GS1-ID-KEY

GS1 Identification Key. The family of numeric keys GS1 maintains to unambiguously identify supply-chain objects.

Definition

A GS1 Identification Key is a standardised numeric identifier maintained by GS1 to uniquely identify a category of supply-chain object. The family currently includes 12 active keys: GTIN (product), GLN (location), SSCC (parcel), GRAI (returnable asset), GIAI (fixed asset), GSRN (service relationship), GDTI (document), GINC (consolidation), GSIN (shipment), GCN (coupon), CPID (component), GMN (model).

Origin

The first GS1 keys were defined by EAN International (Europe) and the Uniform Code Council (USA) in the 1970s for product barcodes (EAN-13, UPC). The family has expanded over decades. Since the 2005 EAN+UCC merger under the GS1 brand, the keys are maintained in the GS1 General Specifications document, updated yearly (current edition 24.0, January 2026).

Example in context

An EDIFACT EANCOM purchase order typically uses several GS1 keys simultaneously: NAD+BY carries a 13-digit GLN, LIN carries a 13- or 14-digit GTIN, the SG10/PCI carries an 18-digit SSCC for logistic units, and an optional RFF qualified BO may carry a GINC. Each key follows its own format and its own Modulo 10 check-digit algorithm.

Related terms

• GLN — the most widely-used GS1 location key in EDI.
• GTIN — the GS1 product key.
• GS1 EANCOM — EDIFACT subset that heavily leverages GS1 keys.