GS1 is a global non-profit organization that develops and maintains supply chain standards. Key GS1 standards for pharmaceuticals include:

• GTIN - Product identification
• GLN - Location identification
• SSCC - Logistics unit identification
• GS1 DataMatrix - 2D barcode
• EPCIS - Event sharing

Visit gs1.org for more information.

Application Identifiers (AIs) are GS1 prefixes that define the meaning and format of data elements in barcodes. Common pharmaceutical AIs:

• AI 01: GTIN (14 digits)
• AI 10: Batch/Lot number
• AI 17: Expiry date (YYMMDD)
• AI 21: Serial number

Example: (01)00614141123452(17)251231(10)ABC123(21)12345

GTIN-14 is a 14-digit Global Trade Item Number used in pharmaceutical serialization. It consists of:

• Indicator digit (packaging level)
• GS1 Company Prefix
• Item reference
• Check digit

Example: 00614141123452

SGTIN (Serialized GTIN) is the combination of a GTIN and a unique serial number that identifies a specific individual product unit.

Format: GTIN + Serial Number

Example: GTIN 00614141123452 + Serial 12345ABC = SGTIN

SGTINs are used in EPCIS events to track individual products.

A GS1 Company Prefix is a unique number assigned to your company by GS1. It forms the basis for creating:

• GTINs for your products
• SSCCs for your logistics units
• GLNs for your locations

Contact your local GS1 Member Organization to obtain a prefix.

The GTIN check digit is calculated using the Modulo 10 algorithm:

1. Multiply alternate digits by 3 and 1 (starting from right)
2. Sum all results
3. Check digit = (10 - (sum mod 10)) mod 10

Use our Barcode Decoder to verify check digits automatically.

A batch/lot number identifies products manufactured under the same conditions. In GS1 barcodes:

• Encoded with AI 10
• Variable length (up to 20 alphanumeric characters)
• Critical for recalls and quality control

Example: (10)BATCH123

GS1-128 (formerly UCC/EAN-128) is a linear barcode symbology used primarily for:

• Shipping labels
• Case and pallet identification
• Encoding multiple data elements

It uses Application Identifiers and is commonly seen on logistics labels alongside 2D DataMatrix codes.

Expiry date is encoded using AI 17 in YYMMDD format:

• YY = Year (00-99)
• MM = Month (01-12)
• DD = Day (01-31, or 00 for end of month)

Example: (17)251231 = December 31, 2025

Different GTIN lengths serve different purposes:

• GTIN-8: Small items (rare in pharma)
• GTIN-12: North American retail (UPC)
• GTIN-13: International retail (EAN)
• GTIN-14: Trade items and cases (standard for pharma serialization)

All can be converted to GTIN-14 by adding leading zeros.

GS1 Digital Link is a web URI structure that combines product identification with web addresses. It enables:

• QR codes that link to product information
• Consumer engagement through smartphone scanning
• Multiple data sources from one scan

Format: https://id.gs1.org/01/00614141123452

FNC1 (Function Code 1) is a special character in GS1 barcodes that:

• Indicates the barcode follows GS1 standards
• Acts as a separator between variable-length data elements

In human-readable text, FNC1 appears as GS (Group Separator, ASCII 29) or is shown as parentheses around AIs.

A GS1 Member Organization (MO) is a local GS1 office that:

• Issues GS1 Company Prefixes
• Provides training and support
• Offers local implementation guidance

MENA MOs include: GS1 UAE, GS1 Saudi Arabia, GS1 Egypt, GS1 Jordan, GS1 Bahrain.

GRAI (Global Returnable Asset Identifier) is used to identify reusable assets like:

• Pallets
• Containers
• Crates
• Totes

GRAI helps track returnable assets through the supply chain.

AI 240 encodes an additional product identification, often used for manufacturer's internal item number or customer-specific product code. It allows up to 30 alphanumeric characters.