GS1 Company Prefix

The GS1 Company Prefix is an integral part of GS1's standards. It serves as a foundation for generating the GS1 identifiers such as GTIN, GLN and SSCC codes, as well as barcodes.

The GS1 Company Prefix is a globally unique number granted by GS1 to companies, organizations, and individuals worldwide. The Company Prefix is customer-specific, ensuring that no other operator can use the same identifier or number series derived from it. However, it is possible for an operator to possess multiple GS1 Company Prefixes.

An annual fee is charged for the GS1 Company Prefix as long as identification keys generated from the Company Prefix are in use. When you run out of number space and need more GS1 codes, order a new company prefix.

Choose a GS1 Company Prefix based on how many codes you need

GS1 Finland offers six different Company Prefixes. GS1 Company Prefixes of different lengths can be used to generate different amounts of GS1 identifiers, such as GTIN, GLN and SSCC codes. The GTIN code and the GLN number have the same structure, so you can create the same amount of them with a GS1 Company Prefix of a certain length.

For example, an 11-digit prefix can be used to create GTIN codes for ten consumer products or sales lots. In the same way, the SSCC, GSIN and GSRN identifiers are similar in structure, in which case an equal amount of them can be formed from a GS1 Company Prefix of a certain length. For example, it is possible to create an SSCC code for one million pallets from an 11-digit prefix. Other GS1 identifiers can be created from GS1 Company Prefixes in an almost unlimited way.

GTINs are required for each product variant and packaging levels

If you're using a GS1 Company Prefix to generate GTINs, it's important to note when assessing code need that each variant of each product you sell requires a unique barcode, and that determines how many GTINs you need. Each product variant (size, color, flavor, etc.) needs a unique GTIN code. For example, if the product has four different color and four different size options, you need a total of 16 GTIN codes for it. Please note that also the different packaging levels of the product hierarchy (sales lot, transport packaging, pallet, etc.) usually need their own code.

GS1 Company Prefixes offered by GS1 Finland and their prices

* No longer available to order 

** The GS1 Company Prefix for variable-measure product is also called the GS1 Company Prefix for variable-weight product. In the Finnish market, this Company Prefix is mainly used to mark products of different weights, but the standard also enables, for example, the price of the product or the number of meters to vary.

*** ** GTIN-8 codes are granted as individual units to physically small products. The requirement is that the company has an active GS1 Company Prefix. You can order a GTIN-8 code from the address asiakaspalvelu@gs1.fi.

All the prices are stated without value added tax (VAT 0 %). The payment term is 14 days net.

Read more: GS1 Company Prefix terms and conditions