General Specifications

The General Specifications is the foundational GS1standard that defines how identification keys, data attributes and barcodes must be used in business applications. Release 26, Ratified, Jan 2026

These specifications have been developed as a reference document aimed primarily at GS1 Member Organisations(who also produce local language user manuals) and system engineers developing software based upon GS1 system standards. All aspects of the GS1 system are summarised in section 1, which is recommended for those wishing to become familiar with the GS1systemlogic and terminology. Each application section mandates the use of system features defined elsewhere in this document, such as check digits, element strings, data carriers and barcode symbol placement. 

Download the GS1 General Specifications