 30 degrees and 90 degrees
illumination in addition to the default 45 degrees.
The aperture is normally specified as being 80% of the minimum X-dimension allowed for the
application. The printing method must produce the GS1 DataMatrix "L" pattern with gaps
between the dots less than 25% of the specified aperture. If symbols with greater than the
minimum X dimension are allowed by the application, the same absolute maximum gap
dimension must be maintained.
Examples:
2.8/05/660 would indicate that the average of the grades of the Scan Reflectance Profiles,
or of the scan grades, was 2.8 when these were obtained with the use of a 0.125 millimetre
aperture (ref. no. 05) and a 660 nanometre light source, incident at 45 degrees.
2.8/10/W/30 would indicate the grade of a symbol intended to be read in broadband light,
measured with light incident at 30 degrees and using a 0.250 millimetre aperture (ref. no.
10), but would need to be accompanied either by a reference to the application specification
defining the reference spectral characteristics used for measurement or a definition of the
spectral characteristics themselves.
2.8/10/660* would indicate the grade of a symbol measured using a 0.250 millimetre
aperture (ref. no. 10), and a 660 nanometre light source, and indicates the presence of a
potentially interfering extreme reflectance value in the surroundings of the symbol.
Recommended symbol grades for GS1 DataMatrix are identified in individual applications in
Section 5.5.
When using GS1 DataMatrix Symbols to encode the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), any
required additional data should be included within the same symbol.
Note: Scanning systems that need to read GS1 DataMatrix Symbols must be 2D imaging
scanners and be appropriately programmed to read the GS1 System version of Data
Matrix or ECC 200.
5.8.
Composite Barcodes
5.8.1.
Both linear and 2D components encode a subset of ISO/IEC 646. Refer to Figure 7.11
1 for the allowed encodable character set.
Symbol character structure: Various (n,k) symbol characters are used in accordance with
the underlying symbology of the selected linear and 2D Composite Components of the
symbol.
Code type:
Linear component:
- GS1-128 Symbol: up to 48 digits
- EAN/UPC Symbol: 8, 12, or 13 digits
- GS1 DataBar Expanded Symbol: up to 74 digits
- Other GS1 DataBar Symbols: 16 digits
2D Composite Component:
- CC-A: up to 56 digits
- CC-B: up to 338 digits
- CC-C: up to 2,361 digit
Character self-checking
Bi-directionally decodable
5.8.2.
GS1-128 Symbol emulation: Readers set to the GS1-128 Symbol emulation mode
transmit the data encoded within the Composite Symbol as if the data were encoded in
one or more GS1-128 Symbols.
Symbol Structure
Each Composite Symbol consists of a linear component and a multi-row 2D Composite
Component. The 2D Composite Component is printed above the linear component. The two
components are separated by a separator pattern. Up to 3X of light space is permitted between
the separator pattern and 2D Composite Component to facilitate printing the two components
separately; however, if the two components are printed at one time, the nominal alignment is
followed as shown in Figure 5.8.2 - 1.
(01)13112345678906(17)010615(10)A123456
In Figure 5.8.2 - 1, the AI (01) Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is encoded in the GS1
DataBar Limited linear component. The AI (17) expiration date and the AI (10) lot number are
encoded in the CC-A 2D Composite Component.
The linear component is one of the following:
A GS1-128 Symbol
The choice of linear component determines the name of the Composite Symbol, such as an
EAN-13 Composite Symbol, or a GS1-128 Composite Symbol.
The 2D Composite Component (abbreviated as CC) is chosen based on the selected linear
component and on the amount of supplementary data to be encoded. The three 2D Composite
Components, listed in order of increasing maximum data capacity, are:
(01)03812345678908(10)ABCD123456(410)3898765432108
In Figure 5.8.2 - 2, the AI (01) GTIN is encoded in the GS1-128 Symbol linear component. The
AI (10) lot number and the AI (410) ship-to location are encoded in the CC-C 2D Composite
Component. Based upon the width of the linear component, a choice of best-fit 2D Composite
Component is specified. Figure 5.8.2 - 3 lists all of the permissible combinations.
Figure 5.8.2-3. Permissible Combinations of Linear and 2D Composite Components
Linear Component
CC-A/CC-B
CC-C
Yes (4-columns)
No
EAN-8
Yes (3-columns)
No
UPC-E
Yes (2-columns)
No
GS1-128
Yes (4-columns)
Yes (4-columns)
No
Yes (2-columns)
No
Yes (3-columns)
No
Linear Component
CC-A/CC-B
CC-C
Yes (4-columns)
No
RAP
Column
Codeword
Column
Codeword
Column
RAP
Column
Quiet
Zone
Codeword
Column
RAP
Column
Codeword
Column
Codeword
Column
RAP
Column
Quiet
Zone
RAP
Column
Codeword
Column
Codeword
Column
RAP
Column
Codeword
Column
Codeword
Column
RAP
Column
Quiet
Zone
Figure 5.8.2.1 - 2 lists all possible column and row combinations for CC-A. It also shows the
capacity and size of the 2D Composite Components. For example, a two-column, five-row CC-A
would be 57X wide (including 1X for the extra right-most guard bar) by 10X high (not including
the separator pattern). With an X-dimension of 0.254 millimetre (0.0100 inch), it would be 14.48
millimetres (0.57 inch) wide by 2.54 millimetre (0.100 inch) high.
Number
of Rows
(r)
Total
CWs in
Data
Region
Number
of EC
CWs (k)
Percent
of CWs
for EC
Number
of CWs
for Data
Max
Alpha
Chars
Max
Digits
Compone
nt Width,
in X (see
Note 1)
Compone
nt Height,
in X (see
Note 2)
10
40.00%
16
57
10
12
33.33%
12
22
57
12
14
35.71%
13
24
57
14
16
31.25%
11
17
30
57
16
18
33.33%
12
18
33
57
18
10
20
30.00%
14
22
39
57
20
12
24
29.17%
17
26
47
57
24
12
33.33%
12
22
74
15
33.33%
10
15
27
74
10
18
33.33%
12
18
33
74
12
21
33.33%
14
22
39
74
14
24
29.17%
17
26
47
74
16
12
33.33%
12
22
101
16
31.25%
11
17
30
101
20
30.00%
14
22
39
101
10
24
29.17%
17
26
47
101
12
28
28.57%
20
31
56
101
14
In addition to the codeword columns, CC-B has two or three n,k = 10,3 row address pattern
(RAP) columns that encode the row numbers (each 10X wide). The rightmost RAP column is
terminated on the right by a 1X bar, so it is 11X instead of 10X wide.
Each row also requires a 1X Quiet Zone on each end. There is no Quiet Zone required above
CC-B. The separator pattern is printed directly above the linear component, and no Quiet Zone
is required below the CC-B.
The two-column CC-B version has two RAP columns and the three- and four-column CC-B
versions have three RAP columns, as shown in Figure 5.8.2.2 - 1.
Figure 5.8.2.2-1. CC-B Column Structures
RAP
Column
Codeword
Column
Codeword
Column
RAP
Column
Quiet
Zone
RAP
Column
Codeword
Column
RAP
Column
Codeword
Column
Codeword
Column
RAP
Column
Quiet
Zone
RAP
Column
Codeword
Column
Codeword
Column
RAP
Column
Codeword
Column
Codeword
Column
RAP
Column
CC-B differs from CC-A in the three-column structure in that CC-B has a third RAP column on
the left end that is missing in CC-A.
Figure 5.8.2.2 - 2 lists all the possible column and row combinations for CC-B. It also shows the
capacity and size of the 2D Composite Components. For example a four-column, 10-row CC-B
would be 101X wide by 20X high (not including the separator pattern). With an X-dimension of
0.254 millimetre (0.0100 inch), it would be 25.65 millimetres (1.010 inches) wide by 5.08
millimetres (0.200 inch) high.
Figure 5.8.2.2-2. CC-B Row and Column Sizes
Number
of Data
Column
s (c)
Number
of
Rows
(r)
Total
CWs in
Data
Region
Number
of EC
CWs (k)
Percent
of CWs
for EC
Number
of
non-EC
CWs
Number
of CWs
for Data
(Note 1)
Max
Alpha
chars
Max
Digits
CC-B
Width,
in X
(see
Note 2)
CC-B
Height,
in X
(see
Note 3)
17
34
10
29
24
22
34
59
57
34
20
40
11
28
29
27
42
73
57
40
23
46
13
28
33
31
48
84
57
46
26
52
15
29
37
35
55
96
57
52
15
45
21
47
24
22
34
59
84
30
20
60
26
43
34
32
50
86
84
40
Quiet
Zone
Number
of Data
Column
s (c)
Number
of
Rows
(r)
Total
CWs in
Data
Region
Number
of EC
CWs (k)
Percent
of CWs
for EC
Number
of
non-EC
CWs
Number
of CWs
for Data
(Note 1)
Max
Alpha
chars
Max
Digits
CC-B
Width,
in X
(see
Note 2)
CC-B
Height,
in X
(see
Note 3)
26
78
32
41
46
44
68
118
84
52
32
96
38
40
58
56
88
153
84
64
38
114
44
39
70
68
107
185
84
76
44
132
50
38
82
80
127
219
84
88
10
40
16
40
24
22
34
59
101
20
12
48
18
38
30
28
43
75
101
24
15
60
21
35
39
37
58
100
101
30
20
80
26
33
54
52
82
141
101
40
26
104
32
31
72
70
111
192
101
52
32
128
38
30
90
88
139
240
101
64
38
152
44
29
108
106
168
290
101
76
44
176
50
28
126
124
196
338
101
88
Quiet
Zone
Start
Pattern
Left Row
Indicator
Column
1 to 30 Data/EC
Codeword Columns
Right Row
Indicator
Column
Stop
Pattern
Quiet
Zone
CC-C is normally printed with the number of columns that will result in a width nearly matching
the width of the GS1-128 Symbol linear component. However, as an option, the user may
specify a wider CC-C to be printed. This reduces the height of the 2D Composite Component. A
lower Composite Symbol may be needed to fit in a height-restricted application. A wider CC-C
may also be required if the amount of data does not fit in the default width CC-C.
5.8.3.
Production date and lot number: AI (11) production date followed by AI (10) lot number
Expiration date and lot number: AI (17) expiration date followed by AI (10) lot number
AI (90): AI (90) followed by the Element String data starting with an alphabetic character
and a digit; AI (90) may be used to encode data identifier data; the AI (90) followed by
data in the data identifier format has special compression applied only if it is the start of
the first Element String.
Lot #: A123456
(01)13112345678906
For Composite Symbols encoding a large amount of data, it may not be practical to display all
the data in Human Readable Interpretation form or, even if there is space to show it in this form,
it may not be practical to key enter that much data. In these instances, some of the data may be
omitted from the Human Readable Interpretation. However, primary identification data such as
the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) and SSCC must always be shown. Application
specifications provide guidance on Human Readable Interpretation.
5.8.4.
message and transmit the data following the escape mechanism codeword as a separate
message. This new message has the symbology identifier prefix of ]e2 for standard data
message. The codewords following the escape mechanism codeword are encoded and
decoded using the standard PDF417 encoding defined in ISO/IEC 15438 Information
technology; automatic identification and data capture techniques - Symbology specification PDF417. This feature is used for future GS1 System applications that require characters
beyond the ISO/IEC 646 character subset defined for Application Identifier (AI) Element String
data (see Figure 7.11 1).
Note: The protocol for ]e2 corresponds to the protocol defined for PDF417 using
Symbology Identifier ]L2.
5.8.5.
5.8.6.
Print Quality
The print quality assessment methodology defined in the International Standard ISO/IEC 15416
is used for measuring and grading the linear components. The ISO print quality specification is
functionally identical to the older ANSI and CEN print quality specifications. The print quality
grade is measured by verifiers that apply the standard. The print quality grade reported includes
a grade level, measuring aperture, and the wavelength of light used for the measurement.
AIM ITS 99-002 International Symbology Specification - MicroPDF417 and ISO/IEC 15438
specify the methods for determining the print quality grade of the 2D Composite Components
CC-A/B and CC-C respectively. An additional grading parameter unused error correction (UEC)
is defined in these specifications.
The minimum quality grade for Composite Symbols is:
1.5 / 6 / 660
- Where
660 is the peak response wavelength in nanometres. In addition to the print quality
grade, all elements in the separator patterns should be visually distinguishable.
Both the linear component and the 2D Composite Component must independently achieve the
minimum print quality grade.
Note: An international standard methodology for quality grading two-dimensional
symbologies is under development and may eventually supersede the method defined in
the above specifications.
5.8.7.
Component options available. A wider linear component will result in a shorter 2D Composite
Component and, particularly for CC-B, a higher capacity symbol.
For CC-A and CC-B, the selection of the linear component automatically determines the number
of columns of the 2D Composite Component. The selection of CC-A or CC-B is automatically
determined by the amount of data to be encoded. CC-A is always used unless the data exceeds
its capacity.
When the linear component is a GS1-128 Symbol, the user may specify CC-A/B or CC-C. CCA/B will produce a smaller 2D Composite Component. However, CC-C can increase in width to
match the width of the GS1-128 Symbol or be selected to be even wider. This may produce a
Composite Symbol of lower height. CC-C also has a larger data capacity, so it is suitable for
applications such as logistics.
5.8.8.
(99)1234-abcd
Ser. #: A12345678
(15)021231
(01)03612345678904(11)990102
(01)03412345678900(17)010200
(01)03512345678907
Note: The three-column CC-B is wider than the three-column CC-A shown in Figure 5.8.2-1.
(01)93712345678904(3103)001234
(91)1A2B3C4D5E
(01)03212345678906
(21)A1B2C3D4E5F6G7H8
5.9.
5.9.1.
Introduction
This section of the GS1 General Specifications addresses some of the technical aspects of the
two-dimensional barcode symbology called GS1 QR Code. GS1 QR Code is a standalone, twodimensional matrix symbology that is made up of square modules arranged in an overall square
pattern, including a unique finder pattern located at three corners of the symbol. Unlike a
Composite Component symbol (see Section 5.8.1), GS1 QR Code does not require a linear
symbol. QR Code and QR Code 2005 have been used in the public domain since 1998 and
2005 respectively.
This section provides only a brief technical description and overview of the GS1 QR Code
symbology. A more detailed technical specification can be found in the International Standard
ISO/IEC 18004 QR Code 2005 barcode symbology specification. The GS1 System has adopted
GS1 QR Code partly because, like GS1 DataMatrix, GS1 QR Code can encode GS1 System
data structures and offers other technical advantages. Its compact design and the existence of
various production methods that accommodate placing the symbology onto various substrates
offer certain advantages over other symbologies currently in the GS1 System.
QR Code 2005 is the only member of the QR Code family that supports GS1 System data
structures, including Function 1 Symbol Character. ISO/IEC QR Code 2005 also contains
specifications for Micro QR Code, but this symbology is not supported for the GS1 System. QR
Code 2005 uses Reed-Solomon error correction (four selectable levels of error correction are
specified), and this feature helps correct for partially damaged symbols. In the remainder of this
section, the ISO/IEC QR Code 2005 is assumed when the symbology is described as GS1 QR
Code. QR Code 2005 is similar in stability to ISO versions of current GS1 System symbologies.
Implementation of GS1 QR Code shall be done per approved GS1 System application
standards. This section will not describe the specific applications. The user needs to refer to
specific application standards in other sections of these GS1 General Specifications as they are
approved for use.
GS1 QR Code Symbols are read by two-dimensional imaging scanners or vision systems. Most
other scanners that are not two-dimensional imagers cannot read GS1 QR Code. GS1 QR
Code Symbols are restricted for use with new niche applications that will involve imaging
scanners within mobile devices.
5.9.2.
Not supported for the GS1 System: Micro QR Code, with reduced overhead, some
restrictions on capabilities and reduced data capacity
alphanumeric data (digits 0 - 9; upper case letters A -Z; nine other characters: space, $ % *
+ - . / : );
byte data (default: ISO/IEC 8859-1; or other sets as otherwise defined In byte mode, data is
encoded at 8 bits per character. In closed-system national or application-specific
implementations of QR Code 2005, an alternative 8-bit character set, for example as
defined in an appropriate part of ISO/IEC 8859, may be specified for byte mode. When an
alternative character set is specified, however, the parties intending to read the QR Code
2005 symbols require to be notified of the applicable character set in the application
specification or by bilateral agreement.
Not supported for the GS1 System: Kanji characters (Kanji characters in QR Code 2005
can be compacted into 13 bits.
Representation of data:
A dark module is nominally a binary one and a light module is nominally a binary zero.
However, reflectance reversal is provided as an option.
Symbol size (not including Quiet Zone):
GS1 QR Code symbols: 21 x 21 modules to 177 x 177 modules (Versions 1 to 40, increasing in
steps of four modules per side)
Data characters per symbol
Kanji data: 1 817 characters (Not supported for the GS1 System)
Orientation independence:
both rotation and reflection
Figure 5.9.3-1 illustrates a QR Code 2005 symbol in normal colour and with reflectance reversal
in both normal and mirror image orientations.
5.9.3.
5.9.4.
Version
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Modules/
side
21
25
29
33
37
41
45
49
53
57
61
65
69
73
77
81
85
89
93
97
Data capacity
[codewords]
26
44
70
100
134
172
196
242
292
346
404
466
532
581
655
733
815
901
991
1 085
Version
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Modules/
side
101
105
109
113
117
121
125
129
133
137
141
145
149
153
157
161
165
169
173
177
Data capacity
[codewords]
1 156
1 258
1 364
1 474
1 588
1 706
1 828
1 921
2 051
2 185
2 323
2 465
2 611
2 761
2 876
3 034
3 196
3 362
3 532
3 706
Note:
* Symbol size does not include surrounding 4-X Quiet Zones.
Figure 5.9.4.2-2. GS1 QR Code Symbol Attributes for the first ten versions of the symbol
Version
1
10
Error
correction
level
L
M
Q
H
L
M
Q
H
L
M
Q
H
L
M
Q
H
L
M
Q
H
L
M
Q
H
L
M
Q
H
L
M
Q
H
L
M
Q
H
L
M
Q
H
Number of
data
codewords
Numeric
19
16
13
9
34
28
22
16
55
44
34
26
80
64
48
36
108
86
62
46
136
108
76
60
156
24
88
66
194
154
110
86
232
182
132
100
274
216
154
122
41
34
27
17
77
63
48
34
127
101
77
58
187
149
111
82
255
202
144
106
322
255
178
139
370
293
207
154
461
365
259
202
552
432
312
235
652
513
364
288
Data capacity
Alphanu
meric
25
20
16
10
47
38
29
20
77
61
47
35
114
90
67
50
154
122
87
64
195
154
108
84
224
178
125
93
279
221
157
122
335
262
189
143
395
311
221
174
Byte
17
14
11
7
32
26
20
14
53
42
32
24
78
62
46
34
106
84
60
44
134
106
74
58
154
122
86
64
192
152
108
84
230
180
130
98
271
213
151
119
Kanji
10
8
7
4
20
16
12
8
32
26
20
15
48
38
28
21
65
52
37
27
82
65
45
36
95
75
53
39
118
93
66
52
141
111
80
60
167
131
93
74
Message Content
]Q3
Separator
None
"grade" is the overall symbol grade as defined in ISO/IEC 15415 Information technology
- Automatic identification and data capture techniques Bar code symbol print quality
test specification - Two-dimensional symbols (e.g., the arithmetic mean to one decimal
place of the Scan Reflectance Profile or scan grades). For GS1 QR Code, the grade
number may be followed by an asterisk (*) which indicates that the surroundings of the
symbol contain extremes of reflectance that may interfere with reading. For most
applications, this should be specified as causing the symbol to fail.
"aperture" is the diameter in thousandths of an inch (to the nearest thousandth) of the
synthetic aperture defined in ISO/IEC 15415 Information technology - Automatic
identification and data capture techniques Bar code symbol print quality test
specification - Two-dimensional symbols.
"light" defines the illumination: A numeric value indicates the peak light wavelength in
nanometres (for narrow band illumination); the alphabetic character W indicates that the
symbol has been measured with broadband illumination (white light) the spectral
"angle" is an additional parameter defining the angle of incidence (relative to the plane
of the symbol) of the illumination. It shall be included in the reporting of the overall
symbol grade when the angle of incidence is other than 45 degrees. Its absence
indicates that the angle of incidence is 45 degrees.
The aperture is normally specified as being 80% of the minimum X-dimension allowed for the
application.
Examples:
2.8/05/660 would indicate that the average of the grades of the Scan Reflectance
Profiles, or of the scan grades, was 2.8 when these were obtained with the use of a
0.125 millimetre aperture (ref. no. 05) and a 660 nanometre light source, incident at 45
degrees.
2.8/10/660* would indicate the grade of a symbol measured using a 0.250 millimetre
aperture (ref. no. 10), and a 660 nanometre light source, and indicates the presence of
a potentially interfering extreme reflectance value in the surroundings of the symbol.
Recommended symbol grades for GS1 QR Code are identified in individual applications in
Section 5.5.
position following the Start Character. This double start pattern is reserved for GS1 System
applications worldwide. This makes it possible to distinguish GS1-128 barcodes from extraneous
non-GS1 barcodes.
Figure 5.10.1-1. Example GS1-128 Barcode Structure
Start
Character
A , B, or C
Function 1
Symbol
Character
(FNC1)
Element String
Application
Identifier
Symbol
Check
Character
Stop
Character
All GS1 barcode symbologies that use GS1 Application Identifiers allow several Element Strings
to be encoded in one barcode, a process called concatenation. Concatenation is advantageous
because it means that the symbology elements are only needed once, and the space required
for the symbol is smaller than when separate barcodes are used to encode each Element
String. It also improves scanning accuracy, allowing for single scanning rather than multiple
scanning. The various Element Strings are transmitted from the barcode reader as a single full
string.
The various Element Strings, which are transmitted from concatenated barcodes, have to be
analysed and processed. To simplify this procedure and reduce the symbol size, the lengths of
some Element Strings are pre-defined (see Figure 5.10.1-2). Element Strings that are not
contained in Figure 5.10.1-2 and that do not appear at the end of the symbol (encoded
immediately before the Symbol Check Character) must be delimited to separate them from the
Element String that follows. The delimiter shall be a Function 1 Symbol Character in GS1-128
Symbology, GS1 DataBar Expanded Versions and GS1 Composite Symbology and should be a
Function 1 Symbol Character in GS1 DataMatrix Symbology and GS1 QR Code Symbology.
Figure 5.10.1-2 contains all Application Identifiers that have a predefined length and, therefore,
do not require a Function 1 Symbol Character (FNC1) separator.
Figure 5.10.1-2. Element Strings with Pre-Defined Length Using Application Identifiers
Number of Characters
(Application Identifier and Data Field)
00
20
01
16
02
16
(03)
16
(04)
18
11
Number of Characters
(Application Identifier and Data Field)
12
13
(14)
15
16
17
(18)
(19)
20
31
10
32
10
33
10
34
10
35
10
36
10
41
16
Note: Figure 5.10.1-2 is limited to the listed numbers and will remain unchanged. Those
numbers in parentheses are not yet assigned. Application Identifiers starting with two digits
that are not included in Figure 5.10.1-2 have a variable length even if the definition of the
Application Identifier specifies a fixed length data field.
5.10.2. Concatenation
5.10.2.1.Pre-Defined Length Element Strings
Concatenated Element Strings constructed from Application Identifiers with a pre-defined length do
not require a Separator Character. Each Element String is immediately followed by either the
next Application Identifier or the Symbol Check Character and Stop Character.
For example, concatenation of net weight (4.00 kilograms) with the associated Global Trade
Item Number (GTIN) 95012345678903 does not require the use of a Separator Character.
(0 1) 9 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 3
(3 1
GTIN 95012345678903
0 2) 0
(0 1) 9 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 3 (3 1 0 2) 0 0 0 4 0 0
GTIN 95012345678903
(8 0
0 5) 0
(1 0)
(8 0 0 5) 0 0 0 3 6 5
(1 0) 1 2 3 4 5 6
(01)90614141000015(3202)000150
Concatenation may not be desirable in all circumstances (e.g., GS1 Logistic Labels are often
constructed using multiple rows of barcode), in such cases the barcode containing the
additional attribute data encoded using GS1 Application Identifiers should be printed in close
proximity to the barcode containing the GS1 Identification Key.
Figure 5.10.2.3-2. Example of mixed GS1 Symbologies (GTIN encoded in UPC-E, Best Before Date in
Composite)
(15)021231
6
6
6.1.
Introduction
This section includes guidelines for the placement of barcodes on packages and containers. It
gives the general principles that apply, mandatory rules, and recommendations for symbol
placement on specific packaging and container types.
Consistency of symbol placement is critical to successful scanning. With manual scanning,
variation of symbol placement makes it difficult for the scanning operator to predict where the
symbol is located, and this reduces efficiency. With automated scanning, the symbol must be
positioned so that it will pass through the field of vision of a fixed scanner as it travels past.
Respecting the guidance in this section will result in the consistency and predictability required.
The guidelines in this global specification replace previous local recommendations; however,
manufacturers should not scrap packaging that has been printed according to previous
guidelines. When packaging is redesigned, the global specifications in this document SHALL be
observed. If government regulatory guidelines are inconsistent with those in this manual, the
government guidelines should always take precedence.
Note: Barcodes in this guideline that are used as examples are For Position Only and are
not intended to denote correct symbol type, size, colour, or quality.
6.2.
6.2.1.
Number of Symbols
Barcodes representing different Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) must never be visible on
any one item. Although a minimum of one symbol is required, two symbols representing the
same GTIN are recommended on trade items for scanning in warehousing or General
Distribution Scanning environments (see Section 6.7). Two or more symbols representing the
same GTIN are recommended on large, heavy, or bulky items for Point-of-Sale (see Section
6.4.9) and are permissible on random wraps intended for Point-of-Sale (see Section 6.3.3.7).
Two symbols, EAN/UPC encoding GTIN and another encoding GTIN plus attributes may be
required during migration periods to new data carriers (see Section 4.15).
6.2.2.
Scanning Environment
Before considering the package type, determine whether the item will be scanned in a Point-ofSale or a General Distribution Scanning environment. If the item is scanned at a Point-of-Sale
only, the barcode placement guidelines in Sections 6.3, 6.4, and 6.5, and 6.5.5 apply. However,
if the item is scanned in both a Point-of-Sale and General Distribution Scanning environment or
in a General Distribution Scanning environment only, the requirements (see Section 6.7) take
precedence.
6.2.3.
Orientation
Barcode orientation is determined primarily by the print process and any curvature of the item. If
the printing process and curvature allow, the preferred placement is picket fence orientation, in
which the bars of the barcode are perpendicular to the surface on which the package stands in
its normal display position. For Human-Readable Interpretation Rules see Section 4.14.
Empirical data has demonstrated that it makes no difference to the scanning process one way
or the other. Rules for positioning barcodes on curved surfaces are given in Section 6.2.3.2.
Figure 6.2.3-1. Barcode orientation
Picket Fence
Orientation
Ladder
Orientation
Ladder orientation
(Preferred for all curve surfaces)
The angle between the tangent to the centre of the curved symbol and the tangent to the
extremity of the curved symbol (outer edge of the guard bars for symbols in the EAN/UPC
Symbology) must be less than 30 degrees. If this angle is more than 30 degrees, the symbol
must be oriented such that the bars are perpendicular to the generating lines of the surface of
the item.
Figure 6.2.3.2-2. Relationship between symbol and curvature
Figures 6.2.3.2 - 3 and 6.2.3.2 - 4 show the relationship between acceptable X-dimensions
(narrow element width) for units of different diameters and the minimum diameters for different
X-dimensions for barcodes printed in the picket fence orientation. Please refer to Section 5.5 for
the minimum, target, and maximum X-dimension for the symbol, based on the scanning
environment.
EAN-8 Barcode
mm
Inches
mm
Inches
Mm
Inches
30 or below
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
100
105
110
115
120 or above
1.18 or below
1.38
1.57
1.77
1.97
2.16
2.36
2.56
2.75
2.95
3.25
3.35
3.54
3.74
3.94
4.13
4.33
4.53
4.72
*
*
*
*
(0.274)
(0.304)
*
*
*
*
(0.0108)
(0.0120)
0.330
0.356
0.386
0.413
0.446
0.469
0.495
0.525
0.551
0.578
0.607
0.634
0.660
0.0130
0.0140
0.0152
0.0163
0.0174
0.0185
0.0195
0.0207
0.0217
0.0228
0.0239
0.0250
0.0260
*
(0.274)
(0.314)
0.353
0.389
0.429
0.469
0.508
0.549
0.587
0.627
0.660
0.660
0.660
0.660
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
*
(0.0108)
(0.0124)
0.0139
0.0153
0.0169
0.0185
0.0200
0.0216
0.0232
0.0247
0.0260
0.0260
0.0260
0.0260
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Note: An asterisk (*) indicates that the package diameter is too small to permit a picket
fence orientation barcode, and the symbol must be rotated 90 degrees to a ladder
orientation (see Section 5.5) The barcode is printed perpendicular to the generating lines
of the surface of the container.
Note: Italics indicate X-dimensions that are permissible, but are not recommended on
curved surfaces.
Note: EAN-8 barcodes are reserved for very small items (See Section 2.1).
EAN-8 Barcode
UPC-E Barcode
mm
inches
mm
inches
mm
Inches
Mm
inches
0.264
0.300
0.350
0.400
0.450
0.500
0.550
0.600
0.650
0.660
0.0104
0.0118
0.0138
0.0157
0.0177
0.0197
0.0217
0.0236
0.0256
0.0260
48
55
64
73
82
91
100
109
118
120
1.33
1.51
1.76
2.02
2.27
2.52
2.77
3.02
3.27
3.35
34
38
45
51
58
64
70
77
83
85
1.89
2.14
2.50
2.86
3.21
3.57
3.93
4.29
4.64
4.72
26
29
34
39
44
49
54
59
63
64
1.01
1.51
1.53
1.54
1.73
1.92
2.11
2.31
2.50
2.54
6.3.
Never position the barcode on the item in an area with inadequate space. Do not let the
other graphics encroach on the space for the barcode.
Never place barcodes, including Quiet Zones, on perforations, die-cuts, seams, ridges,
edges, tight curves, folds, flaps, overlaps, and rough textures.
Barcodes used for production control purposes should be obstructed wherever possible
before entering general distribution (see Section 4.15.)
6.3.1.
Number of Symbols
At least one barcode is needed on a trade item intended for the Point-of-Sale. Exceptions
include large, heavy, or bulky items (see Section 6.4.9) and random or unregistered wrapping
(see Sections 6.3.3.7) where two or more symbols with the same Global Trade Item Number
(GTIN) may be required.
Trade items SHALL never have two or more barcodes encoding different Global Trade Item
Numbers (GTINs). At the Point-of-Sale, this is particularly relevant with multipacks, such as
over-wrapped items, sleeved items, and banded items, where the individual inner units carry a
different GTIN from that on the outer wrapper or container. The barcodes on the inner products
must be totally obscured so that they cannot be read by the Point-of-Sale system. (see Section
6.3.3.7 for over-wrap special considerations.)
6.3.2.
6.3.3.
Symbol Placement
Information in this section is provided to guide symbol placement when developing packaging
for new products and should be adopted when changing the graphics of existing products.
Bags
When bag contents settle, the bag edges can bulge to the extent that barcodes located on the
lower right quadrant may not be flat enough to permit successful scanning. For this reason,
barcodes on bags should be placed in the centre of the back about one third up from the bottom
and as far from the edge as possible while respecting the edge rule. (See Section 6.4.1 for
more details on bags.)
Trade items that cause scanners to read beyond the flat plane include blister packs and
unpackaged items (e.g., deep bowls). For these items, the distance between the scanner
window and the barcode on the container or item must be considered. The barcode must not be
closer than 8 millimetres (0.3 inch) or farther than 100 millimetres (4 inches) from any edge of
the package/container. (See Sections 6.4.2 and 6.4.16 for more details on blister packs and
unpackaged items.)
Any package/container weighing more than 13 kilograms (28 pounds) or having two dimensions
greater than 450 millimetres (18 inches) (width/height, width/depth, or height/depth) is
considered a large, heavy, or bulky Item. Large, heavy, or bulky items tend to be hard to handle.
Large, heavy, or bulky items may require two or more symbols with the same Global Trade
Item Number (GTIN) ideally one on top and one on the bottom of the opposite quadrant (See
Section 6.4.9 for more details on large, heavy, or bulky items.)
Thin items or containers are packages/containers with a dimension less than 25 millimetres (1
inch) (height, width, or depth). Examples of thin items or containers are packages of pizza,
powdered drink mixes, and writing pads. Any placement of the symbol on the edge hinders
effective scanning because the symbol is obscured from the cashier and is likely to be
truncated. (Refer to Section 6.4.12 for more details on thin items or containers.)
Obscuring the barcodes on individual units inside the multipack is necessary so they
are not confused with the outer multipack barcode, which must be different.
To determine proper barcode placement for over-wrapped packaging, follow the guidelines
specific to the applicable package type/shape. (See Section 6.4 for details on symbol placement
for specific package types.)
Spot labels
Barcodes printed on spot labels that are applied to the trade item are acceptable alternatives
that incorporate symbols into existing packaging graphics or for use on items without packages,
such as some pots, pans, tableware, and glassware. The most suitable type of spot label is one
that cannot be removed from the item without destroying the symbol. Labels that are applied
directly to the product should use an adhesive that is strong enough to adhere to the label for an
extended shelf life, but which also allows the label to be removed without the use of solvents or
abrasives.
To determine proper barcode placement on items bearing spot barcode labels, follow the
guidelines specific to the applicable package type/shape. (Refer to Section 6.4 for details on
symbol placement for specific package types.)
6.4.
Package
Package
Product
Type
Characteristics
Examples
6.4.1
Bags
6.4.2
Blister packs
6.4.3
6.4.4
Boxes
6.4.5
Cans and
cylinders
6.4.6
Carded items
6.4.7
Egg cartons
Eggs
6.4.8
Jugs
6.4.9
Large, heavy,
bulky items
6.4.10
Multipacks
6.4.11
Publishing items
6.4.12
Thin items or
containers
6.4.13
Trays
6.4.14
Tubes
Section
6.4.1.
Package
Package
Product
Type
Characteristics
Examples
6.4.15
Tubs
6.4.16
Unpackaged
6.4.17
Sets
6.4.18
Sporting goods
Bags
Although this category is referred to as bags, these packages/containers are often called
sacks or pouches. This category includes paper or plastic containers that are:
Fold-sealed on one end and pinched sealed at the other end (e.g., potato chips)
Fold-sealed on one end and gathered at the other end (e.g., bread)
Note: Some bags are sealed at both ends and carded for display, such as bags of
sweets. These types of items are not considered bags but fall into the carded items
category. (See Section 6.4.6 for details on carded items.)
Unique considerations: Bags have a tendency to have contents that shift and bulge.
Consequently, barcode placement must be on an area of the bag that is most likely to
remain flat.
Barcode placement: Identify the front of the package/container. (See Section 6.3.2 for
instructions on how to identify the package front.)
Preferred placement: On the lower right quadrant of the back and away from the edge,
respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Undesirable alternative: On the lower right quadrant of the front, and away from the
edge, respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
6.4.2.
Blister Packs
Blister packs are pre-formed clear plastic bubbles, or blisters, containing a product and backed
or topped with card stock.
Package characteristics: flat card, backing a formed clear plastic bubble placed over the
product
Unique considerations: to ensure quality scanning, the barcode must be clear of the blister
edges. Avoid placing the symbol under the blister pack or placing the symbol over any
perforations on the back of the package.
Barcode placement: identify the front of the package/container. (Refer to Section 6.3.2,
Identifying the Back of the Trade Item, for instructions on how to identify the package front.)
Preferred placement: on the lower right quadrant of the back, near the edge, respecting
the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Undesirable alternative: on the lower right quadrant of the front, near the edge,
respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
6.4.3.
Unique considerations: Application of the barcode to the neck of a bottle is not allowed.
Symbol placement on the neck of the bottle necessitates additional handling at the
Point-of-Sale, and space limitations on this area of the bottle usually result in symbol
truncation.
When a barcode is printed onto a curved surface it is sometimes possible for the extremes
of the symbol to disappear around the curve. See Section 6.2.3.2 for rules on the
relationship between the diameter of the item and the X-dimension.
Barcode placement: Identify the front of the package/container. (Refer to Section 6.3.2,
Identifying the Back of the Trade Item, for instructions on how to identify the package front.)
Preferred placement: On the lower right quadrant of the back, near the edge,
respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Undesirable alternative: On the lower right quadrant of the front, near the edge,
respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
6.4.4.
Boxes
This package type includes cuboid or cylindrical card or plastic cartons, as well as rectangular
sleeves (used for products such as light bulbs). These packages might contain anything from
crackers or cereal to detergent.
Unique considerations: There are no unique considerations that apply to this package
type.
Barcode placement: Identify the front of the package/container. (Refer to Section 6.3.2,
Identifying the Back of the Trade Item, for instructions on how to identify the package
front.)
Preferred placement: On the lower right quadrant of the back, near the edge,
respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Undesirable alternative: On the lower right quadrant of the front, near the edge,
respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
6.4.5.
Barcode placement: Identify the front of the package/container. (Refer to Section 6.3.2,
Identifying the Back of the Trade Item, for instructions on how to identify the package front.)
Preferred placement: On the lower right quadrant of the back, near the edge, respecting
the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Undesirable alternative: On the lower right quadrant of the front, near the edge,
respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
6.4.6.
Carded Items
Small, loose, or non-packaged items that are difficult to label are placed on cards that are
marked with a barcode. Examples include hammers, toys, and kitchen utensils.
Unique considerations: When placing barcodes on carded items, it is important to take into
consideration the proximity of the barcode to the product. Be sure to allow adequate space
for the symbol, avoiding any obstructions that might be caused by placing the symbol too
close to the product. In addition, do not place the symbol over any perforations or other
obstructions on the package.
Barcode placement: Identify the front of the package/container. (Refer to Section 6.3.2,
Identifying the Back of the Trade Item, for instructions on how to identify the package front.)
Preferred placement: On the lower right quadrant of the back, near the edge, respecting
the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Undesirable alternative: On the lower right quadrant of the front, near the edge,
respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
6.4.7.
Egg Cartons
Moulded pulp, foam, or plastic egg cartons come in sizes according to the number of eggs
contained.
Unique considerations: The recommended symbol placement is on the side of the lid
portion of the egg carton that opens and closes to cover the eggs. The uneven surface of
the moulded bottom of an egg carton prevents barcode placement in this area.
Barcode placement: To determine barcode placement on an egg carton, first identify the top
of the carton by locating the primary trading/advertising area, which is marked with the
product name and the companys logo. The bottom of the egg carton is the moulded area
directly opposite the top in which the eggs sit. The sides are divided horizontally by a hinged
lid. The front of the carton is the long side containing the opening/closing mechanism. The
back of the carton is directly opposite the front, on the long side with the hinge.
Preferred placement: Near the edge, on the right half of the back, above the hinge on
the lid, respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Undesirable alternative: On the lower right quadrant of the top, on the lid adjacent to the
opening/closing mechanism, near the edge, respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas
around the barcode
6.4.8.
Jugs
Jugs are glass or plastic containers with a built-in handle(s) that aids in pouring of contents.
Jugs normally carry spot labels applied to defined areas of the package, not covering the entire
surface of the trade item or wrapping around the entire perimeter of the item.
Package characteristics: Glass or plastic vessels with built-in handles and removable lids
Unique considerations: Application of the symbol to the neck of the jug is not allowed.
Placement of the symbol on the neck of the jug necessitates additional handling at the
Point-of-Sale, and space limitations on the neck usually result in symbol truncation.
When a barcode is printed onto a curved surface it is sometimes possible for the extremes of
the symbol to disappear around the curve. See Section 6.2.3.2 for the rules on the relationship
between the diameter of the item and the X-dimension.
Barcode placement: Identify the front of the package/container. (Refer to Section 6.3.2,
Identifying the Back of the Trade Item, for instructions on how to identify the package front.)
Preferred placement: On the lower right quadrant of the back, near the edge, respecting
the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Undesirable alternative: On the lower right quadrant of the front, near the edge,
respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
6.4.9.
Package characteristics: Items considered large, heavy, or bulky have a physical dimension
of 450 millimetres (18 inches) or more in any two dimensions (width/height, width/depth, or
height/depth), and/or weigh in excess of 13 kilograms (28 pounds).
Unique considerations:
Number of symbols: Large, heavy, or bulky items may require two or more symbols with
the same Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) ideally one on top and one on the bottom
of the opposite quadrant.
Special labels: A special double label with a tear-out barcode may be applied to large,
heavy, or bulky items that are too heavy or awkward to pick up and pass over a fixed
scanner. This label has one section that is permanently adhered to the items box (or to
a hang-tag or card if the item is not boxed). This section has a Non-HRI text (number
and item description) printed above a full-size barcode. Beneath a perforation, a second
section contains exactly the same Non-HRI text and an identical full-size barcode. The
two sections are virtually identical except that the section below the perforation has no
adhesive on its back.
Figure 6.4.9-1.
When the item is brought to the Point-of-Sale, the lower half of the label below the
perforation is removed. The cashier then either scans the label or, if the symbol cannot
be scanned, the cashier key-enters the human readable interpretation beneath the
symbol. The top label remains attached to the item or its box.
In instances where the large, heavy, or bulky item is displayed and sold in its shipping container, a
third section of label is recommended. Beneath the tear-out label, a second perforation and a 12
millimetres (0.50 inch) section with permanent adhesive SHALL be added. This provides a more
secure vehicle for the tear-out section and makes it less likely to tear off in transit.
Barcode placement: Identify the front of the package/container (See Section 6.3.2,
Identifying the Back of the Trade Item, for instructions on how to identify the package front).
Preferred placement:
-
Bags: Two barcodes are required, one on the front of the bag, at the top of the upper
right quadrant, near the edge, and the other on the back of the bag, centred in the
lower right quadrant, near the edge (to accommodate settling of contents).
Figure 6.4.9-2. Symbol placement on large, heavy, or bulky bags
Figure 6.4.9-3. Symbol placement on large, heavy, or bulky jars, cans, jugs, or tubs
Undesirable alternative: On the lower right quadrant of the front, near the edge,
respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
6.4.10. Multipacks
Multipacks are single items that are packaged together as one unit or trade item. Multipacks
provide convenience to the consumer and/or may represent a price reduction compared to
purchasing items individually. Typical multipacks contain bottles, cans, jars, and tubs.
Package characteristics: multiple single items bound together to create one package
Special note for can multipacks: Avoid placing the symbol on the top or bottom of the
container, since cans have a tendency to cause impressions in the corrugated
cardboard and distort the symbol. These can impressions in the symbol may reduce
scannability.
Barcode placement: identify the front of the package/container. (Refer to Section 6.3.2,
Identifying the Back of the Trade Item, for instructions on how to identify the package front.)
Preferred placement: on the lower right quadrant of the back, near the edge, respecting
the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Undesirable alternative: on the lower right quadrant of another side, near the edge,
respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Unique considerations: in addition to the regular barcode, some publishing items have AddOn Symbols that carry supplementary information such as an Issue Code. Barcode
placement on published items varies depending on the media type. If an Add-On Symbol is
used, it must be located to the right of the regular barcode and parallel to it.
Barcode placement: identify the front of the package/container. (Refer to Section 6.3.2,
Identifying the Back of the Trade Item, for instructions on how to identify the package front.)
Preferred placement:
-
Books: on the lower right quadrant of the back, near the spine, respecting the proper
Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Figure 6.4.11-1. Symbol placement on books
Magazines: On the lower left quadrant of the front, near the edge, respecting the
proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Figure 6.4.11-2. Symbol placement on magazines
Newspapers: when displayed for sale as shown on the left in Figure 6.4.11 - 3, place
the symbol on the lower left quadrant of the front, near the edge, respecting the
proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode. If an Add-On Symbol is used, it must
be located to the right of the regular barcode and parallel to it.
Figure 6.4.11-3. Symbol placement on newspapers
When displayed for sale as shown in Figure 6.4.11 - 4, place the symbol on the lower right
quadrant of the back, near the edge, respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the
barcode. If an Add-On Symbol is used, it must be located to the right of the regular barcode
and parallel to it.
Figure 6.4.11-4. Symbol placement on newspapers
Undesirable alternative: The undesirable alternative is not feasible for this package type.
Package characteristics: items or containers with one dimension less than 25 millimetres (1
inch)
Unique considerations: there are no unique considerations that apply to this package type.
Barcode placement: identify the front of the package/container. (Refer to Section 6.3.2,
Identifying the Back of the Trade Item, for instructions on how to identify the package front.)
Preferred placement: on the lower right quadrant of the back, near the edge, respecting
the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Undesirable alternative: on the lower right quadrant of the front, near the edge,
respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
6.4.13. Trays
This package type includes thin square, rectangular, or circular trays holding items that are
covered with over-wrap of clear shrink-film or that are vacuum-sealed. Examples include meats,
pastries, snacks, and pies or piecrusts.
Package characteristics: Flat, formed receptacles holding product covered with over-wrap
Unique considerations: When placing barcodes on trays, it is important to ensure that the
barcode is placed on a flat surface. In addition, do not place the symbol over any
perforations or other obstructions on the package.
Barcode placement: Identify the front of the package/container. (Refer to Section 6.3.2,
Identifying the Back of the Trade Item, for instructions on how to identify the package front.)
Preferred placement: On the lower right corner of the top, near the edge, respecting the
proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
6.4.14. Tubes
Tubes are cylindrical shaped items or containers that are either sealed at both ends, such as
sausage or refrigerated dough, or that are sealed at one end and have a cap or valve on the
other end, such as toothpaste or caulk.
Package characteristics: Firmly packed cylinders sealed at both ends, or sealed at one end
with a cap or valve on the other end
Barcode placement: Identify the front of the package/container. (Refer to Section 6.3.2,
Identifying the Back of the Trade Item, for instructions on how to identify the package front.)
Preferred placement: On the lower right quadrant of the back, near the edge, respecting
the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Undesirable alternative: On the lower right quadrant of the front, near the edge,
respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
6.4.15. Tubs
Tubs are circular containers (usually made of paper, plastic, or metal) that have removable lids.
In most cases, they have spot labels that do not cover the entire surface of the container.
Examples include margarine, butter, ice cream, and whipped topping.
Barcode placement: Identify the front of the package/container. (See Section 6.3.2,
Identifying the Back of the Trade Item, for instructions on how to identify the package front.)
Preferred placement: On the lower right quadrant of the back, near the edge, respecting
the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Undesirable alternative: On the lower right quadrant of the front, near the edge,
respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode
Package characteristics: These are items that are unpackaged and sold with spot labels,
hangtags or carded sleeves.
Unique considerations: When selecting symbol placement, consider the products concave
shape on the inside or irregular curvature on the outside while respecting the scanning
distances defined in the edge rule below.
The general marking guideline for table and giftware items is to use a hangtag. This avoids
any damage to the item that could be caused by the spot label adhesive. If this is not
practical, the spot label SHALL be applied to the bottom of the item and below the
backstamp (where present).
Barcode placement: Barcode placement on unpackaged items depends on the shape and
type of the item. The following examples illustrate symbol placements appropriate to
specific item types.
Preferred placement: The figures that follow indicate acceptable placement locations for
other shaped items.
If the set is made up of components that can be ordered as separate trade items, then the
components of the set must be marked. If the set can be sold as individual components or as
the set, then both the package and the components need to be marked with unique symbols.
The barcodes on the inner products must be totally obscured so that they cannot be read by the
Point-of-Sale system when sold as a set. (See Section 6.3.3.7 for over-wrap special
considerations.)
Figure 6.4.17-2. Example of a multi-piece set sold as a set or as individual components
If an item is made up of multiple components that cannot be sold separately, such as a teapot with
lid, the main piece only SHALL be marked with one symbol. Such items are not considered sets.
Figure 6.4.17-3. Items with multiple pieces that are not sold separately (these are not considered sets)
Preferred placement:
Preferred placement:
If packaged in boxes or boxed sets, see Section 6.4.4 and Section 6.4.17. If a master
SKU is not utilized for a boxed set of balls or a pack set of ball and pump, each product
type within the pack set SHALL have a screened barcode.
If not packaged, screen the barcode on the opposite side of the logo on the ball.
Front
Back
Preferred placement: On the barrel handle of the bat, respecting the proper Quiet Zone
areas around the barcode.
6.4.18.4.Bicycles
Preferred placement: On the right hand fork of the bike, respecting the proper Quiet Zone
areas around the barcode.
Undesirable alternative: On a hangtag around the right hand brake cable, respecting the
proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode.
6.4.18.5.Climbing Gear
Preferred placement:
6.4.18.6.Fishing Rods:
Preferred placement: On the grip of the fishing rod near the sealed end, respecting the
proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode. When a barcode is printed onto a curved
surface, it is sometimes possible for the extremes of the symbol to disappear around the
curve. See Section 6.2.3.2 for the rules on the relationship between the diameter of the item
and the X-dimension.
Undesirable alternative: On a cardboard wrap or a hangtag on the shaft of the fishing rod,
respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode.
6.4.18.7.Fitness Accessories
Preferred placement:
Preferred placement:
6.4.18.9.Golf Club:
Preferred placement: On the shaft of the club located near the club head, respecting the
proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode. When a barcode is printed onto a curved
surface, it is sometimes possible for the extremes of the symbol to disappear around the
curve. See Section 6.2.3.2 for the rules on the relationship between the diameter of the item
and the X-dimension. Symbols SHALL not be located on the head of the golf club as
symbols located on this flat area (normally preferable to locating barcodes on a curved
surface) are easily damaged due to customer trials.
Undesirable alternative: On the grip of the club near the sealed end, respecting the proper
Quiet Zone areas around the barcode.
6.4.18.10. Guns
Preferred placement:
Preferred placement:
Preferred placement: On the flat blade of the stick, respecting the proper Quiet Zone
areas around the barcode.
Undesirable alternative: At the very top of the shaft of the stick, respecting the proper
Quiet Zone areas around the barcode. When a barcode is printed onto a curved
surface, it is sometimes possible for the extremes of the symbol to disappear around
the curve. See Section 6.2.3.2 for the rules on the relationship between the diameter of
the item and the X-dimension.
Preferred placement:
Preferred placement:
If not packaged, placement on the wrap band securing the tip/needles, etc.
Preferred placement:
6.4.18.16. Racquets:
Preferred placement: On the grip of the racquet near the sealed end, respecting the proper
Quiet Zone areas around the barcode. When a barcode is printed onto a curved surface it is
sometimes possible for the extremes of the symbol to disappear around the curve. See
Section 6.2.3.2 for the rules on the relationship between the diameter of the item and the Xdimension.
Undesirable alternative: On the cardboard wrap placed over the head of the racquet near
the edge of the racquet head, respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode.
6.4.18.17. Skateboards:
Skateboards are often displayed in their packages. See Section 6.2.3, Orientation, to
determine the back of the package. For unpackaged items:
Preferred placement: On the bottom side of the skateboard on the top above the
wheels, respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode.
6.4.18.18. Skates
Preferred placement:
6.4.18.19. Skis
Skis are displayed without their packaging. The front of the ski is the side where the ski boots
are placed and the back of the ski is the opposite side.
Preferred placement: One barcode is placed on the back of the ski near the top of the
ski, respecting the proper Quiet Zone areas around the barcode. Only one barcode is
required per pair.
Preferred placement:
Preferred placement:
6.5.
The correct general layout for a retail label is indicated below. Because there are many clothing
types on the retail market, detailed label formats are presented at:
Barcode: The centre portion of the format is the best location for the barcode.
Symbols in this location are the least likely to present obstructions to scanners
because a natural boundary exists between the manufacturer/retailer information
(upper portion) and the consumer information (lower portion).
Consumer information: The lower portion of the format is the preferred location for
information that is provided for the consumer, such as price, size, and fabric
content.
Label placement on clothing and fashion accessories: To determine the placement of the
printed label on clothing and fashion accessories, please visit:
http://www.gs1.org/docs/barcodes/GenSpec_Fashion_symbol_location.pdf.
6.5.1.
Information Type
Description
Status: Required/Optional
Zone 1
Merchandise
identification
Always required
(see Note)
Zone 2
Vendor
information
Optional
Zone 3
Data structure
(GTIN-13, GTIN12, GTIN-8)
Barcode
Always required
Zone 4
Consumer
information
Optional
Zone 5
Size/dimension
Usually required
Zones
Information Type
Description
Status: Required/Optional
Zone 6
Retail price
Usually required
unless defined by the ticket
format (e.g., sewn-in tickets)
Manufacturers
suggested retail
price
Optional
Note: Size and colour are optional in Zone 1 if vendor usage requires this information to
define the product.
Zone 4
Zone 3
Zone 2
Zone 6
Zone 5
(Usually required)
KEY
6.5.2.
Required
(Usually required)
Optional
Information Type
Description
Status: Required/
Optional
Zone 1
Merchandise identification
Always required
(see Note)
Zone 2
Vendor information
Optional
Zone 3
Barcode
Always required
Zones
Information Type
Description
Status: Required/
Optional
Zone 4
Consumer information
Optional
Zone 5
Size/dimension
Usually required
unless defined by
the product (e.g.,
towels)
Zone 6
Retail price
Usually required
unless defined by
the ticket format
(e.g., sewn-in
tickets)
Zone 7
Manufacturers suggested
retail price
This is for use only if merchandise is prepriced or the suggested retail price is
printed on the tag. If provided, the area
must be perforated for optional removal.
Optional
Note: Size and colour are optional in Zone 1 if vendor usage requires this information to
define the product.
1054MF
1054MF
Pink
130700
1054MF
1701
878
010A
130700
Mardi Gras
10
Mardi Gras
6.5.3.
10
Mardi Gras
10
the product. Because it is sewn on, only one side of the label is available for the vendor's logo,
the barcode, and merchandise identification information.
Inclusion of a vendor logo on the label is optional. If it is included, it SHALL not appear at the
bottom, because it may be obscured by a retail price label, or it could be torn off by the removal
of a manufacturer's suggested retail price. Background printing of logos SHALL be avoided,
because this may obscure required information or important consumer information. Logos must
never obscure the barcode.
Information
Type
Description
Status:
Required / Optional
Zone 1
Merchandise identification
Always required
(see Note)
Zone 2
Vendor information
Optional
Zone 3
Barcode
Always required
Zone 4
Consumer information
Optional
Zone 5
Size/dimension
Usually required
unless defined by the
product (e.g., towels)
Zone 6
Retail price
Usually required
unless defined by the
ticket format (e.g.,
sewn-in tickets)
Zone 7
Manufacturers suggested
retail price
Optional
Note: Size and colour are optional in Zone 1 if vendor usage requires this information to
define the product.
VENDOR LOGO
283650
283650
283650LT
WPL 128
65930-01
65930-01
YF D-12
9659
H509-P
Navy
WPL 128
40 Regular
100% Wool
12
40 long 34
REGAL
Manufacturers
Suggested
Retail Price
25.00
VENDOR LOGO
5 012 3 45 67 89 0 0 >
32W
9432
TSAP
100% Cotton
6.5.4.
65% Polyester
35% Wool
Fine Imported
Fabric
842-39H
235283
WPL379
235283
WPL379
ASTOR
9432 TSAP
ASTOR
5 0 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 0 >
32 Regular
32x31
Information Type
Description
Status:
Required/Optional
Zone 1
Merchandise identification
Always required
(see Note)
Zone 2
Vendor information
Optional
Zone 3
Barcode
Always required
Zone 4
Consumer information
Optional
Zone 5
Size/dimension
Usually required
unless defined by the
product (e.g., towels)
and readily apparent to
the consumer.
Zone 6
Retail price
Usually required
unless defined by the
ticket format (e.g., sewnin tickets)
Zone 7
Manufacturers suggested
retail price
Optional
Note: Size and colour are optional in Zone 1 if vendor usage requires this information to
define the product.
6.5.5.
Incorporate the barcode and other merchandise identification information into the
packagings artwork.
2.
Print the barcode and other merchandise identification information on an adhesive label that
can be press-applied to the product.
Inclusion of a vendor logo on the label is optional. If it is included, the logo SHALL NOT appear
at the bottom, because it may be obscured by a retail price label, or it could be torn off by the
removal of a manufacturer's suggested retail price. Background printing of logos SHALL be
avoided, because this may obscure required information or important consumer information.
Logos must never obscure the barcode.
Information Type
Description
Status:
Required/
Optional
Zone 1
Merchandise
identification
Always
required
(see Note 1)
Zone 2
Vendor information
Optional
Zone 3
Barcode
Always
required
Zone 4
Consumer information
Optional
Usually
required
Usually
required
Zone 5
Zone 6
Size/dimension
Retail price
(see Note 2)
(see Note 3)
Zones
Information Type
Description
Status:
Required/
Optional
Zone 7
Manufacturers
suggested retail price
Optional
Note 1: Size and colour are optional in Zone 1 if vendor usage requires this information
to define the product.
Note 2: Some jurisdictions require that certain products include a permanently affixed
statement of information of this type in Zone 4 that may not be satisfied by inclusion on
the package.
Note 3: Size may be omitted from Zone 5 if the size information is readily available on
the product packaging.
On plastic packaged products, the front top right-hand corner is the preferred placement
for the barcode and other product identification information.
The barcode and other product identification information may be located on the front or
back of plastic packaged products. However, all products within a particular
merchandise category must have their barcodes placed on the same side of the
package.
Caution: Placement of the barcode on the back of a product may result in the
presentation of the product on the display counter in a backside up orientation by
some retailers so that the barcode and retail price appear together in full view by the
customer.
The orientation of the barcode and other product identification information SHALL be
consistent with any graphics or descriptive data on the plastic package.
Where possible, the symbol and other product identification information, whether built
into the package artwork or an adhesive label, must not be closer than 8 millimetres
(0.3 inch) or farther than 100 millimetres (4 inches) from the nearest edge of the
package. Experience has shown that the previously recommended minimum distance of
5 millimetres (0.2 inch) is inadequate. Also, cashiers often grab packages on the edge
with their thumbs. Avoid placing the barcode too close to the edge. Such placement
reduces Point-of-Sale efficiency and may cause distortion of the symbol. (See Section
6.3.3.3, Edge Rule.)
The barcode and other product identification information on plastic packaged products
is normally to be located on the front top right-hand corner. However, for very large,
bulky, or unusually shaped products, this may be impractical or inappropriate. See
Section 6.4.9 for information on large, heavy, and bulky items.
Note: Section 6.4 specifies the lower right quadrant of the back of the package or
container as the recommended location for the barcode. This recommendation applies to
plastic packaged products that are sold in a grocery store environment.
Marsh Geese
Multi Flannel
STANDARD PILLOWCASE
Implied
Space
For Retail
6.5.6.
Incorporate the barcode and other merchandise identification information the boxs
artwork.
Print the barcode and other merchandise identification information on an adhesive label
that can be affixed to the box.
Inclusion of a vendor logo in the box marking format is optional. If the logo is included, it SHALL
not appear at the bottom, because it may be obscured by a retail price label, or it could be torn
off if a manufacturer's suggested retail price is removed. Background printing of logos SHALL
be avoided, because this may obscure required information or important consumer information.
Information Type
Description
Status: Required/Optional
Zone 1
Merchandise
identification
Always required
(see Note 1)
Zone 2
Vendor information
Optional
Zone 3
Data structure
(GTIN-13, GTIN-12,
GTIN-8)
Barcode
Always required
Zone 4
Consumer
information
Optional
Usually required
Usually required
Zone 5
Zone 6
Size/dimension
Retail price
(see Note 2)
(see Note 3)
Manufacturers
suggested retail
price
Optional
Note 1: Size and colour are optional in Zone 1 if vendor usage requires this information
to define the product.
Note 2: Some jurisdictions require that certain products include a permanently affixed
statement of information of this type in Zone 4 that may not be satisfied by inclusion on
the package.
Note 3: Size may be omitted from Zone 5 if the size information is readily available on
the product packaging.
The exposed surface of the box is the preferred location for barcodes and other product
identification information on boxed products sold primarily in the department or specialty
store environment.
The orientation of the barcode and other product identification information SHALL be
consistent with any graphics or descriptive data on the box.
Where possible, the symbol and other product identification information, whether built into
the package artwork or an adhesive label, must not be closer than 8 millimetres (0.3 inch)
or farther than 100 millimetres (4 inches) from the nearest edge of the package. Experience
has shown that the previously recommended minimum distance of 5 millimetres (0.2 inch) is
inadequate. Also, cashiers often grab packages on the edge with their thumbs. Avoid
placing the barcode too close to the edge. Such placement reduces Point-of-Sale efficiency
and may cause distortion of the symbol. (See Section 6.3.3.3, Edge Rule.)
The barcode and other product identification information on plastic packaged products is
normally to be located on the front top right-hand corner. However, for very large, bulky, or
unusually shaped products, this may be impractical or inappropriate. See Section 6.4.9 for
information on large, heavy, and bulky items.
Note: Section 6.4 specifies the lower right quadrant of the back of the package or
container as the recommended location of the barcode. This recommendation applies to
plastic packaged products that are sold in a grocery store environment.
6.5.7.
Incorporate the barcode and other merchandise identification information into the
bands artwork.
Print the barcode and other merchandise identification information on an adhesive label
that can be applied to the band.
The typical banded product label has the vendor's logo on the front and the product
identification codes, consumer information, and barcode on the back. The vendor's logo can
also be printed on the back of the band as part of the band marking format. However, care
MUST be taken to ensure that there is no obstruction of the barcode or other important product
identification information. Background printing of logos SHALL be avoided.
Information Type
Description
Status: Required/Optional
Zone 1
Merchandise
identification
Always required
(see Note 1)
Zone 2
Vendor information
Optional
Zone 3
Data structure
(GTIN-13, GTIN-12,
GTIN-8)
Barcode
Always required
Zone 4
Consumer
information
Optional
Zone 5
Size/dimension
Usually required
Usually required
Zone 6
Retail price
(see Note 2)
(see Note 3)
Manufacturers
suggested retail
price
Optional
Note 1: Size and colour are optional in Zone 1 if vendor usage requires this information
to define the product.
Note 2: Some jurisdictions require that certain products include a permanently affixed
statement of information of this type in Zone 4 that may not be satisfied by inclusion on
the package.
Note 3: Size may be omitted from Zone 5 if the size information is readily available on
the product packaging.
6.6.
6.6.1.
Scope
These specifications detail the structure and layout of GS1 logistics labels. Emphasis is given to
the basic requirements for practical application in an open trade environment. Primary topics
include:
6.6.2.
The information requirements of the key partners in the supply chain: suppliers, customers,
and carriers
Concepts
SUPPLIER
Manufacturing &
Distribution
CARRIER
Transportation
CUSTOMER
Distribution & Retail
6.6.3.
6.6.3.1. Segments
A segment is a logical grouping of information that is generally known at a particular time. There
may be up to three label segments on a GS1 logistics label, each representing a group of
information. Generally, the order of the segments, from top to bottom, is: carrier (transport),
customer, and supplier. However, this order and top/down alignment may vary depending on
the size of the logistic unit and the business process being served.
Segments may be printed separately in which case they must be placed vertically in close
proximity of each other, with the segment containing the SSCC at the bottom. The carrier
segment may be replaced during the journey of the logistic unit, in which case special care
should be taken to ensure the customer and supplier segments are preserved.
6.6.3.1.1.
Supplier Segment
The supplier segment of the label contains information that is generally known at the time of
packaging by the supplier. The SSCC is applied here as the logistic unit identifier, along with the
Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) if included on the label.
Other information that may be of interest to the supplier but might also be useful for customers
and carriers can be applied. This includes product-related information such as product variant;
dates such as production, packaging, expiration, and best-before dates; and lot, batch, and
serial numbers.
6.6.3.1.2.
Customer Segment
The customer segment of the label contains information that is generally known at the time of
order and order processing by the supplier. Typical information includes the ship to location,
purchase order number, and customer-specific routing and handling information. If several
logistic units are assembled to be transported under one despatch advice or Bill of Lading
(BOL) to one customer the GSIN, AI (402) may also be applied in this customer segment.
6.6.3.1.3.
The carrier (transport) segment of the label contains information that is generally known at the
time of shipment and is typically related to transport. Typical information includes ship to postal
codes, AI (420), Global Identification Number for Consignment, AI (401), and carrier-specific
routing and handling information.
6.6.4.
Technical Specifications
Barcodes must be placed in a picket fence orientation relative to the base of a logistic unit, this
means, the bars and spaces are perpendicular to the base on which the logistic unit stands. In
all cases, the GS1-128 barcode encoding the SSCC shall be placed in the lowest portion of the
label.
6.6.4.1.2.
As a back-up key entry and diagnostic aid, a Human Readable Interpretation (HRI) of each
barcode shall be provided. HRI rules for barcodes are maintained in Section 4.14.
should be at least 7 millimetres / 0.275 inches in height. If there is no other language agreed
between trading partners, data titles must be printed in English. As an option left at the
discretion of the labeller, a second language can be added. Application Identifiers are not
included in the data content.
A6 (105 mm x 148 mm), which is particularly suitable when only the SSCC, or the SSCC
and limited additional data, is encoded
4 x 6 inch, which is particularly suitable when only the SSCC, or the SSCC and limited
additional data, is encoded
-or
6 x 8 inch
6.6.5.
Label Examples
Figure 6.6.5-1. The basic label: an SSCC
Notes:
This example shows a label containing only an SSCC. Such labels can be applied at production
time, but also during transport or receipt in case no label is present on the logistic unit.
Building blocks (top-down):
Notes:
This example shows a pallet label that may be applied at the time of transport. Besides
information on the logistic unit it contains information on the route and destination.
Building blocks (top-down):
Text with Data Titles: SSCC; ROUTE; Dimensions / Weight; Billing No.
Notes:
This example shows a case label that may be applied at the time of transport. Besides the
SSCC it contains information on the route and destination.
Segments and building blocks (top-down):
Carrier Segment
Supplier Segment
Notes:
This example shows a pallet label that may be applied at the time of production. It contains
information on the supplier and the trade item, but no information on the transport and
customer.
Building blocks (top-down):
Text with Data Titles: SSCC; CONTENT; COUNT; BEST BEFORE; BATCH
Notes:
This example shows a case label that may be applied in a cross-docking scenario. Besides the
SSCC it contains transport information and information on the final customer destination.
Segments and building blocks (top-down):
Carrier segment:
Customer segment
Supplier segment
6.6.6.
6.7.
6.7.1.
General Rule
The barcodes on units intended for General Distribution SHALL be upright (i.e. in picket fence
orientation) and placed on the sides of the unit. Each item shall have at least one barcode, and
two are recommended when these symbols are pre-printed (see Section 6.7.3).
As not all products are packed in an identical way, this general rule may not apply to unusual
packaging types (e.g., low height items, display cases, bags).
The barcodes SHALL be kept away from any vertical edges so that the barcodes are less likely
to be accidentally damaged in transit.
h < 800 mm
(32 in.)
h>
400 mm
(16 in.)
x> 50 mm
(2 in.)
19mm
Minimum
32mm
Target
Place the Human Readable Interpretation adjacent to the symbol, outside the
compulsory Quiet Zones.
Figure 6.7.1.3-1. Human readable interpretation to left of symbol
When the height of the unit is less than 32 millimetres, the symbol may be placed on the
top of the package. The symbol SHALL be placed with the bars perpendicular to the
shortest side, no closer than 19 millimetres (0.75 inch) from any edge.
Figure 6.7.1.3-2.
Sometimes two barcodes are used on variable measure units. If it is necessary to remove the
Human Readable Interpretation from beneath the unit, the human readable interpretation of the
main symbols SHALL be placed to the left of the bars of the main symbol. The Human
Readable Interpretation of the Add-On Symbol SHALL be placed to the right of the bars of the
Add-On Symbol.
6.7.2.
The printing process makes this cost effective (e.g. pre-printed corrugated cartons).
The supply chain requirement is that one symbol is always visible (e.g., pallets that are
stored either long or short edge facing).
6.7.3.
Add-On Symbols
If the unit is already marked with a symbol, any Add-On Symbol shall be placed so as not to
obscure the primary barcode. The preferred location for the symbol in this case is to the side of
the primary barcode so that a consistent horizontal location is maintained. Maintain Quiet Zones
for both symbols.
When it is possible for both parts of the data content to be represented in a GS1-128 barcode,
concatenation into one symbol MUST be considered. Barcodes for General Distribution
scanning containing data essential for complete product identification (e.g., trade
measurements) SHALL always be aligned with and to the right of the other barcode.
6.8.
6.8.1.
Blister Cells
Blister cells are pre-formed clear plastic bubbles, or blisters, containing a product.
Placement:
Placement:
of blister cells (e.g. blister card). The barcode may be placed anywhere on the
blister card.
6.8.2.
If random printing (e.g. no one to one correlation between printing impression and
blister cell position) is used, the symbol may be placed multiple times to ensure that
the symbol remains scannable until each blister has been used.
Placement:
The barcode shall be placed only on one side of the packaging , which may be
either the face, side or end panel.
7
7
7.1.
Introduction
The purpose of entering data transmitted from a reading device into a system is to record a
transaction. In the GS1 System, a transaction is an Electronic Message to be processed
according to the meaning and content of the data fields contained in the message. This should
be possible without requiring any human intervention to determine the datas meaning and
content.
First, an item must be physically present in order to produce a barcode or RFID reader
message about the item. Only the data present in the data carrier on the item, and therefore
relevant to it, can be recorded.
The standardised Element Strings of the GS1 System are the basis for the identification of items
of every kind. They identify a particular item in an unambiguous manner and supply relevant
attribute information.
When these Element Strings are printed on items, the scanned and transmitted data refers to
that item and identifies its physical presence at a given location. When the message read from
the scanned data carrier is coupled with an internally assigned designation of the type of item
movement (e.g., warehouse entry, stock taking, sales), it is possible to automatically record
data related to each movement of items. This provides security in two ways. First, an item must
be physically present in order to produce a barcode reader message about the item, and,
second, only the data in the barcode on the item and, therefore, relevant to it, can be recorded.
False notification of movements is thereby largely eliminated.
When Element Strings are used in administrative areas (e.g., in order entry) they also can be
used for automatic, error-free data capture. Because of the considerable length of many GS1
System ID numbers, automatic reading has great significance. By using a Check Digit, a digit
that ensures the data has been correctly composed, the accuracy of the reading is verified.
7.2.
Validation of Electronic
Message regarding system
consistency
Validation of Electronic
Message regarding a particular
user's requirements
For details on any of the actions in Figure 7.2 - 1, see the following subsections.
7.2.1.
Analysis of the Data Carrier and Plausibility Test for Element Strings
Figure 7.2.1-1. Test Procedure
Full string
transmitted
from scanner?
yes
no
EAN/UPC
Symbolog
y?
no
ITF
Symbolo
gy?
GS1
Symbologie
s using
AIs(1)
yes
yes
no
Non GS1
System data
yes
no
Resolve
concatenation
Length
of data
14
digits?
Prefix
in
internal
table?
no
GS1 System
data not to be
processed in
this application
yes
yes
Item
Identifica
tion?
yes
no
no
AI in
internal
Table?
yes
yes
Check Digit
calculation
OK?
yes
no
GTIN with
standard
check
routine?
no
yes
GTIN in
data file?
no
yes
Logical
tests
OK?
no
yes
Move element
String to
electronic
message field
Error message
New GTIN or
error, depending
on particular
application
(1) GS1 Symbologies that encode data using GS1 Application Identifiers include GS1-128, GS1
DataMatrix, GS1 QR Code, GS1 DataBar and Composite and are shown in 7.8. For further
details on any of the actions in Figure 7.2.1 - 1, see the sections 7.2.2, 7.2.3, 7.2.4, 7.2.5, 7.2.6,
7.2.7, and 7.2.8.
7.2.2.
Symbology Identification
Each transmitted full string consists of a symbology identifier and one or more Element Strings
(see Section 3). The identifiers of barcode symbologies are stated in Section 5.
7.2.3.
7.2.4.
Item Identification
The symbols in the EAN/UPC Symbology family contain identification data for trade items and
special data structures (e.g., coupons). Whether an Element String contains the identification of
a trade item is determined by the GS1 Prefix. System users must determine the specific
structure and meaning of prefixes 20 to 29 as defined by their GS1 Member Organisation.
7.2.5.
7.2.6.
7.2.7.
7.2.8.
7.3.
Comment
AI 00
AI 33nn
AI 00
AI 01
AI 00
AI 01 '9'
AI 31nn
AI 00
AI 02
AI 37
AI 01
AI 10
AI 15
AI 00
AI 401
AI 01 '9'
AI 31nn
AI 33nn
AI 00
AI 01
AI 33nn
AI 01
AI 710
AI 01
AI 711
Comment
AI 01
AI 712
AI 01
AI 713
Comment
AI 00
AI 01
AI 37
AI 01
AI 10
AI 33nn
AI 01'9'
AI 33nn
AI 00
AI 11
AI 00
AI 01
AI 01
AI 30
AI 02
AI 37
AI 00
AI 02
7.4.
AI 02/37
7.5.
Conversion
Weight
005097
(= 5097 kg)
Step 2: X = 0 minus 3 = -3
Step 3: 005097 divided by 10-3 (.001) =
005097
(= 50.97 kg)
Step 2: X = 2 minus 3 = -1
Step 3: 005097 divided by 10-1 (.1) =
045250
(= 45.250 kg)
Step 2: X = 3 minus 3 = 0
Step 3: 045250 divided by 100 (1) =
012347
(= 1234.7 g)
Step 2: X = 4 minus 3 = 1
Step 3: 012347 divided by 101 (10) =
Decimal point
In the examples in Figure 7.5 - 2, the companys system uses internal weight fields eight digits
in length (format: nnnnn.nnn) with a unit of measure equal to kilograms. Thus the company
uses an internal inverse exponent of 0
Figure 7.5-2. Conversion Examples
7.6.
Conversion
Weight
005097
(= 5097 kg)
Step 2: X = 0 minus 0 = 0
Step 3: 005097 divided by 100 (1) =
005097
(= 50.97 kg)
Step 2: X = 2 minus 0 = 2
Step 3: 005097 divided by 102 (100) =
045250
(= 45.250 kg)
Step 2: X = 3 minus 0 = 3
Step 3: 045250 divided by 103 (1000) =
012347
(= 1234.7 g)
Step 2: X = 4 minus 0 = 4
Step 3: 012347 divided by 104 (10000) =
Decimal
point
Position
rounded
A trade item is 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.
Trade items may be a single item, part, unit, product, or service, or a pre-defined multiple or
grouping or combination of such items. A separate Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) identifies
each of these items unambiguously, irrespective of the applied data structure. This also applies
to identification numbers for restricted distribution in a closed environment.
Information about the hierarchical structure of trade items is an important issue in a business.
Section 7.7.1 illustrates an example of how the required links can be established by using a
relational database.
7.6.1.
The Principle
The hierarchy for the example in Figure 7.6.1 - 1 is basic product = A; 10 x A = product B; 5 x B
= product C.
Figure 7.6.1-1. Example of GTIN linkage in database
Trade Item Database
GTIN
Item Characteristics
Relation Up
Relation Down
(as applicable)
YES
NO
YES
YES
NO
YES
Upper Relations
Lower Relations
GTIN in
Database
GTIN of
Relation
GTIN in
Database
GTIN of
Relation
See Figure 7.6.2 - 1 for the mechanism of linkage for the various types of trade items.
7.6.2.
GTIN E
(100 x A)
GTIN D
(20 x C)
GTIN G
(15 x F)
GTIN C
(6 x A)
GTIN F
(6 x B)
GTIN A
(1 x A)
GTIN B
(1 x B)
GTIN H
(60 x A)
(40 x B)
Note: For reasons of simplicity, Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) are expressed in
letters in this example, signifying that they may be of any standardised structure.
Item Characteristics
Relation
Up
Relation
Down
(as applicable)
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
YES
NO
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
Upper Relations
GTIN in
Database
GTIN of
Relation
Quantity of
Items
Contained
100
60
6*
Lower Relations
Relation is
Mixed
Trade Item
GTIN in
Database
GTIN of
Relation
Quantity of
Items
Contained
NO
NO
20
NO
YES
100
NO
6*
Relation is
Mixed Trade
Item
NO
NO
NO
40
YES
15
NO
20
NO
60
NO
50
NO
40
NO
15
NO
50
NO
7.6.3.
and, therefore, each level of the packaging may be a trade item. Computer systems must be
capable of understanding the relationships of the units or trade items in the configuration and
treating inventory of all levels of the configuration as one SKU (stock keeping unit).
The first digit Indicator (values 1 to 8) of the GTIN-14 Data Structure can be used to identify
levels of a packaging configuration. This allows digits 2 to 13 to remain constant for all levels of
the packaging configurations for an item. If this method of numbering item configurations is
used when necessary to support business processes or when driven by system constraints, the
non-relational database construct defined below may be appropriate.
The item database is constructed with a base item record (table) and segments (tables) for
each level of the item packaging configuration. Properly designed, this type of system can
support pricing, ordering, and shipping of any level of the packaging configuration (trade item)
with appropriate dimension and weight information. It enables inventories to be maintained by
packaging level and in total for the base item. It also provides channel partners or customers
the choice of ordering and invoicing units. Meeting these requirements often makes this
approach a good business solution for manufacturers, because it meets the most critical needs
in the supply chain and is practical to implement, particularly in distributed and small systems
where performance is critical.
Using the GTIN-14 Data Structure, the base item record contains the base GTIN-8, GTIN-12, or
GTIN-13 ID Number (digits 2 to 13) as a key, with all information relating to the base unit and
the item in total (including total inventory balance). Each of the packaging segments contains
information unique to the respective packaging configuration (e.g., Indicator, Check Digit,
quantity relationship to next lower level of the configuration, dimensions, weight, prices). After
accessing the item record using the GTIN of the base item (digits 2 to 13), the packaging
segments are accessed using the Indicator (first digit). This construct demands that:
There must be a single Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) for the base item of the
related packaging configurations that is a GTIN-8, GTIN-12, or GTIN-13.
Each related packaging configuration is limited to eight levels of packaging for the base
item using Indicator values 1 to 8.
When storing GTIN-8s, GTIN-12s, or GTIN-13s in a 14-digit reference field or 14-digit data
carrier, they must be stored based on rules that ensure their uniqueness.
Companies that receive trade items with GTINs must be able to process the complete GTIN
without regard to how it was constructed.
7.7.
7.7.1.
2.
0
0
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1.
1
1
0
3
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
2.
2
2
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1.
3
9
0
6
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
2.
0
0
0
0
1
7
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1.
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
9
8
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
4.
0
0
2
2
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1.
0
0
0
0
3
3
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
2.
0
0
4
4
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
5.
0
0
5
5
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1.
0
0
0
0
6
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1.
0
0
1
1
0
3
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
2. 4.
*
*
2
2
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1.
0
0
3
9
0
6
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
7.
9
9
7
7
7
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
8.
*
*
9
9
7
7
8
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
5. 6.
9
9
8
8
0
2
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
5.
9
9
9
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1.
1
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
3
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1.
1
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
9
0
6
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1. 3.
1
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1. 3.
1
9
0
0
0
1
0
9
9
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1. 3.
1
9
0
0
3
3
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1. 3.
1
9
0
0
6
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1. 3.
1
9
1
1
0
3
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
1. 3.
1
9
3
9
0
6
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
8.
1
8
9
9
7
7
8
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
0
9
C
C
7.7.2.
7.8.
String
starts
With
]C1?
No
No
String
starts
With
]e0?
No
String
starts
With
]d2?
String
starts
With
]Q3?
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Remove
Symbology
Identifier
Yes
End of
string?
Error Routine
Yes
End of
Programme
No
Are first
two digits
in the
predefine
d table?
Not a GS1
Symbology?
Yes
Move number of
characters from
data string to
buffer
Does
buffer
contain
<GS>?
No
Yes
Does
string
contain
<GS>?
Move
characters up to
<GS> to buffer
No
Yes
No
Move
remaining
data string to
buffer
No
Transmit
buffer to
further test
programme
Does
buffer
contain
end of
string?
Yes
Yes
Next
position
<GS>?
Advance one
position in
data string
No
Next
position
<GS>?
No
This system logic holds true for any GS1 Symbology using GS1 Application Identifiers. The
Symbology Identifiers listed in Figure 7.8-1 are:
7.8.1.
]C1 = GS1-128
General
Any GS1 Symbology using GS1 Application Identifiers may represent several Element Strings
in concatenated form (see Section 5). For processing as shown in Figure 7.3 - 1, it is necessary
to separate each Element String, which is performed by the processing routine illustrated in
Figure 7.8 - 1.
7.8.2.
7.8.3.
7.8.4.
Comment
AI 01
AI 710
AI 01
AI 710
AI 711
AI 01
AI 710
AI 711
AI 712
AI 01
AI 710
AI 711
AI 712
7.9.
7.9.1.
Digit Positions
GTIN-8
N1 N 2 N 3 N 4 N 5 N 6 N 7 N 8
GTIN-12
N1 N2 N3 N4 N5 N6 N7 N8 N9 N1 N1 N12
0
1
GTIN-13
N1 N2 N3 N4 N5 N6 N7 N8 N9 N1 N1 N1 N13
0
1
2
GTIN-14
N1 N2 N3 N4 N5 N6 N7 N8 N9 N1 N1 N1 N1 N14
0
1
2
3
17 digits
18 digits
N1
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
X1 x3
x1
x3
x1
x3
x1
x3
x1
x3
x1
x3
x1
x3
x1
x3
N1
N2
N3
N4
N5
N6
N7
N8
N9
N10
N11
N12
N13
N14
N15
N16
N17
Number without
Check Digit
Step 1: multiply
Step 2: add up
results to sum
18
12
18
by
N18
= 101
Step 3: Subtract sum from nearest equal or higher multiple of ten (110) = Check Digit (9)
Number with
Check Digit
7.9.2.
Weighting Factor 2
Calculation rule: The digit is multiplied by 2. If the result has two digits, the tens digit is
subtracted from the units digit. The units digit resulting is the weighted product.
Digit
Weighted product
0
0
1
2
2
4
3
6
4
8
5
9
6
1
7
3
8
5
9
7
Weighting Factor 3
Calculation rule: The digit is multiplied by 3. The unit's digit of the result is the weighted
product.
Digit
Weighted product
0
0
1
3
2
6
3
9
4
2
5
5
6
8
7
1
8
4
9
7
Weighting Factor 5+
Calculation rule: The digit is multiplied by 5. The units digit and the tens digit of the result are added
together. The result of this sum is the weighted product.
Digit
Weighted product
0
0
1
5
2
1
3
6
4
2
5
7
6
3
7
8
8
4
9
9
Weighting Factor 5Calculation rule: The digit is multiplied by 5. The tens digit of the result is subtracted from the result.
The units digit of the result of this subtraction is the weighted product.
Digit
Weighted product
7.9.3.
0
0
1
5
2
9
3
4
4
8
5
3
6
7
7
2
8
6
9
1
Weighting factor
2-
2-
5-
Calculation step 1: Determine the weighted product for each number in Positions One to
Four according to the assigned weighting factors.
Calculation step 3: Multiply the result of step 2 by the factor 3. The unit's digit of the result
is the Check Digit.
Figure 7.9.3-2. Example of a Check Digit Calculation
2-
2-
5-
Amount
Step 2: sum
= 13
Step 3: multiply by 3
= 39
7.9.4.
Digit positions
Weighting factor
5+
2-
5-
5+
2-
Calculation step 1: Determine the weighted product for each number in Positions one to
five according to the assigned weighting factors.
Calculation step 3: Subtract the result from the nearest equal or higher multiple of 10.
Calculation step 4: Take the result and search for the same number in the weighted
product row of Figure 7.9.2 4. The Check Digit is the number in the digit row of the same
column.
5+
2-
5-
5+
2-
Amount
Step 2: sum
= 33
Step 4: weighted product 7 in the figure weighting factor 5- shows number 6 to be the Check Digit.
YES
Position 6 = 0
Position 1 = 0
NO
YES
Position 2 = 0
Correct
(Restricted)
NO
NO
YES
Position 2 < 6
NO
YES
Position 6 > 4
YES
Position 1 > 0
NO
YES
Position 5 > 0
NO
NO
YES
Position 2 = 0
NO
YES
Position 2 > 7
NO
YES
Position 6 = 4
YES
Position 4 > 0
NO
Correct
NO
Invalid *
YES
YES
Position 6 = 3
NO
Position 3 > 2
NO
Note: These UPC-E barcodes were valid in previous specifications. Provision for
accepting them must be made during decoding only.
Test 2:
Expand the digits encoded in the UPC-E barcode to the first 11 digits of the full length GTIN-12,
calculate the Check Digit, and compare it with the Check Digit decoded from the UPC-E
barcode. If they do not match, it signifies an invalid symbol.
Name
Coded
Representation
Graphic
Symbol
Name
Coded
Representation
Exclamation mark
2/1
Capital letter M
4/13
"
Quotation mark
2/2
Capital letter N
4/14
Percent sign
2/5
Capital letter O
4/15
&
Ampersand
2/6
Capital letter P
5/0
'
Apostrophe
2/7
Capital letter Q
5/1
Left parenthesis
2/8
Capital letter R
5/2
Right parenthesis
2/9
Capital letter S
5/3
Asterisk
2/10
Capital letter T
5/4
Plus sign
2/11
Capital letter U
5/5
Comma
2/12
Capital letter V
5/6
Hyphen/Minus
2/13
Capital letter W
5/7
Full stop
2/14
Capital letter X
5/8
Solidus
2/15
Capital letter Y
5/9
Digit zero
3/0
Capital letter Z
5/10
Digit one
3/1
Low line
5/15
Digit two
3/2
Small letter a
6/1
Digit three
3/3
Small letter b
6/2
Digit four
3/4
Small letter c
6/3
Digit five
3/5
Small letter d
6/4
Digit six
3/6
Small letter e
6/5
Digit seven
3/7
Small letter f
6/6
Digit eight
3/8
Small letter g
6/7
Digit nine
3/9
Small letter h
6/8
Colon
3/10
Small letter i
6/9
Semicolon
3/11
Small letter j
6/10
<
Less-than sign
3/12
Small letter k
6/11
Equals sign
3/13
Small letter l
6/12
>
Greater-than sign
3/14
Small letter m
6/13
Question mark
3/15
Small letter n
6/14
Capital letter A
4/1
Small letter o
6/15
Capital letter B
4/2
Small letter p
7/0
Capital letter C
4/3
Small letter q
7/1
Capital letter D
4/4
Small letter r
7/2
Capital letter E
4/5
Small letter s
7/3
Capital letter F
4/6
Small letter t
7/4
Graphic
Symbol
Name
Coded
Representation
Graphic
Symbol
Name
Coded
Representation
Capital letter G
4/7
Small letter u
7/5
Capital letter H
4/8
Small letter v
7/6
Capital letter I
4/9
Small letter w
7/7
Capital letter J
4/10
Small letter x
7/8
Capital letter K
4/11
Small letter y
7/9
Capital letter L
4/12
Small letter z
7/10
Name
Coded
Representation
Graphic
Symbol
Name
Coded
Representation
Number Sign
2/3
Capital letter H
4/8
Hyphen/Minus
2/13
Capital letter I
4/9
Solidus
2/15
Capital letter J
4/10
Digit zero
3/0
Capital letter K
4/11
Digit one
3/1
Capital letter L
4/12
Digit two
3/2
Capital letter M
4/13
Digit three
3/3
Capital letter N
4/14
Digit four
3/4
Capital letter O
4/15
Digit five
3/5
Capital letter P
5/0
Digit six
3/6
Capital letter Q
5/1
Digit seven
3/7
Capital letter R
5/2
Digit eight
3/8
Capital letter S
5/3
Digit nine
3/9
Capital letter T
5/4
Capital letter A
4/1
Capital letter U
5/5
Capital letter B
4/2
Capital letter V
5/6
Capital letter C
4/3
Capital letter W
5/7
Capital letter D
4/4
Capital letter X
5/8
Capital letter E
4/5
Capital letter Y
5/9
Capital letter F
4/6
Capital letter Z
5/10
Capital letter G
4/7
It is left to the discretion of the user to interpret a particular date type in the sense of his
business practices. Such interpretation may change according to the product range for which a
date is being applied.
Since the year data field consists of two positions, the century is established by following the
procedure in Figure 7.12 - 1.
Figure 7.12-1. Determination of Century
Subtract current
year from N1 N2
Result is
51 to 99
Result is
-50 to -99
NO
NO
YES
Year N1 N2 is
previous century
YES
Year N1 N2 is
next century
Year N1 N2 is
current century
Note: The Element String can only specify a date in the range from 49 years in the past
to 50 years in the future of the current year.
8
8
8.1.
Definition
2-Dimensional
Symbology
Acceptance Criteria
Active Potency
Add-On Symbol
Adjacent Symbols
alphanumeric (an)
Aperture
Asset Type
Attribute
autodiscrimination
Automatic
Identification and Data
Capture
auxiliary patterns
Components of the EAN/UPC Symbology. The centre guard bar pattern, the
left guard bar pattern, and the right guard bar pattern are examples of these.
barcode
Barcode verification
bar gain/loss
Batch / Lot
The batch or lot number associates an item with information the manufacturer
considers relevant for traceability of the trade item. The data may refer to the
trade item itself or to items contained in it.
Term
Definition
Bearer Bars
Bar abutting the tops and bottoms of the bars in a barcode or a frame
surrounding the entire symbol, intended to equalize the pressure exerted by
the printing plate over the entire surface of the symbol and/or to prevent a
short scan by the barcode reader.
brand owner
The party that is responsible for allocating GS1 System Identification Keys.
The administrator of a GS1 Company Prefix.
Carrier
Check Digit
A final digit calculated from the other digits of some GS1 Identification Keys.
This digit is used to check that the data has been correctly composed. (See
GS1 Check Digit Calculation.)
Character Set 39
The set of characters found in ISO 646: Unique Graphic Character Allocations
which includes numeric, alphabetic upper-case, plus the characters #, -,
and /.
Character Set 82
The set of characters found in ISO 646: Unique Graphic Character Allocations
which includes numeric, alphabetic upper-case and lower-case, plus twenty
special characters but excluding space.
Company Number
Component/Part
Component/Part
identifier
Composite Component
Composite Symbology
Concatenation
Configuration Level
Assignment or grouping of trade items that includes one or more of the same
trade item.
Consignment
Country Subdivision
Coupon
A voucher that can be redeemed at the Point-of-Sale for a cash value or free
item.
Coupon Extended
barcode
Coupon Instance ID
Term
Definition
Coupon Issuer
Party issuing the coupons, bearing the commercial and financial responsibility
for the coupons.
Coupon-12
Coupon-13
Customer
data character
Data Matrix
data field
data titles
Data titles are the abbreviated descriptions of Element Strings which are used
to support manual interpretation of barcodes.
Default Front
The side of a retail consumer trade item that is used as the starting point to
capture dimensional attributes for the purpose of data alignment.
Digital Coupon
Direct mode
Mobile device information retrieval function when the barcode contains either
the address (URL) of the content or service, or the content itself, in-line.
direct print
Document Type
Dynamic Assortment
EAN/UPC Composite
Symbology Family
EAN/UPC Symbology
EAN-8 barcode
EAN-13 barcode
Term
Definition
Electronic Commerce
Electronic Message
Electronic Product
Code
Element
Element String
Encounter
Enhanced Level of
AIDC Marking (for
Regulated Healthcare
Trade Items)
A level within a graduated system of AIDC trade item marking that provides
GTIN plus attribute information
Episode of Care
even parity
Extended Packaging
Extension digit
The first digit within the SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) which is
allocated by the user and is designed to increase the capacity of the SSCC.
finished consumer
trade item
A product after all production and packaging processes are completed and it
is ready for distribution to the end consumer.
fixed length
An item always produced in the same pre-defined version (e.g., type, size,
weight, contents, design) that may be sold at any point in the supply chain.
Freight Forwarder
The party that arranges the carriage of goods including connected services
and/or associated formalities on behalf of the shipper (consignor) or
consignee.
Fresh Foods
Full String
The data transmitted by the barcode reader from reading a data carrier,
including the symbology identifier as well as the encoded data.
Term
Definition
Function 1 Symbol
Character (FNC1)
A symbology character used in some GS1 data carriers for specific purposes.
General Distribution
Scanning
General Retail
Consumer Trade Item
GINC
GLN Extension
Component
Global Coupon
Number (GCN)
The GS1 Identification Key used to identify a document type. The key
comprises a GS1 Company Prefix, Document Type, Check Digit, and optional
serial number.
Global Identification
Number for
Consignment
The GS1 Identification Key used to identify an Individual Asset. The key
comprises a GS1 Company Prefix and Individual Asset Reference.
Global Location
Number (GLN)
The GS1 Identification Key used to identify physical locations or parties. The
key comprises a GS1 Company Prefix, Location Reference, and Check Digit.
Global Returnable
Asset Identifier (GRAI)
The GS1 Identification Key used to identify Returnable Assets. The key
comprises a GS1 Company Prefix, Asset Type, Check Digit, and optional
serial number.
Global Service
Relation Number
(GSRN)
The Global Service Relation Number is the GS1 Identification Key used to
identify the relationship between an organisation offering services and the
recipient or provider of services. The key is comprised of a GS1 Company
Prefix, Service Reference and Check Digit.
Global Shipment
Identification Number
(GSIN)
Global Standards
Management Process
Term
Definition
The GS1 Identification Key used to identify trade items. The key comprises a
GS1 Company Prefix, an Item Reference and Check Digit.
GS1 Application
Identifier
The field of two or more digits at the beginning of an Element String that
uniquely defines its format and meaning.
GS1 Application
Identifier data field
An algorithm used by the GS1 System for the calculation of a Check Digit to
verify accuracy of data. (e.g. Modulo 10 check digit, Price check digit).
GS1 Common
Currency Coupon
Code
Part of the GS1 System identification number consisting of a GS1 Prefix and a
Company Number. The Company Number is allocated by GS1 Member
Organisations. See also U.P.C. Company Prefix. GS1 Member Organisations
assign GS1 Company Prefixes to entities that administer the allocation of GS1
System identification numbers. These entities may be, for example,
commercial companies, not for profit organisations, governmental agencies,
and business units within organisations. Criteria to qualify for the assignment
of a GS1 Company Prefix are set by the GS1 Member Organisations.
GS1 DataBar
Composite Symbology
Family
GS1 DataBar
Expanded barcode
A barcode that encodes any GS1 Identification Key plus Attribute data, such
as weight and best before date, in a linear symbol that can be scanned
omnidirectionally by suitably programmed Point-of-Sale scanners.
GS1 DataBar
Expanded Stacked
barcode
A barcode that encodes a GTIN with a leading digit of zero or Indicator digit of
one in a linear symbol; for use on small items that will not be scanned at the
Point-of-Sale.
GS1 DataBar
Omnidirectional
barcode
GS1 DataBar
Term
Definition
GS1 DataBar
Truncated barcode
GS1 EANCOM
The GS1 standard for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) that is a detailed
implementation guideline of the UN/EDIFACT standard messages using the
GS1 Identification Keys.
GS1 DataMatrix
GS1
GS1 Identification
Keys
GS1 Member
Organisation
A member of GS1 that is responsible for administering the GS1 System in its
country (or assigned area). This task includes, but is not restricted to,
ensuring brand owners make correct use of the GS1 System, have access to
education, training, promotion and implementation support and have access
to play an active role in GSMP.
GS1 Prefix
GS1 QR Code
GS1 Symbologies
using GS1 Application
Identifiers
All GS1 endorsed barcode symbologies that can encode more than a GTIN
namely GS1-128, GS1 DataMatrix, GS1 DataBar and Composite.
GS1 System
GS1 XML
The GS1 standard for Extensible Markup Language schemas providing users
with a global business messaging language of e-business to conduct efficient
Internet-based electronic commerce.
GS1-128 Symbology
A subset of Code 128 that is utilised exclusively for GS1 System data
structures.
GS1-8 Prefix
GSIN
Term
Definition
GTIN Application
Format
GTIN-8
GTIN-12
GTIN-13
The 13-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of a GS1 Company Prefix, Item
Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade items.
GTIN-14
The 14-digit GS1 Identification Key composed of an Indicator digit (1-9), GS1
Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit used to identify trade
items.
Hanging Item
Any retail consumer trade item that is normally presented in the store in a
hanging position.
Healthcare Primary
Packaging
The first level of packaging for the product marked with an AIDC data carrier
either on the packaging or on a label affixed to the packaging. For non-sterile
packaging, the first level of packaging can be the packaging in direct contact
with the product. For sterile packaging, the first level of packaging can be any
combination of the sterile packaging system, May consist of a single item or
group of items for a single therapy such as a Kit. For packaging configurations
that include a retail consumer trade item, primary packaging is a packaging
level below the retail consumer trade item.
Healthcare Provider
Healthcare Secondary
Packaging
A level of packaging marked with an AIDC carrier that may contain one or
more primary packages or a group of primary packages containing a single
item.
A level within a graduated system of AIDC trade item marking that provides
GTIN, serialization, and potentially other attribute information.
A freight forwarders document used mainly as a control for the goods within
the freight forwarders own service system.
Human Readable
Interpretation(HRI)
Characters, such as letters and numbers, which can be read by persons and
are encoded in GS1 AIDC data carriers confined to a GS1 standard structure
and format. The Human Readable Interpretation is a one-to-one illustration of
the encoded data. However Start, Stop, shift and function characters, as well
as the Symbol Check Character, are not shown in the human readable
interpretation.
Identification number
Indicator
Term
Definition
Indirect mode
Individual Asset
Individual Asset
Reference
Individual Provider
Interleaved 2-of-5
symbology
Inverse Exponent
The Application Identifier digit that denotes the implied decimal point position
in an Element String.
Item Reference
A component of the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) assigned by the brand
owner to create a unique GTIN.
ITF symbology
ITF-14 barcode
Kit
Leading Zero(s)
Levels of AIDC
Marking
Linear barcode
Location Reference
Logistic measures
Logistic unit
Loose Produce
Fruits and vegetables which are delivered to the store loose, in boxes or
cases, and then put into a bag or selected individually by the customer for
purchase.
Magnification
Different sizes of barcodes based on a nominal size and a fixed aspect ratio;
stated as a percentage or decimal equivalent of a nominal size.
Measure verifier-digit
Term
Definition
Medical Device
Minimum Level of
AIDC Marking (for
Regulated Healthcare
Trade Items)
A level within a graduated system of AIDC trade item marking that provides
GTIN with no attribute information.
Module
Modulo 10
The name of the algorithm a simple checksum formula in the public domain
used to create a check digit for those GS1 Identification Keys that require
one.
Immediate package for a medicine with more than one single unit. Package
which fully encloses the pill / caplet / capsule. Each dosage form may be
individually packaged. The individually blistered dosage forms are attached to
each other in one strip.
National Healthcare
Reimbursement
Number (NHRN)
Natural Base
Non-GTIN Packs
Non-HRI Text
Characters such as letters and numbers that can be read by persons and may
or may not be encoded in GS1 AIDC data carriers and are not confined to a
structure and format based on GS1 standards (e.g., a date code expressed in
a national format that could be used to encode a date field in a GS1 AIDC
data carrier, brand owner name, consumer declarations).
Object Class
Odd parity
Omnidirectional Linear
barcode
Packaging Component
Entities such as bottles, caps, and labels to package a consumer trade item.
Term
Definition
Packaging Component
Number
Payment slip
The end customers notification of a demand for payment for a billable service
(e.g., utility bill) comprising an amount payable and payment conditions.
Platform
Pallet or slip sheet or other device used to store or move a unit load, whether
a logistics unit or a GTIN.
Point-of-Care (POC)
Pre-defined
assortments
Primary barcode
The barcode containing the identification number of the item (e.g. GTIN,
SSCC). Used to determine the placement of any additional barcode
information.
Quiet Zone
A clear space which precedes the Start Character of a barcode and follows
the Stop Character. Formerly referred to as Clear Area or Light Margin.
A greater than (>) or less than (<) character, printed in the human readable
field of the barcode, with the tip aligned with the outer edge of the Quiet Zone.
QR Code
Radio frequency
Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID)
A data carrier technology that transmits information via signals in the radio
frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. A Radio Frequency
Identification system consists of an antenna and a transceiver, which read the
radio frequency and transfer the information to a processing device, and a
transponder, or tag, which is an integrated circuit containing the radio
frequency circuitry and information to be transmitted.
Random Assortment
An assortment that comprises items that are not uniquely identified on the
package and are not marked for individual sale (e.g., a bag of individually
wrapped lifesavers or colours of tooth brushes).
Term
Definition
Responsible Entity
The party responsible for the safety and effectiveness of the medical product
at a moment in time in its lifecycle, according to the approved regulatory file
(including labelling) and regulatory/legal/professional obligations associated
with the medical product. (e.g. Brand Owner, Repackager, Hospital
Pharmacy, etc.)
RCN-8
RCN-12
RCN-13
Refund Receipt
Regulated Healthcare
Retail Consumer
Trade Item
Regulated Healthcare
Non-Retail Consumer
Trade Item
A consumer trade item not intended for scanning at POS and identified with a
GTIN-14, GTIN-13, GTIN-12 or GTIN-8 utilizing linear or 2D matrix barcodes
that can be scanned by image-based scanners.
Regulated Healthcare
Trade Item
Restricted Circulation
Number (RCN)
A group of ID numbers (separate from Local Assigned Codes), that enable the
use of UPC-E barcodes in a closed system environment (not for open supply
chain applications).
Returnable Asset
A reusable entity owned by a company that is used for transport and storage
of goods. It is identified with a GRAI.
Scanner
An electronic device to read barcode and convert them into electrical signals
understandable by a computer device.
Separator Character
Serial number
Serial Reference
Serial Shipping
Container Code
The GS1 Identification Key used to identify logistics units. The key comprises
an Extension digit, GS1 Company Prefix, Serial Reference, and Check Digit.
Service Reference
Service Relation
Instance Number
Term
Definition
Shipment
An item, preparation or reconstituted product with limited use / shelf life, such
as in healthcare a cytotoxic medicine, that has undergone some manipulation,
such as addition of a diluent, in order to make it administerable to a specified
patient.
Single Shipping /
Retail Consumer
Trade Item
A retail consumer trade item that is also regarded as a shipping item and is
one to a carton (e.g. a bicycle or a television).
Single Unit
Single item of medicine/medical device without any package, for example the
single tablet in a blister or bottle, the syringe as such.
Special characters
Sterile Packaging
System
Substrate
Subject of Care
Any person who uses or is a potential user of a health care service, subjects
of care may also be referred to as patients or health care consumers
Supplier
Symbol
Symbol character
Symbol Check
Character
Symbol Contrast
Symbology
Symbology element
Symbology identifier
Term
Definition
Trade item
Any item (product or service) upon which there is a need to retrieve predefined information and that may be priced, or ordered, or invoiced at any
point in any supply chain.
Trade measures
Net measures of Variable Measure Trade Items as used for invoicing (billing)
the trade item.
Truncation
U.P.C. Company
Prefix
U.P.C. Prefix
Unit Load
Unit of Use
Refers to an individual unit package that is used to make up the patientspecific prescription that is prescribed for administering to a patient.
Unrestricted
distribution
UPC-A barcode
UPC-E barcode
Variable Measure
Number (VMN)
Variable Measure
Trade Item
A trade item which may be traded without a pre-defined measure, such as its
weight or length.
VMN-12
VMN-13
Wide-to-narrow ratio
The ratio between the wide elements and the narrow elements in a barcode
symbology such as ITF-14 that has two different element widths.
X-dimension
8.2.
GS1 Abbreviations
Abbreviation
Term
ADC
AI
Application Identifier
AIDC
DPM
EAN
EDI
EPC
FNC1
GCN
GDD
GDSN
GDTI
GEPIR
GIAI
GINC
GLN
GPC
GRAI
GRCTI
GS1 Key
GSIN
GSMP
GSRN
GTIN
HRI
ISBN
ISO
ISSN
LAC
NHRN
NTIN
RCN
RFID
RHRCTI
RHTI
RSS
8.3.
Abbreviation
Term
RZSC
SKU
SRIN
VMN
Current Term
EAN
GS1
EAN International
EAN.UCC Prefix
GS1 Prefix
EAN.UCC XML
GS1 XML
GTIN-8
GTIN-8
GTIN-14
GTIN-14
Interleaved 2 of 5
ITF-14 Symbol
Item Number
Item Reference
Item Reference
Manufacturers ID
No longer used
Manufacturers Number
GS1Company Prefix
print gain/loss
bar gain/loss
Legacy Term
Current Term
RSS Omnidirectional
SCC-14
Serial Reference
data structure
symbology element
UCC
GS1 US
UCC Prefix
U.P.C. Prefix
GS1 US
See RCN