IFS Food Certification and GLN obligation
IFS certificates use GLN codes as proof of their authenticity
Since July 1st 2021 IFS standard has already introduced companies, within the EU and UK Economic Area, with the obligation of possesing a GLN (Global Location Number).
The IFS organisation wanted to use a standard which is globally known to the consumer goods industry, so to be able to trace all the parties involved in the supply chain. So they decided to introduce the obligation of owning a GLN for the purpose of simplifying the communication between suppliers and retailers, as well as further improving the safety and the ability to verify the accuracy of IFS certificates.
For companies a GLN constitutes of an additional feature proving to their business associates the authenticity of IFS certificate and therefore their compliance with higher standards.
GS1 Global Organisation is the only certified body to issue GLN codes.
What is a GLN code?
GLN is like a fingerprint, for national and global business transactions.
With GLN, companies and business departments,such as production sectors or warehouses, may be distinguished in a unique way. It constitutes of 13 digits and is a key of information storage of the company.
Conserning IFS certification, the GLN specifies the location for which the certificate is needed. Considering that a GLN can be issued exclusively for only one location, it is required to issue a different GLN for each location of certification.
GLNs' role in the IFS certification procedure
GLN registration to Verified by GS1 confirms its authenticity
Verified by GS1 is a global solution that provides access to reliable information, so that business partners and carriers may acquire in a quick and simple way, unique, accurate and verifiable information for products, companies and locations.
With Verified by GS1, companies and their locations can be researched through the corresponding GLN. This way it can be confirmed who is the true owner of the GLN code mentioned in the certificate.
For a company to be able to use a GLN for the IFS certification, it must be registered and active in Verified by GS1. The brand name and adress must agree with the information on the certificate. Only in this way the IFS and business partners can verify the authenticity of the GLN and therefore that of the certificate.
Already possess a GLN and want to use it for certification?
Check if it is registered and active in Verified by GS1.
In need of a GLN
The GLN is a globally unique 13-digit number.
Automatically, upon your registration and issuing of GS1 company prefix, the first available number is assigned as your companys' main GLN associated with the legal entity and by extension your headquarters.
In case you already have a GS1 company prefix and need a new GLN, you can appoint the next available number as a GLN directly through the Member Area by following Διαχείριση/Στοιχεία Μέλους/Κωδικοποίησης Θέσεων GLN/ Προσθήκη.
If there is no need to encode products, only locations, then one or more single Global Location Numbers can be assigned to your business directly by GS1 Association Greece.
