Identifying (physical) locations with a GLN
A Global Location Number (GLN) identifies its address/location uniquely and unambiguously. This can be:
- A legal entity: your company, a branch or department within your company
- A functional entity: a specific department within a legal entity (e.g. your accounting department)
- A physical entity: a specific location in your building (e.g. your storage warehouse, unloading quay or hospital room)
- A digital location: e.g. a location on your Sharepoint
Attention: as from 1 July 2022 it will no longer be permitted in any sector to reuse a GLN. This deadline still gives the user time to perform the necessary updates to his processes and / or systems. To generate and manage your GLNs in a clear and transparent manner, you can use My Location Manager behind the My GS1 platform.
Structure of a GLN
| GS1 Company Prefix (54 M1 M2 ...) and adress number (X1, X2 ...) | Check digit | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | M1 | M2 | M3 | M4 | M5 | L1 | L2 | L3 | L4 | L5 | C |
| 5 | 4 | M1 | M2 | M3 | M4 | M5 | M6 | L1 | L2 | L3 | L4 | |
| 5 | 4 | M1 | M2 | M3 | M4 | M5 | M6 | M7 | L1 | L2 | L3 | |
| 5 | 4 | M1 | M2 | M3 | M4 | M5 | M6 | M7 | M8 | L1 | L2 | |
| 5 | 4 | M1 | M2 | M3 | M4 | M5 | M6 | M7 | M8 | M9 | L1 | |
Attention: though the structure may be the same, a GLN is different from a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). The context, e.g. the type of barcode or the Application Identifier used, will always make it clear whether the number is intended as a GTIN or a GLN.
The unique identification of your addresses/locations is required for an efficient flow of goods and information between trading partners.
What if your location or the linked information (e.g. VAT number) changes?
Not sure if you should assign a new GLN to a location? If that is the case, be sure to consult the Global rules on the allocation of GLNs. You can find these rules on the GS1 Global website: GLN allocation rules.
Managing and looking up GLNs
My Location Manager enables companies to efficiently manage and communicate their assigned GLNs and linked location data (e.g. address, contact information, etc.). In My Location Manager, you can also find GLNs from other companies.