What are Data Attributes according to GS1
GS1 Data Attributes are standardized pieces of information used within the GS1 System to describe products, locations, and assets. They ensure consistent, structured, and interoperable data exchange across global supply chains.
GS1 Data Attributes provide additional details about an item beyond its basic identification (e.g., GTIN). These attributes are encoded in barcodes, RFID tags, or GS1 Digital Link URIs to support business processes such as inventory management, traceability, and e-commerce.
Common GS1 Data Attributes
GS1 attributes are categorized based on product, logistic units, locations, and assets. Some of the most commonly used attributes include:
| Attribute Name | GS1 Application Identifier (AI) | Description |
|---|
| Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) | 01 | Unique identifier for a product. |
| Batch/Lot Number | 10 | Identifies a batch or lot for traceability. |
| Serial Number | 21 | Uniquely identifies an individual item. |
| Expiration Date | 17 | Defines the expiry date (YYMMDD format). |
| Production Date | 11 | The date the product was manufactured. |
| Net Weight, Volume, or Length | 310x, 311x, 312x | Defines weight, volume, or length with decimal precision. |
| Count of Items | 30 | Number of items in a package. |
| Consumer Product Variant | 20 | Differentiates variations of the same GTIN (e.g., color, flavor). |
| Price per Unit | 392x | Defines a product's price per unit of measure. |
How GS1 Data Attributes are Used?
In GS1 Digital Link (QR Code/Web-based Identifiers)
Allows scanning via smartphones to access product details online.
In Barcodes (GS1-128, GS1 DataMatrix, QR Codes, etc.)
Example: A pharmaceutical product might have a GTIN (01), Batch Number (10), Expiry Date (17).
In RFID (EPC - Electronic Product Code)
Encodes attributes for real-time tracking in supply chains.
For Traceability and Compliance
Required by regulations in food, healthcare, and logistics industries.
Example of a GS1-128 Barcode Encoding
For a bottle of medicine with:
- GTIN: 01234567890128
- Expiration Date: 250430 (April 30, 2025)
- Batch Number: AB1234
The GS1-128 barcode data string would be:
(01)01234567890128(17)250430(10)AB1234
Why Are GS1 Data Attributes Important?
- Standardized identification across industries.
- Enhances supply chain visibility and traceability.
- Meets regulatory requirements (e.g., EU Falsified Medicines Directive).
- Improves efficiency in inventory and logistics management.
- Supports e-commerce and consumer transparency.