What is a Consumer Product Variant (CPV)?
The Consumer Product Variant (AI 22) in the GS1 system is used to identify different versions of a product within the same GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). It helps distinguish product variations like color, size, model, or packaging type.
| Application Identifier (AI) | 22 |
| Data Content | Up to 20 alphanumeric characters |
| Length | Variable length (no fixed length) |
Example of a Consumer Product Variant in a GS1 Barcode
| AI Format | (22)RED-XL |
| Full GS1 Barcode Example (GS1-128 or GS1 DataMatrix) | 0101234567890128 22RED-XL |
(01) = GTIN, (22) = Consumer Product Variant (e.g., Red, Extra Large size)
Real-World Examples in Different Industries
Apparel (T-Shirts)
| GTIN | 01234567890128 |
| Variant (AI 22) | BLUEM |
| Barcode Data | (01)01234567890128(22)BLUEM |
Meaning: This is a blue t-shirt in medium size.
| GTIN | 03456789012345 |
| Variant (AI 22) | GRN42 |
| Barcode Data | (01)03456789012345(22)GRN42 |
Meaning: Green running shoes in EU size 42.
Electronics (Smartphone Model)
| GTIN | 05012345678901 |
| Variant (AI 22) | 256GBBLK |
| Barcode Data | (01)05012345678901(22)256GBBLK |
Meaning: A smartphone with 256GB storage in black.
Beverages (Soft Drinks)
GTIN
| 07098765432109 |
| Variant (AI 22) | ZERO500 |
| Barcode Data | (01)07098765432109(22)ZERO500 |
Meaning: A 500ml sugar-free soft drink (Zero Sugar variant).
Key Features of GS1 Consumer Product Variant (AI 22)
✅ Helps differentiate similar products within the same GTIN
✅ Up to 20 alphanumeric characters
✅ Commonly used for size, color, storage capacity, packaging type, etc.
✅ Appears in GS1-128 or GS1 DataMatrix barcodes