FAQs
Is it sufficient to assign a GTIN solely to the base item, or do we also need to allocate distinct GTINs to each pack size of the item?
When supplying products to the building materials trade, it is mandatory to have a distinct GTIN assigned to all package sizes that you communicate and offer to your customers.
This requirement is essential because trade item information varies for each package size, ensuring accurate results when searching in databases and other resources.
To optimise the entire information and product flow within the circular chain, including your internal processes, it is imperative to allocate unique GTINs to all managed packaging levels and sizes. The sooner this is accomplished, the quicker we can collectively harness all potential efficiency benefits.
Why do I need a GTIN on my products?
You require a GTIN for your products primarily to ensure secure identification of each specific product and establish comprehensive traceability across the entire supply chain. GTINs are assigned during the manufacturing process, following specific guidelines that determine when a new GTIN is necessary. This systematic approach enables product identification at every stage of the supply chain and throughout the entire product lifecycle.
For more info, click here.
How do I know when I need to change the GTIN on a product?
The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) serves as a comprehensive global supply chain solution designed for the identification of any trade item that requires pricing, ordering, or invoicing at any point within the supply chain, necessitating the retrieval of predefined information. These standardised rules, outlined in the Global Trade Item Number Management Standard, apply universally, regardless of the industry or type of trade item.
For sector-specific instances and guidance on when to update the GTIN for construction products, please refer to the Global Trade Item Number Management Guideline for Construction Products.
As a small company with limited resources and basic computer systems, what are the minimal steps we must take to fulfill the correct requirements?
To meet the necessary requirements, you must obtain a unique GS1 Company Prefix and number series directly from GS1. This Company Prefix is fundamental as it allows you to generate Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) for your products. These GTINs can then be seamlessly integrated into all documentation associated with your various products, serving as globally recognised product identifiers across different systems. This includes usage in catalogs, price lists, invoices, and more.
The specific information requirements from your buyers are typically outlined in the agreements you establish, such as project or framework agreements.
If you're in need of a GS1 Company Prefix, we recommend reaching out to your local GS1 Organization for detailed assistance and guidance tailored to your region.
If I have a GTIN on my product, can I use the same GTIN if I want to sell the product in a different country?
Yes, you can utilise the same GTIN when selling your product in a different country. GTINs maintain their uniqueness and applicability regardless of the geographical location and are a universally standardised and globally unique product identifier. Its functionality remains consistent worldwide across various industries, including retail, healthcare, and many more.
Our product line consists of project-specific items such as pre-fabricated windows, doors, and other carpentry. Do these items also require GTINs, and what is the procedure for generating them if required?
Indeed, using a GTIN guarantees the uniqueness of each product in a manner that seamlessly integrates across the entire open value chain. We strongly recommend assigning a GTIN, even for project-specific products like pre-fabricated windows, doors, concrete elements, and more. Doing so allows you to associate essential product information and data with these items.
This process ensures your products are uniquely identifiable and easily integrated into the broader supply chain.
What is GS1's perspective on the existing built environment and material traceability standards?
Regarding the built environment and material traceability standards, we recognise the potential application of GS1 keys for the existing building stock, especially in ongoing initiatives in Norway and Ireland. These initiatives are focused on enhancing material traceability standards with a particular emphasis on the built hospital environment.
For more insights, we recommend exploring this resource.
What is the recommended approach for labeling items like underground drainage pipes, taking into account their extended exposure to soil, especially concerning recycling processes?
Labeling underground drainage pipes that have been in the ground for an extended duration can indeed be challenging. However, in Finland, experiments involving machine-readable barcodes and related data have been carried out, although it's crucial to highlight that these initiatives have primarily centered on newly installed pipes.
For further details, read more here.
How can the validity of links in the resolver be ensured in the context of the Digital Product Passport (DPP)?
Currently, GS1’s resolver standard does not provide a specific guarantee or established protocol for maintaining the quality of links. Nevertheless, we anticipate the possibility of potential future enhancements to the standard aiming at addressing this concern. In the meantime, our recommendation for those implementing a resolver, based on GS1 standards, is to establish procedures for verifying the active status of all links and promptly reporting any deviations. This proactive approach can help maintain link validity within the context of the Digital Product Passport (DPP).
For more info on the GS1 Digital Link standard, click here.
Which standards serve as the foundation for the Digital Product Passport (DPP) in terms of structure and language? Do they have any relationship with ISO 23387 and ISO 12006-3 regarding data templates and data dictionaries?
The preliminary legislation highlights the importance of adhering to ISO 15459 for identities and barcodes, which aligns with GS1 standards. Additionally, the draft legislation emphasises the utilisation of established international standards.
Where can I find the latest version of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR)?
To get the latest update on the upcoming Construction Products Regulation, check the European Parliament's website.
For more info, click here.