Harmonisation of GS1 barcodes implementation across Europe

Aim        Scope        Projects      European Logistic Label     Fruits & Vegetables      Contact  

Aim 
Although most of the barcode identification solutions in the open supply chain for CPG are based on GS1 standards, divergencies had been existing for many years in the different countries caused by the market specific requirements from the users. By now these divergencies are hindering the smooth open trade  within EU which is supposed to be a single market.
GS1 in Europe launched her harmonisation activity related to barcode identification in order to remove all the divergencies thus supporting the auto ID processes in the open supply chain.     

Scope

• Create and maintain an European network of AIDC experts from MOs
• Update developed guidelines (Logistic labels and Fruit & Vegetables)
• Develop guidelines on AIDC issues
• Dedevelop European harmonised approach to implementation of GS1 Barcodes in Europe
• Solve existing problems and exchange information and practices
• Support group for GS1 in Europe ELS-GSMP for all discussion topics related to AIDC in GSMP where a common European position might be needed

Projects
This activity is a result of two former GS1 in Europe harmonisation projetcs, the European Logistic Label and Fruit and Vegetable Harmonization project.

European Logistic Label
The aim of this project was to harmonise - in direct cooperation with users - the data content (AIs) and formats of GS1 logistic labels depending on type of pallet or logistic process among European users. Thus facilitate the cross border trade across Europe and increase the correct use of GS1 standards on the basis of one clear guideline.  

As a result of this comprehensive project the European Logistic Label guideline was prepared and accepted by the GS1 in Europe Board and is just about to be published. Proving its suitability, many European GS1 users (retailers, manufacturers) expressed positive opinion and supported the adoption. 
Beyond preparing a harmonised guideline related to GS1 logistic label, the project also developed a web tool as an online educational software which can support tremendously the right and easy understdaning of the guideline. 


Fruit & Vegetable
Within the framework of the deployment of European trading relationships, companies have encountered divergences in identifying Fruit&Vegetable products as a result of the use of different identification approaches from one country to another and equally diverging business practices.  These companies have asked GS1 in Europe to harmonise the way of dealing with Fruit&Vegetable products in Europe.



Contact

European logistic Label:
                                 Piotr Frackowiak
                                 Institute of Logistics and Warehousing - GS1 Poland
                                 T: +48 61 8504979
                                 F: +48 61 8526376
                                 E: Piotr.Frackowiak@gs1pl.org
                                 W: www.gs1pl.org
Fruit & Vegetable:
                                 Pere Rosell
                                 GS1 Spain
                                 E: prosell@gs1es.org
                                 W: www.gs1es.org

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