GS1 Company Prefix and barcode instructions

What is the 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. Read more about the GS1 Company Prefix >

Why does a company need to have its own GS1 Company Prefix?

The GS1 Company Prefix is customer-specific, in which case the same identifiers or codes based on it cannot be used by any other operator. For example, when products are identified according to GS1 standards, they cannot be confused with other products on the market. Identifiers created with the help of the GS1 Company Prefix can be used both in the company's internal functions and for identification between trade partners globally.

How can I choose the correct option of the different company prefixes?

GS1 Finland offers Company Prefixes of different lengths, with which you can generate a different number of GS1 identifiers, such as GTIN, GLN and SSCC codes. Furthermore, there is a specific Company Prefix for the encoding of products with variable weight.

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.

Which GS1 Company Prefix should I choose for products with variable weight?

In products with variable weight, the weight of the product, and also the price, vary between products. Products with variable weight are weighed using a scale with software that produces the barcode indicating the weight of the product. The Variable Company Prefix is ordered for products with variable weight.

How much does a GS1 Company Prefix cost?

A one-time joining fee is charged for the GS1 Company Prefix following the order. The fee varies according to the GS1 Company Prefix selected. Furthermore, an annual GS1 Company Prefix fee is charged based on the company’s turnover. See our Pricing of services >

How can I order a GS1 Company Prefix?

You can order a GS1 Company Prefix from our webshop.  

Please make sure that you have the following information available when filling in the order form:

• Company details (name and address)
• Business ID
• Last financial year’s turnover
• Industry of the company according to the Standard Industrial Classification (5-digit TOL 2008 code)
• Invoicing address/electronic invoicing address and operator
• Contact person and contact information
• Personal online bank user identifiers for electronic signature

If you cannot use an electronic signature, or do not have a Finnish Business ID, please contact GS1 Customer Service: asiakaspalvelu@gs1.fi.

How can I check my company’s GS1 Company Prefix?

You can check all your active GS1 services in OmaGS1 portal. If necessary, you can contact GS1 Customer Service: asiakaspalvelu@gs1.fi.

Can my customers check whether my GS1 Company Prefix is valid?

Yes. Anyone can use our GS1 GEPIR information service to check whether a company prefix is active as well as the holder of the company prefix.

How long should I keep the GS1 Company Prefix active?

The GS1 Company Prefix must be kept active and the annual fees must be paid for as long as any identification numbers created based on the GS1 Company Prefix (such as GTIN, GLN, SSCC) are in use. If a GS1 Company Prefix is terminated, the right to use the identification codes created based on it terminate as well.

What should I do when I run out of codes?

You should order a new GS1 Company Prefix. To order, go to our webshop.

A company may have several Company Prefixes that are active at the same time. An annual fee is charged for each GS1 Company Prefix. The annual fee is paid for as long as the company prefix is used for individual identifiers.

How do I get an EAN barcode?

If you want to create GTIN codes for your products and use them in EAN barcodes, the first step is to acquire a GS1 Company Prefix. In Finland, it is granted by GS1 Finland, an independent, non-profit organisation. The GS1 Company Prefix assigned to companies specifies the first digits of the GTIN codes identifying clearly the company that specific products and brands belong to. Read more: Get a barcode for your product

What is GTIN?

GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number. The GTIN code was previously referred to as the EAN code. It is a unique identifier number for a product. The EAN barcode is created based on the GTIN number.

How do I create the GTIN code?

The creation of the GTIN code depends on the length of the GS1 Company Prefix granted. The GTIN code always starts with the GS1 Company Prefix, followed by digits that can be selected freely, and finally, a check digit is calculated.

Can I use the same GTIN code for all my products?

The same GTIN code may not be used for different products. The GTIN code is a unique product identifyer, and each variant, such as a different size or flavour, needs its own code so that the products can be differentiated. The international GTIN management standard specifies common rules for the managements of GTIN codes assigned to products. You can use our decision support tool: Do I need a new GTIN?

Do I need a barcode if I only sell products online?

The identifier of physical products is the same regardless of the sales channel, i.e., both online and in stores. Some of the largest online stores have also started to hide products in their product lists if the product does not have an official GTIN code.

Online trade brings high sales potential, and following the retailer recommendations with respect to product identifiers is therefore a good idea. When you use the correct unique product identifier, your products are better displayed in search engines, and if you are a product manager, you can ensure the uniform visibility of your product regardless of the sales channel more easily.

By using the correct product identifiers in your products right from the start, you can ensure that consumers get a better and more efficient buying experience and that you operate in a uniform manner with all of your resellers and cooperation partners.

What is EAN barcode?

Consumer packages are identified using a GTIN number and marked with an EAN-13 (or EAN-8) barcode. In short, the EAN barcode is the product’s unique GTIN code in bar format. The EAN barcode is used in consumer products so that the product can be scanned at the checkout.

What is UPC barcode?

UPC stands for Universal Product Code. UPC barcodes are created based on the GTIN-12 codes granted in North America. The UPC barcode is used there instead of an EAN barcode, but both barcodes are used the same way and they serve the same purpose. Just like EAN barcodes, also UPC barcodes work everywhere in the world.

Do I have to report the codes somewhere?

The company must keep records of the codes they have taken into use.

All GTIN codes in use must be recorded in the GS1 Rekisteri, which makes it easy to create, maintain and manage all the company´s identifiers. Trade partners should be informed of the GTIN codes as part of product information so that they can create the products in their own background system.

What is GLN number?

GLN stands for Global Location Number. The GLN is an identifier of a party that makes it easier to identify the company, its internal functions or places of business. The GLN is created based on the GS1 Company Prefix and it is 13 digits long. The GLN can be encoded on a barcode or EPC/RFID tag for automatic identification.

What is GLN needed for?

With GLN, operators save time and reduce the number of errors by quickly and accurately identifying parties and locations. In addition to this, the GLN number is the basis for transparency and traceability of the supply chain. For example, the GLN is used in electronic trade notifications for the identification of the parties of a transaction in conjunction with placing orders, deliveries, invoicing and messaging, for example.