What GS1 Ireland does

GS1 Ireland is the Irish national member organisation of GS1, the global standards body for supply chain identification. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Dublin as a Company Limited by Guarantee (Co. No. 404327), it is the sole authorised issuer of GS1 barcode numbers in Ireland, identified by the national prefix 539. The organisation serves over 3,600 member businesses across more than 50 industries, including retail, healthcare, food and beverage, construction, and logistics. GS1 standards underpin the global language of business, with barcodes scanned more than 10 billion times daily worldwide.

The core product portfolio consists of tiered annual barcode licence subscriptions — GCP-11 Artisan (10 barcodes), GCP-9 Standard (up to 1,000 barcodes), and GCP-7 for large enterprises — along with a suite of online tools (Barcode Manager, Logistics Label Tool, GTIN Management, Check Digit Calculator). Underlying technology includes 1D barcodes (EAN-13, UPC, GS1-128), 2D symbols (GS1 Data Matrix, QR codes powered by GS1 Digital Link), and data exchange standards (Verified by GS1, EDI, EPCIS). The organisation supports the Sunrise 2027 industry migration to 2D barcodes and is positioned around Digital Product Passports for EU sustainability compliance.

Revenue is generated through annual recurring licence fees, training services (€300 per session), verification and consultancy engagements, and the Solution Provider Programme (approved partners including Codico Gold Partner, Kinset, QR Squared, Data Xchange, ENSO). GTM combines online self-service for SMBs with direct enterprise sales, event-driven awareness (GS1 InterACT, Lidl Kickstart, Grow with Aldi), and channel partnerships. GS1 Ireland operates as part of GS1 Global, which spans 118 countries and 2 million+ user companies.

Name

GS1 Ireland

Legal name

GS1 (Global Standards 1 (Ireland))

Website

https://gs1ie.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

GS1 Ireland is the Dublin-based, not-for-profit Irish member organisation of GS1 Global, administering barcode standards and licensing (GCP-7/9/11 tiers) to over 3,600 member businesses across retail, healthcare, food and beverage, and construction verticals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Dublin

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Barcode Licences: GS1 Ireland administers the allocation of Global Company Prefix (GCP) barcode numbers through annually renewable licences. Different licence tiers (GCP-11 for artisan producers with 10 barcodes, GCP-9 for standard use with up to 1,000 barcodes, GCP-7 for large product ranges) generate recurring annual revenue.
2. Training Services: Barcoding training courses offered at €300 per session for up to 4 attendees. Includes introductory barcode training and specialised courses on UDI or EDI. Revenue generated through professional services delivery.
3. Verification and Consultancy Services: Data Services, Barcode Verification, Barcode Licence Validation, and Consultancy and Advice services provided to members and trading partners.
4. Membership Fees: Annual membership providing access to GS1 standards, tools, and the community of Ireland's authorised product data community. GS1 Ireland is described as a not-for-profit organisation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

GS1 Ireland is the Irish member organisation of the global GS1 not-for-profit standards body and the sole authorised source for issuing GS1 barcode numbers (using the 539 national prefix) to Irish businesses. It sells annually renewable barcode licences (GCP-based), provides standards-based tools (Barcode Manager, Logistics Label Tool, GTIN Management), and offers professional services including barcode verification, traceability, data services, LEI issuance, and consultancy, alongside training courses on barcoding and standards adoption.

Product overview

GS1 Ireland is a not-for-profit organization administering the GS1 system of standards, the global language of business. The core offering consists of barcode licences (GCP-11 Artisan, GCP-9 Standard, GCP-7) for product identification and the Barcode Manager online platform for generating and managing barcode numbers and symbols. Supporting tools include Logistics Label Tool, GTIN Management, Check Digit Calculator, and GLN for location identification. Data exchange standards include Verified by GS1, EDI, and EPCIS for traceability. GS1 Ireland offers sector-specific solutions for Retail, Healthcare (including GS1 Data Matrix for UDI compliance), and Construction. The portfolio also includes professional services such as Barcode Verification, Traceability, Data Services, LEI issuance, and Consultancy, plus training programmes and a network of approved Solution Providers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• GS1 Barcode Licence Annual subscription licence granting an Irish business a unique Global Company Prefix (539-prefixed) to generate GTIN-compliant barcode numbers for products and outer cases, required for retail and e-commerce compliance. Available in tiered prefix lengths (GCP-11, GCP-9, GCP-7) for different product range sizes.
• Special Application Barcode Licence Specialised GS1 barcode licences for non-standard product identification use cases such as books, magazines, and variable-measure trade items, allocated under special application rules.
• Barcode Manager Self-service online tool that lets GS1 Ireland members allocate barcode numbers and generate accurate barcode symbols, create, store and share GTINs for consumer units, logistics and shipping units.
• Logistics Label Tool Online tool for small and medium businesses to quickly generate SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) pallet labels for logistics units.
• GTIN Management Tool for managing Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), enabling accurate product identification and structured data sharing across supply chains.
• Check Digit Calculator Utility for calculating check digits for barcode numbers to ensure barcode accuracy and validity.
• Global Location Number (GLN) Unique identification numbers for legal, functional, and physical locations involved in supply chain transactions.
• GS1 Data Matrix Two-dimensional barcode symbol with healthcare applications for pharmaceutical product identification and surgical instrument marking, encoding GTIN, batch/lot number, expiry date and serial number.
• QR Codes powered by GS1 (GS1 Digital Link) Next-generation 2D barcodes connecting products to web-based, always-up-to-date information via the GS1 Digital Link standard, combining barcode functionality with digital links for consumer engagement, traceability and regulatory compliance.
• Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI) Globally unique identifier for assets, encoded in GS1 Data Matrix or QR code, enabling asset tracking and management in facilities such as hospital plant rooms.
• Verified by GS1 Data exchange standard ensuring trusted, verified product information sharing between trading partners.
• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Standardised electronic data interchange format for business document exchange across supply chains.
• Event Data EPCIS Standard for sharing event-related supply chain visibility data, enabling traceability of products through the supply chain.
• Barcode Verification Service to verify barcode print quality and compliance with GS1 standards.
• Data Services Services for managing and sharing accurate product data across supply chains.
• Traceability End-to-end supply chain traceability services enabling product tracking from manufacture to point of sale.
• Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) Service for obtaining and managing Legal Entity Identifiers for regulatory compliance.
• Consultancy and Advice Expert advisory services for barcode implementation, standards adoption and supply chain optimisation.
• Introductory Barcode Training Online 1-2-1 private company training tailored to specific barcode and standards needs. Priced at €300 ex. VAT per session for up to 4 attendees, with flexible scheduling.

Quantifiable outcome

• Tesco pilot shows QR codes improve date code accuracy and reduce food waste
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and general.

• Codico DistributorscoreTechnology or Integration · 9 January 2025Codico Distributors became a GS1 Ireland Gold Partner in January 2025. As Ireland's premier provider of industrial coding, marking, labelling, digital printing, and automation solutions and exclusive partner of Domino Printing Sciences, Codico brings expertise in integrating GS1 standards into coding and printing processes when barcodes are first applied to packaging. Partnership supports Irish manufacturers during transition to GS1-enabled QR codes.
• KinsetcoreTechnology or IntegrationIrish firm providing Digital Product Passport (DPP) solutions. Kinset helps sustainable products win by empowering food and consumer brands to easily provide trustworthy and engaging product sustainability information to consumers, businesses and regulators.
• QR Squared by PolytagcoreTechnology or IntegrationGS1 Ireland partner enabling anyone to generate, edit and print QR codes powered by GS1 in three simple steps. QR Squared offers anti-counterfeiting and advanced QR functionality for brands.
• Data XchangegeneralTechnology or IntegrationSolution partner providing data exchange and integration services supporting GS1 standards implementation.
• ENSOgeneralTechnology or IntegrationSustainability partner assisting businesses to become sustainability leaders with measurable impacts while satisfying supply chain reporting requirements.
• Quick Pharm SolutionsgeneralTechnology or IntegrationHealthcare-focused solution provider partner supporting pharmaceutical and medical product tracking implementations.
• ASD RFIDMedicalgeneralTechnology or IntegrationHealthcare and medical device solution provider partner specialising in RFID and GS1 standards for medical applications.
• GreenpagegeneralTechnology or IntegrationSolution partner on a mission to help sustainable products win by empowering food and consumer brands to easily provide trustworthy and engaging product sustainability information.
• Digital LinkgeneralTechnology or IntegrationDigital Link management and QR generation service partner coming soon to the approved solution provider list.
• Orca ScangeneralTechnology or IntegrationBarcode scanning solution provider coming soon to the approved solution provider list.
• FexilloncoreTechnology or IntegrationPlatinum Solution Partner providing the Digital Asset Lifecycle Platform used with Children's Health Ireland for hospital plant room asset management powered by GS1 identifiers.
• GS1 UKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with GS1 UK on Tesco pilot trials of next generation QR code barcodes. GS1 UK conducted research with YouGov across 1,175 members and non-members. Partnership supporting transition to QR codes powered by GS1 across UK retail.
• TescocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTesco conducting expanded pilot trials of QR codes powered by GS1 on own-brand meat and produce lines in selected UK stores. Trial developed in collaboration with GS1 UK and ten supplier partners, focusing on capturing use-by dates and batch numbers to assess food waste reduction.
• GooglecoreTechnology or IntegrationGS1 collaboration with Google for trusted medical product information. Launch of smartphone camera scanning of GS1 DataMatrix barcodes marks global breakthrough for patient safety, giving instant access to critical information about treatments.
• DatalogiccoreTechnology or IntegrationLeading scanning solution provider supporting global transition to next generation barcodes. Part of global alliance ensuring retail POS equipped to scan QR Code powered by GS1 and GS1 DataMatrix.
• HoneywellcoreTechnology or IntegrationLeading scanning solution provider supporting global transition to next generation barcodes. Member of global alliance for scanning excellence.
• Newland AIDCcoreTechnology or IntegrationLeading scanning solution provider supporting global transition to next generation barcodes. Member of global alliance for scanning excellence.
• Zebra TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationLeading scanning solution provider supporting global transition to next generation barcodes. Member of global alliance for scanning excellence.
• Health Service Executive (HSE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership with HSE for Scan4Safety programme, haemophilia medication tracking, national track and trace for surgical trays and endoscopes, and COVID-19 vaccine tracking implementation across Irish healthcare.
• Lidl IrelandcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership through Lidl Kickstart Supplier Development Programme supporting small and medium Irish producers. Programme has invested over €37 million supporting more than 250 producers since 2017.
• Aldi IrelandcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership through Grow with Aldi programme delivered in partnership with Bord Bia, helping local suppliers achieve nationwide success. 13 GS1 Ireland members among 30 finalists in 2025 programme.
• Blas na hÉireanngeneralGTM or Marketing PartnerIrish Food Awards partnership. Over 220 GS1 Ireland members made it through to the final stage of the 2025 awards, celebrating and rewarding the very best tasting Irish food and drink.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• GS1 US: GS1 US is the largest country-level GS1 member organisation by membership, providing barcode licensing, healthcare UDI support, and supply chain standards to American businesses. Highly comparable business model and product range, with much greater scale.
• GS1 France: GS1 France is the French GS1 member organisation administering barcode and supply chain standards to French retailers and healthcare providers. Directly comparable in revenue model (GCP licensing, training, verification services) and customer base (retail, F&B, pharma).
• GS1 UK: GS1 UK is the direct UK equivalent member organisation of the global GS1 network, administering barcode licensing, training, and standards advisory to British retailers, brands, and healthcare providers. Highly comparable business model, product offering, and revenue structure to GS1 Ireland, and a frequent collaboration partner on cross-border pilots (Tesco QR trials).
• GS1 Germany: GS1 Germany is the largest GS1 member organisation globally, administering barcode licensing, retail compliance, and healthcare traceability in Germany. Operates the same member-funded non-profit model, with similar product portfolio (GTIN/GCP licences, Digital Link, EPCIS) and verticals (retail, healthcare, industry).
• GS1 Belgium & Luxembourg: GS1 Belgium & Luxembourg is the Benelux GS1 member organisation offering GCP licensing, training, and traceability solutions. Directly comparable to GS1 Ireland in non-profit structure, product set, and SME-friendly articulated pricing tiers.
• GS1 in Europe: GS1 in Europe is the regional office representing 47 European GS1 member organisations including GS1 Ireland. Highly comparable governance and standards-adoption role at the European level (e.g., Sunrise 2027 rollout, DPP), and the body behind GS1 InterACT — the flagship European event GS1 Ireland supports.
• GS1 Netherlands: GS1 Netherlands serves Dutch businesses with barcode licensing, GTIN management, and supply chain traceability services. Closely comparable in scale, member-funded model, and industry coverage across retail, healthcare and logistics.

Others

• ISO (International Organization for Standardization): ISO is the global standards development body covering product identification, supply chain, and quality standards in adjacent domains. Indirectly comparable as a competing/overlapping standards authority, though ISO does not issue GTIN identifiers like GS1.
• AIM Europe (Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility): AIM is a global industry association representing barcode, RFID, and automatic identification technology providers. Adjacent to GS1 Ireland as the technology/standards ecosystem enabler for barcoding and item-level identification rather than a direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• GS1 (Global): GS1 is the global parent federation overseeing 118 country member organisations including GS1 Ireland. Sets the overall standards portfolio, common specifications, and cross-border interoperability frameworks within which GS1 Ireland operates.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gs1-ireland
• Instagraminstagram.com/gs1ireland
• Xx.com/gs1ireland
• Facebookfacebook.com/gs1ireland

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about GS1 Ireland