GS1 General Specifications

The GS1 General Specs (Specifications) is the comprehensive standards document defining how barcodes and identification numbers should be used to comply with GS1 Barcode Standards. The current version (v. 23 January 2023) is a total of 500 pages.

GS1 identification standards are expansive, complex, and constantly changing. The GS1 Support program is the yearly subscription that provides ongoing support for UPC/GTIN barcodes and product information and is for companies with an existing GS1 Prefix.

GS1 Support programs are utilized by companies who do not have a GS1 trained employee on staff or a dedicated team to address the item and carton identification requirements for their trading partners. In addition to ongoing support by a dedicated consultant, a credit is provided for digital barcodes, printed labels, or barcode testing.