Understanding GS1 Identifiers

GS1 Identification Keys

GS1 provides a family of identification keys that uniquely identify products, locations, assets, and more. In pharmaceutical track and trace, these identifiers are fundamental.

GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)

The GTIN identifies a product type - it's the same for all units of the same product.

GTIN Structure (GTIN-14):

| Indicator | GS1 Company Prefix | Item Reference | Check Digit |
|    1      |     Variable       |    Variable    |      1      |

SGTIN (Serialized GTIN)

SGTIN adds a unique serial number to the GTIN, identifying each individual unit.

URN Format:

urn:epc:id:sgtin:[CompanyPrefix].[ItemRef].[SerialNumber]
Example: urn:epc:id:sgtin:0614141.012345.1234567890

SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)

SSCC identifies logistics units - cases, pallets, or any shipping container.

Structure (18 digits):

| Extension | GS1 Company Prefix | Serial Reference | Check Digit |
|     1     |     Variable       |     Variable     |      1      |

URN Format:

urn:epc:id:sscc:[CompanyPrefix].[SerialRef]
Example: urn:epc:id:sscc:0614141.1234567890

GLN (Global Location Number)

GLN identifies physical locations and legal entities.

Uses:

URN Format:

urn:epc:id:sgln:[CompanyPrefix].[LocationRef].[Extension]
Example: urn:epc:id:sgln:0614141.00001.0

Identifier Hierarchy in Pharma

PALLET (SSCC)
  └── CASE (SSCC)
        └── UNIT (SGTIN = GTIN + Serial)
              └── GTIN (product type)

MENA Region Requirements