About GS1 Standards

The GS1 standards are designed to help you identify, capture and share information with your trading partners – wherever you are in the world. Our standards are the global language of business.

Why use GS1 standards?

Well-designed standards are the foundation for clear, understandable exchanges between trading partners. By using them, you can keep costs down and reduce complexity in your supply chain.


The GS1 standards are:

  • Global – no matter where you operate, the GS1 standards will work
  • Robust – they are purpose-built by industry, for industry
  • Multi-sector – they work within any organisation or business, and are widely adopted across different sectors
  • User-generated – they are built and maintained through a global, collaborative forum of volunteers from all industries
  • Scalable – they can be used by small businesses or multinationals

General Specifications Release 23.0

How we create standards

Around the world, GS1 works together with industry to maintain and create the GS1 system.

GS1 system brochure

Read about how businesses use the GS1 system and basic facts about numbering and barcoding.