Global Location Number (GLN)
A Global Location Number is a unique number that can be used to identify parties and locations, including legal entities, physical locations, digital locations and functions.
GLNs are unique reference keys that allow for automated processes, where computers can efficiently route information to the right destination without manual intervention.
The (GLN) provides a globally unique, standardised identifier that allows companies to answer the questions “who” and “where” within their own organisation and throughout the entire supply chain.
What can a GLN identify?
A legal entity must be allocated its own GLN when its legal name and/or legal address and / or legal registration number is different from other legal entities and there is a business need to identify the legal entity across organisations.
Benefits of using GLNs
A GLN provides a universal method of identification for all businesses throughout the supply chain, thus eliminating the extra cost and errors which are inevitable from the existence of multiple systems.
What does the use of a GLN serve?
GLNs help businesses recognize, record and share information to facilitate procedures such as:
Traceability
specifies the location of a product through the supply chain
Inventory management
specifies where exactly a product is located in the warehouse e.g a specific shelf
E-invoicing
for automated invoicing, ordering, information exchange via EDI or GDSN network
Unique recognition
to enable companies to identify themselves anywhere in the world and link national or specific codes (e.g. customs codes, shipping) with a code recognized and accepted by all involved
Merchandise transport
specifying the point of loading/unloading or invoicing
Export procedures
because in some countries and sectors, the use of GLNs by audit authorities is mandatory
Certification
for unique recognition of the business in certifications such as IFS Food, Global GAP
I need a GLN
A GLN is a unique 13-digit number.
Once issued a GS1 Company Prefix, the first available barcode is assigned as the company’s main GLN, connecting it to the legal entity and headquarters.
If you already possess a GS1 Company Prefix and need a new GLN you can bind the next available barcode directly through the Member Area by choosing Management/ Member Details/ Location Number/ Add.
If there is no need of product codification and you are only in need of location codification, then you may be assigned one or multiple single GLNs directly from GS1 Association Greece.
When is a GLN valid?
Verified by GS1
GS1 Company Prefixes and GLNs are issued uniquely by GS1 Global office and national GS1 offices around the world, the sole authoritative source of issuing and managing GS1 barcodes.
GLNs are registered in Verified by GS1 along with the details of the location so to make possible the search and confirmation of validity by anyone in the world.
GLN Registry
GS1 Association Greece keeps a GLN Registry also providing the geodetic coordinates so to facilitate the searches with multiple criteria and to be able to include more information in case it is required for traceability in the supply chain, certification by competent bodies and more.
Obligation for GS1 GLN code for tobacco manufacturers
Within the framework of a European directive introducing special labelling for tobacco products with identifiable information from the competent authorities in Europe, the Ministry of Finance, putting in good use the know-how of GS1 Association Greece, now produces through The Bank of Greece the new taxation stripes for tobacco products which are in circulation since February of 2017 especially designed to put a stop to tobacco smuggling in Greece.
The stripe bears a special barcode, GS1 DataMatrix, which carries on the product information of the manufacturer and the product, even the contact information of the responsible official, useful not only for customs or other controls but also for consumers who can access the information by downloading the relevant application on their mobile phone.
According to the relative directive of the Ministry of Finance, it is obligatory for tobacco manufacturers to possess a GS1 GLN so it can be incorporated on the marking of the taxation stripe on the products.
Do you also want to use international recognition standards?
GS1 is the only authorised source worldwide to issue valid GTINs and GLNs and their relevant barcodes EAN/UPC, to uniquelly identify products or locations.
GS1 Association Greece is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, member of the global Organisation. It is the only legal and authorized carrier in Greece to issue and manage GS1 prefixes 520 and 521.
