The Principles of the GS1 System of Standards

The GS1 System is the most widely used supply chain standards system in the world, a combination of standards, guidelines, solutions and services which have been created in a collaborative manner between GS1 and end-users.


There are many principles that the GS1 Standards, when being created, must deliver. These include conformance, consistency, interoperability, scalability, openness, simplicity and technology independence.

The development and implementation of GS1 Standards must also:

  • deliver demonstrable business value,
  • be applicable globally and in multiple industry sectors, and
  • have an equitable spread of costs and benefits throughout the supply chain.

The GS1 Identification Keys form the foundation of the GS1 System. The keys are globally established and defined, unique identifiers for accessing information
about objects stored in databases. The GS1 Identification Keys bring value to the GS1 System by enabling secure, portable and non-significant identification across business processes and transactions, by connecting the physical flow of goods with the flow of digital information about them.

The GS1 Identification Keys are defined independently of the technology solutions used to carry out the processes of capturing and sharing supply chain information.

SSCC: Serial Shipping Container Codes

Identify and label pallets with an SSCC and the GS1 128 barcode symbol. Watch the video.

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fTRACE

fTRACE is a GS1 standards-based traceability platform enabling events based traceability recording and multi-party, rights enabled access.

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SCANtalk Podcast

New Podcast Launched

SCANtalk is a new podcast by GS1 Ireland. Subscribe today where ever you listen to podcasts.

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Online-Class

Find out from a training course participant how our training courses are structured, and what you can expect from your full-day training session.

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