GS1 AISBL (formerly EAN International) is dedicated to the development and implementation of standards for Automatic Identification and Data Capture. The organisation headquarter is in Brussels, and it is represented in 120 countries through its members, known as GS1 Member Organisations. In December 1991, Bulgaria become a member of EAN International through the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). Back in the ‘1990s the entry of large international retailers into Bulgaria was greatly facilitated by the existence of EAN Bulgaria/GS1 Bulgaria, while the onboarding of Bulgarian manufacturers into the international system of standards contributed to their stronger positioning in global markets. In 2016 GS1 Bulgaria become independent non-profit legal entity.
We know you because of “the barcode”. Why it is so important?
The barcode changed retailing and manufacturing more than 52 years ago. The BBC featured it as one of the “50 Things That Made the Modern Economy”. It all started in June 1974, at the checkout counter of Marsh’s Supermarket in Troy, Ohio, when a cashier used a laser scanner to scan a 10-pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum. Nowadays, GS1 barcodes are scanned 6 billion times per day. Whether it is in-store or on the web, at home or abroad, GS1 GTINs are used and trusted throughout your supply chain.
What is a GS1 GTIN?
A GTIN is the numerical representation of a barcode, and its sits beneath it on your packaging. It is sometimes referred to as an EAN or UPC. A GTIN is the only truly unique identifier that your product will need once it has entered the market. They are used throuout the supply chain, from manufacturers all the way through to distrubutors.
When do you need a GTIN?
Barcoding may not seem like the most pressing task on your agenda, but the reality is that your company needs to be barcode-ready before you can start trading successfully either in-store or online.
Major retailers and online marketplaces mandate the use of GS1 GTINs for the goods that handle to improve processes. A global service Verified by GS1 enables brand owners and data recipients to verify the identity of products (GTIN, UPC, EAN), locations, company and other GS1 keys by querying the GS1 Registry Platform.
Who uses Verified by GS1?
Verified by GS1 is used by industry organisations, government entities, retailers and marketplaces, who need trusted, quality data; brand owners who need a single way to confirm product and company identity to their business partners and customers as well.
If we integrate with GS1, what information can marketplaces, regulators and customers etc. retrieve through GTIN?
A marketplace that actively uses GS1 standards can retrieve a variety of information about the GTIN. With Verified by GS1, marketplaces can clean up their catalogues by removing incorrect ID numbers (barcodes), grouping sellers under the same product page. Verified by GS1 contains certain company information and product information: for almost all GS1 GTINs in the world, GS1 provides information about the company, organisation, or person behind the GS1 GTIN; for over 600 million products, GS1 provides basic information about the product behind a given GS1 GTIN.
What benefits are marketplaces seeing thanks to GS1 GTINs?
Some of the benefits are:
- Product Cataloging and Indexing: GTINs enable efficient and accurate cataloging and indexing of products. This facilitates the management of large product quantities and improves the search functionality on the platforms.
- SEO and Visibility: Products with GTINs have better visibility on marketplaces and in search engines (Google, 40% more impressions and 20% higher conversion on Google shopping with a GTIN). This leads to higher discoverability and potentially more sales.
- Improved Data Quality: By using GTINs, it is ensured that product information is consistent and correct. This leads to a better user experience and reduces the number of returns due to incorrect product descriptions. Larger companies use the GS1 standard GDSN (Global Data Synchronisation Network) for exchanging master data. This involves product data exchange via certified GDSN platforms.
- Prevention of Product Counterfeiting: GTINs help prevent product counterfeiting by enabling unique identification and traceability of products. The authenticity of the product can be ensured through a serialized GTIN or a GTIN with the batch number.
- Management of Product Reviews: GTINs enable platforms to efficiently manage product reviews and ensure they are assigned to the correct products.
What are the differences in application scenarios for GTIN-14, GTIN-13, GTIN-12, and GTIN-8? What types of data do they carry?
- GTIN-14:
This 14-digit number is mainly used for packaging units and logistical units. It contains additional information such as the packaging level and can also be used for variable trade sizes.
- GTIN-13:
This 13-digit number is the most used GTIN and is mainly used for consumer
goods sold in retail and marketplace. It is also known as EAN-13 and is printed worldwide in barcode form on products.
- GTIN-12:
This 12-digit number is mainly used in the USA and is also known as UPC
(Universal Product Code). It is mainly used for consumer goods sold in retail.
- GTIN-8: This 8-digit number is used for very small items where space for a longer barcode is limited. It is also used for consumer goods sold in retail and marketplace.
What is next?
From consumers and regulators to brand owners and retailers, everyone wants to know more about the products they buy, sell or consume. However, space on-pack is finite, meaning there will always be a limit to the amount of information physical labels can carry.
Today, most of the products are encoded with one-dimensional barcodes, but GS1 is working to replace them with 2D barcodes, that will allow to store and transmit in each barcode additional information such as batch numbers, serial numbers, expiration dates, and way more.
For more information and how to apply for GTINs please contact our customer support +359 888922198 or visit our web page www.gs1bg.org .