Product Identifier
Definition
A unique string that identifies a product at a defined level of granularity, model, batch or individual item, and that remains stable for the life of what it identifies. In passport work it is the key that links the physical object to its data record.
Expanded Explanation
Identity operates at three levels and they are not interchangeable. A model level identifier, such as a Global Trade Item Number, identifies a product type and is shared by every unit of it. A batch or lot identifier narrows this to a production run, which is the level at which most material, sourcing and compliance evidence actually differs. A serial identifier addresses a single physical item, which is what repair history, ownership and end of life records require.
The applicable legislation sets the level that must be supported. The battery passport under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 requires passports at the level of the individual battery. Other product groups may permit model or batch level passports. Because the required level can only increase in practice, designing an identifier scheme that can carry serialisation later is cheaper than retrofitting it.
Identifiers should also be issued from a scheme that third parties can interpret. ISO/IEC 15459 defines the principles of unique identification, and issuing agencies such as GS1 provide globally unique keys that avoid collisions between companies.
Why It Matters
The identifier is the one element of a passport that cannot be corrected quietly later. Data fields can be edited and carriers reprinted, but if two different products share an identifier, or the same product is issued two identifiers by different systems, the resulting records cannot be reconciled and the traceability chain breaks.
Common Misconceptions
An internal stock keeping unit is a commercial code that is reused, retired and changed for merchandising reasons. Passport identity must be unique, stable and resolvable outside the organisation, which an SKU generally is not.
Related Terms
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See Also
References
- ISO/IEC 15459, unique identification: https://www.iso.org/standard/54779.html
- Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 concerning batteries and waste batteries: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1542/oj
- GS1 General Specifications: https://www.gs1.org/standards/barcodes-epcrfid-id-keys/gs1-general-specifications
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.