GS1 Global User Manual GS1 Global User Manual Issue 10, February-2009 February-2009, Issue 10 All contents copyright © GS1 2008-2009 Page 1 of 54 GS1 Global User Manual Document Summary Document Item Current Value Document Title GS1 Global User Manual Date Last Modified February-2009 Current Document Issue Issue 10 Status Approved Document Description Provides an introductory "user-friendly" and simple document (one sentence summary) describing the GS1 System with particular focus on the GS1 Bar Codes and Identification Keys. Forward The objective of the GS1 Global User Manual (GUM) is to provide an introductory "user-friendly" and simple document describing the GS1 System with particular focus on the GS1 Bar Codes and Identification Keys. This document is not exhaustive and does not replace the GS1 General Specifications, which remains the standard reference document. Disclaimer Please note that the bar code symbols used in this manual are only examples and are not intended to be scanned or used as references. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the GS1 standards contained in the document are correct, GS1, and any other party involved in the creation of the document HEREBY STATE that the document is provided without warranty, either expressed or implied, of accuracy or fitness for purpose, AND HEREBY DISCLAIM any liability, direct or indirect, for damages or loss relating to the use of the document. The document may be modified from time to time, subject to developments in technology, changes to the standards, or new legal requirements. In addition no warranty or representation is made that the standards will not require modification due to additions to the system and developments in technology. February-2009, Issue 10 All contents copyright © GS1 2008-2009 Page 2 of 54 GS1 Global User Manual Table of Contents 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 6 2. Basics and Principles of the GS1 System ................................................................................ 7 2.1. Areas of Applications ......................................................................................................................... 7 2.2. GS1 Identification Keys ...................................................................................................................... 7 2.2.1. Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) ........................................................................................... 7 2.2.2. Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) ................................................................................. 8 2.2.3. Global Location Number (GLN) ................................................................................................ 8 2.3. Bar Code Symbologies ...................................................................................................................... 8 2.3.1. EAN/UPC .................................................................................................................................. 9 2.3.2. ITF-14 ....................................................................................................................................... 9 2.3.3. GS1-128 ................................................................................................................................. 10 2.3.4. GS1 DataBar .......................................................................................................................... 10 2.3.5. GS1 DataMatrix ...................................................................................................................... 10 3. Identification of Trade Items ................................................................................................... 11 3.1. GTIN Numbering Structures............................................................................................................. 12 3.1.1. GS1 Company Prefix .............................................................................................................. 12 3.1.2. Item Reference ....................................................................................................................... 12 3.1.3. Check Digit ............................................................................................................................. 13 3.1.4. Indicator .................................................................................................................................. 13 3.2. Who Is Responsible For Numbering Trade Items? .......................................................................... 13 3.2.1. The general rule ..................................................................................................................... 13 3.2.2. Exceptions .............................................................................................................................. 13 3.3. What to Consider When Numbering a Trade Item? ......................................................................... 14 3.3.1. Packaging Configuration ........................................................................................................ 15 3.3.2. The uses of the GTIN ............................................................................................................. 16 3.3.3. Pre-priced items ..................................................................................................................... 16 3.4. What if the Legal Status of a Brand Owner Changes? .................................................................... 16 3.4.1. Acquisition or Merger ............................................................................................................. 16 3.4.2. Partial Purchase ..................................................................................................................... 16 3.4.3. Split or De-Merger .................................................................................................................. 17 3.5. Lead Time in Re-Using a GTIN ........................................................................................................ 17 4. Small Products ........................................................................................................................ 18 4.1. EAN-8 and UPC-E bar codes........................................................................................................... 18 4.2. A GTIN-8 Number may only be used: .............................................................................................. 18 5. Processing the GTIN ............................................................................................................... 19 5.1. The Content of the Database ........................................................................................................... 19 5.2. Transmission of Product Information ............................................................................................... 19 5.3. How Should the Information be Exchanged?................................................................................... 20 5.4. When Should Communication Occur? ............................................................................................. 20 February-2009, Issue 10 All contents copyright © GS1 2008-2009 Page 3 of 54 GS1 Global User Manual 6. Symbol Marking Trade Items .................................................................................................. 21 6.1. Features of Bar Codes ..................................................................................................................... 21 6.1.1. Sizes ....................................................................................................................................... 21 6.1.2. Quiet Zones ............................................................................................................................ 21 6.1.3. Colours and Contrast ............................................................................................................. 21 6.1.4. Print Quality ............................................................................................................................ 22 6.1.5. Symbol Placement Guidelines ............................................................................................... 22 6.2. Bar Code Types Used In GS1 System ............................................................................................ 26 6.2.1. EAN/UPC Symbols ................................................................................................................. 26 6.2.2. ITF-14 Symbol ........................................................................................................................ 28 6.2.3. GS1-128 Symbol: ................................................................................................................... 28 6.3. Considerations on the Use of the Symbologies ............................................................................... 29 6.4. Choosing Between Bar Codes ......................................................................................................... 29 7. Application Identifiers (AIs) .................................................................................................... 31 8. Logistic Units ........................................................................................................................... 33 8.1. The SSCC .......................................................................................................................................