Since 1973, we have opened offices in over 110 countries and amassed more than 2 million members using supply chain standards that make business easier. Learn about key dates in our history.
Industry leaders in the US select a single standard for product identification. Still used today, it’s known as the GS1 barcode.
On 26 April, a packet of chewing gum becomes the first barcoded product to be scanned in a supermarket.
The European Article Numbering (EAN) Association — later called GS1 — opens an office in Brussels. Its founding members launch an identification system to improve supply chain efficiency.
As barcodes have proved their reliability and usefulness in real-world environments, they are extended and used on product outer cases.
With wide area networks making an impact on supply chains, we create our first international standard for electronic data interchange.
The US and international arms of GS1 come together formally, creating a single organisation with a presence in 45 countries.
We expand our work into the healthcare sector, working closely with healthcare bodies and providers.
After significant research and design, the GS1 DataBar is created. This holds more information than a barcode, yet is significantly smaller.
In just ten years, we double the number of countries in which we have a local presence.
Our Global Standards Management Process is launched. This global forum gives GS1 members one place to discuss standards.
With Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Chips becoming more common, we create a standard for their implementation and use.
As ecommerce grows, we begin to create open standards that give consumers direct access to key product information.
With a presence in over 100 countries and more than a million members, we celebrate 40 years of the global language of business.
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