GS1 designs and manages a global system of supply chain standards

For the last 30 years, we at GS1 have dedicated ourselves to the design and implementation of global standards for use in the supply chain. GS1 standards provide a framework that allows products, services and information about them to move efficiently and securely for the benefit of businesses and the improvement of people’s lives, everyday, everywhere. Our standards ensure effective exchanges between companies, and act as basic guidelines that facilitate interoperability and provide structure to many industries.

GS1 standards bring together companies representing all parts of the supply chain — manufacturers, distributors, retailers, hospitals, transporters, customs organizations, software developers, local and international regulatory authorities, and more. GS1 standards are used by huge multinational chains and by small corner shops; by world-famous brands and by individual craftsmen.

These companies, who may in fact have diverging business interests, work together under our leadership to agree upon standards that make the supply chain faster, more efficient, less complex and less costly.

Without a neutral, not-for-profit and global organization like GS1, such very diverse companies would probably not be able to agree on standards We make it happen, and consumers and businesses benefit. GS1 has offices in 108 countries and more than 2,000 people helping us achieve our vision. Our work is funded by the contributions of our users.

Originally created by manufacturers and retailers to improve the efficiency of the distribution of food and consumer goods to supermarkets, GS1 standards today are used by millions of companies in dozens of sectors including healthcare, transportation and logistics, aeronautics, defense, chemicals, high tech, and still, of course, the retail supply chain.