5. Change of address
A change to party/location address occurs when the location reference point for interacting with the party/location is modified. This may be a change to address, coordinates, geofence, or other location reference.
Legal entity and function relocation - Changes to the location(s) associated to a legal entity or function do not require the allocation of a new GLN.
Example business scenarios that do not require a new GLN:
- A GLN is only being used to identify a legal entity. That legal entity moves from New York to Los Angeles. The GLN may remain the same.
- When a GLN identifying a function that is not also being used to identify a physical location relocates to a different address, the GLN may remain the same.
- The maternity ward is based on the second floor, wing B, but sometimes also utilises rooms in wing C.
Note: If a GLN is being used to identify a legal entity or function and physical location, a new GLN would be required when a relocation occurs.
Physical and digital location address change - Changes to the access point, coordinates, or other representation of location which impact the guiding principles require the allocation of a new GLN.
Example business scenarios that require a new GLN
- Operations close one building and move to new location in another town.
- URL access point changes from https://api.example.com/mycojmpany/invoce to https://api.example.com/mycojmpany/xml-invoce
Municipal address change exception - A municipal address change is when the address of a physical location is changed by the authorities, but the actual physical coordinates of the location remain unchanged. These situations do not require the allocation of a new GLN.
Example business scenarios that do not require a new GLN:
- Municipality assigns new street names and numbers. A building stays physically at the same spot but its access address or entry gate changes.
Mobile location exception - When a GLN is designated as identifying a mobile location, changes to address, coordinates, or other representation of location do not require the allocation of a new GLN.
Example business scenarios that do not require a new GLN:
- Transport means such as ships and airplanes may also be shipment destinations. In such cases, these types of locations are best treated as facilities, with the GLN as main identifier. Although transport means do not have a fixed address the GLN allows for easy adoption of existing standards, such as eCommerce order-to-cash.
- A food truck changes its location frequently throughout the day. The operator may have a need to track and share location for a variety of reasons that could including providing proof that it operated within permitted areas, where deliveries should be made to, and/or where those looking to interact with the food truck can find it.
- An ambulance functions as a location where patients received treatment, assets are stored, and trade items must be stocked.
Additional information
- Local, national or regional regulations may require more frequent GLN changes. Such regulations have precedence over the rules provided within the GS1 GLN Allocation Rules Standard.
- When a single GLN is used to identify a combination of parties and/or locations (i.e., legal entity, function, physical location, digital location), the GLN Management Rules applicable to all parties and locations identified SHALL apply.
- Please contact your local GS1 Member Organisation for additional information on local requirements.