GS1
Definition
A global, neutral, not for profit standards organisation that maintains a system of unique identification keys, barcode symbologies and data exchange standards. Its best known key is the Global Trade Item Number, encoded in the retail barcode.
Expanded Explanation
GS1 keys are allocated through national member organisations, and their global uniqueness comes from the company prefix issued to each licence holder. The system includes keys beyond trade items: the Global Location Number for parties and places, the Serial Shipping Container Code for logistics units, and serialised trade item numbers for individual items.
Alongside keys, GS1 defines how they are encoded in carriers such as the linear barcode, the DataMatrix and the QR code, and how supply chain events are described through the Electronic Product Code Information Services event model. For passport work the relevant pieces are the identification keys, the GS1 Digital Link syntax that expresses those keys as web addresses, and the resolver behaviour that turns a scan into the correct destination for the audience.
GS1 is a standards body, not a regulator. Using GS1 standards does not by itself create compliance with any regulation, and no European Union legislation currently mandates a single issuing agency for passports.
Why It Matters
Passports are read by parties outside the issuing company, including retailers, recyclers and authorities. Identifiers issued from a globally recognised scheme are interpretable by those parties without bilateral agreements, which is the practical argument for using an established issuing agency rather than a private numbering scheme.
Common Misconceptions
A barcode is a carrier for an identifier. It becomes part of a passport implementation only when the identifier resolves to compliant, access controlled passport data.
Related Terms
Related Knowledge Base Articles
Related Articles
- GTIN
- GS1 Digital Link
- Resolver
- EPCIS
- Product Identifier
- Data Carrier
- Harmonised Technical Specification
- QR Code
See Also
References
- GS1 General Specifications: https://www.gs1.org/standards/barcodes-epcrfid-id-keys/gs1-general-specifications
- GS1 identification keys: https://www.gs1.org/standards/id-keys
- ISO/IEC 15459, unique identification: https://www.iso.org/standard/54779.html
About This Article
tieback Knowledge is a continuously maintained reference library covering Digital Product Passports, product traceability, product compliance and related regulations. Articles are reviewed regularly as legislation, standards and implementation guidance evolve.