Only a GS1 GTIN is unique and verifiable in the GS1 system, (which is used by retailers and online marketplaces to confirm GTIN ownership) everywhere in the world, forever.
The GTINs you get from GS1 are unique within the GS1 system that is used by two million companies around the world.
GS1 will never issue the same GTIN twice and does not allow the (re)sale of GS1 GTINs.
GS1 GTINs are included in our GS1 database, which is accessible to everyone through Verified by GS1. Many marketplaces use this database to check if your GTIN is linked to your company and/or product.
Numbers sold by other parties (parties not listed on our GS1 website) are
- either not numbers in the GS1 System, or
- numbers originally issued by GS1 to a specific party that have been transferred or (re)sold.
These numbers will either not be in our verifiable database or, if they have been transferred or (re)sold against GS1 guidelines, they will appear together with the data of the original party that licensed the number and not with your data.
The numbers sold by other parties sometimes can overlap with GS1 numbers, which can create confusion. GS1 cannot be held responsible if marketplaces do not accept these numbers.
Sometimes organisations outside GS1 use our logo and brand without authorisation to sell their numbers. The only way to be sure you are getting a GS1 GTIN is to go through GS1 Ireland or your local GS1 Member Organisation. Only a licensed GS1 Member Organisation can provide you with GS1 GTINs and guarantee their uniqueness in the GS1 database.
Find out more about getting a barcode licence with GS1 Ireland.