GS1 Australia

What GS1 Australia does

GS1 Australia Limited is the Australian member organisation of the global GS1 standards body and the sole authorised issuer of GS1 barcode numbers (the '93' prefix) in Australia. Incorporated in 1978 and operating as a not-for-profit standards organisation headquartered in Mt Waverley, Victoria, it serves over 20,000 Australian members across retail, healthcare, rail, primary industries, building and construction, foodservice, freight and logistics, and online marketplaces. Its core technology stack is the GS1 System: a suite of global identification keys (GTIN, GLN, SSCC, GRAI, GIAI, and seven others) and complementary standards including GS1 DataMatrix and 2D barcodes, GS1 Digital Link, EPCIS v2.0 (a REST API for granular traceability event data using JSON/JSON-LD), EPC/RFID, GS1 EDI (EANCOM and XML), and the GDSN-compliant National Product Catalogue for product data synchronisation. The company extends these standards through service modules including GS1 Studio, Smart Media, Barcode Check, GS1 Recall / Recall Health, the National Location Registry, Product Launch services, EDI Certify, and the SmartFacts digital labelling platform launched in May 2025.

GS1 Australia operates a membership-based subscription model. Members pay an annual licence fee renewed each July, structured in two tiers: an Individual Barcode Number tier for businesses with turnover under AUD $1M (capped at 10 GTINs) and a Full Membership tier for businesses with turnover above AUD $1M (unlimited GTINs). Distribution is primarily through a self-service online portal (MyGS1), supplemented by phone support (1300 BARCODE), a certified solution provider network, and paper-based applications. Demand is largely generated through endorsement relationships with major Australian retailers (Coles, Woolworths), online marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Google), and government bodies across healthcare, agriculture traceability, and rail. The organisation does not disclose revenue; it reinvests proceeds into standards development, industry partnerships, and member services.

Name

GS1 Australia

Legal name

GS1 Australia Limited

Website

https://gs1au.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

GS1 Australia is the sole authorised issuer of GS1 barcode numbers and standards in Australia, operating as a not-for-profit standards organisation serving over 20,000 members across retail, healthcare, rail, primary industries, and online marketplaces with identification keys, traceability, and product data services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Mulgrave

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. GS1 Membership License Fees: Annual licence fee for barcode numbers based on company turnover. Members pay annual fees renewed each July. The fee depends on turnover and number of barcodes licensed. Individual barcode number members (turnover under $1M, max 10 GTINs) and full members (turnover over $1M, unlimited GTINs) are the two tiers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

GS1 Australia is the only authorised provider in Australia of authentic GS1 barcode numbers and standards. It issues GTINs/UPCs/EANs and maintains a suite of identification keys (GLN, SSCC, etc.), barcode, RFID, EDI, and EPCIS standards, complemented by member services including data synchronisation (NPC), location registry (NLR), recall notifications, barcode verification, and the SmartFacts digital labelling platform.

Product overview

GS1 Australia is the sole authorised provider of authentic GS1 barcode numbers in Australia and operates the GS1 standards system for the country. The offering is a platform-plus-services model built on a foundation of GS1 Identification Keys (GTIN, GLN, SSCC, and 8 others) and barcode numbering, extended through multiple service modules and industry-specific verticals. Core platform services include GS1 Barcode Numbers (GTIN/UPC/EAN), the GS1 Studio management portal, the National Product Catalogue (NPC/GDSN-compliant product data synchronisation), National Location Registry (NLR/GLN), GS1 Recall and Recall Health (centralised recall notifications), Smart Media (product photography and content creation), Barcode Check (verification), Product Launch (full-service retail onboarding), EDI Certify (EDI standards deployment), and free tools including the Check Digit Calculator and Logistics Labelling Tool. The company also maintains a Next Generation 2D Barcodes programme (GS1 DataMatrix, QR with GS1 Digital Link) scheduled for retail adoption from 2027, anchored by the SmartFacts digital labelling platform launched in May 2025. EPCIS v2.0 provides a REST API for granular traceability event data. Industry verticals served include Retail, Primary Industries (agriculture, meat, seafood, dairy, etc.), Healthcare, Rail (Project i-TRACE), Building & Construction, Foodservice, and Online Marketplaces, supported by standards for sustainability, traceability, EPC/RFID, GS1 EDI (EANCOM and XML), and GDSN data synchronisation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SmartFacts: Digital labelling platform launched in May 2025 that provides consumers with standardised real-time product information via smartphone scans.
• Project i-TRACE

Products and services

• GS1 Barcode Numbers (GTIN/UPC/EAN) Authentic GS1 barcode numbers (GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, GTIN-14) issued exclusively by GS1 Australia via membership, endorsed by major Australian retailers and online marketplaces including Amazon and eBay.
• National Product Catalogue (NPC) A GDSN-compliant shared product data repository used by Australian and New Zealand trading partners to synchronise accurate product information including nutritional, allergen, and specification data across supply chain networks.
• SmartFacts Digital Labelling Platform Digital labelling platform launched in May 2025 providing consumers with standardised real-time product information via smartphone scans, supporting the transition to next-generation 2D barcodes and enhancing product transparency and traceability.
• Smart Media (NPC Digital) Digital media services including product photography, renders, and content creation for distribution to trading partners, integrated with GS1 data standards and linked to barcodes for enhanced product presentation.
• Barcode Check Verification service providing barcode scan test reports to ensure barcodes meet GS1 specifications and scan correctly at retail point-of-sale, available at member pricing.
• National Location Registry (NLR) Registry of Global Location Numbers (GLNs) enabling companies to identify and share accurate physical location data across supply chain trading partners.
• GS1 Recall Central notification hub service enabling manufacturers to update all trading partners with recall and withdrawal information throughout the entire recall process for the Food & CPG sector.
• Recall Health Central notification hub service for the healthcare sector, enabling manufacturers and suppliers to update all trading partners with recall and withdrawal information throughout the entire recall process.
• GS1 EDI Certify Advisory and certification service supporting the deployment of GS1 EANCOM and GS1 XML EDI standards across trading partner communities, enabling electronic exchange of business documents without human intervention.
• Product Launch Service End-to-end service handling barcode checks, product data preparation, and quality product photography for manufacturers supplying major Australian retailers, providing a hassle-free path from product creation to retail listing.
• Trusted Content / Verified by GS1 Data quality and verification services ensuring product content shared via GS1 networks is accurate, trusted, and meets trading partner requirements for data synchronisation.
• Project i-TRACE for Rail A GS1 Australia initiative for the Australian rail industry delivering harmonised barcode and asset identification standards (GS1 DataMatrix approved for rail use) that improve safety, traceability, and productivity across rail supply chains.

Quantifiable outcome

• Improved supply chain data standards could boost Australia's GDP by up to $50 billion annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• DatalogiccoreTechnology or Integration · 29 April 2026Global scanning solution provider formally committed to supporting the transition to next-generation 2D barcodes (GS1 DataMatrix) beginning in 2027. Part of a four-company coalition confirming the scanning hardware ecosystem is ready for Australian retailers.
• HoneywellcoreTechnology or Integration · 29 April 2026Global scanning solution provider formally committed to supporting the transition to next-generation 2D barcodes (GS1 DataMatrix) beginning in 2027. Part of a four-company coalition confirming the scanning hardware ecosystem is ready for Australian retailers.
• Newland AIDCcoreTechnology or Integration · 29 April 2026Global scanning solution provider formally committed to supporting the transition to next-generation 2D barcodes (GS1 DataMatrix) beginning in 2027. Part of a four-company coalition confirming the scanning hardware ecosystem is ready for Australian retailers.
• Zebra TechnologiescoreTechnology or Integration · 29 April 2026Global scanning solution provider formally committed to supporting the transition to next-generation 2D barcodes (GS1 DataMatrix) beginning in 2027. Part of a four-company coalition confirming the scanning hardware ecosystem is ready for Australian retailers.
• RMIT UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015GS1 Australia Supply Chain Scholarship established with RMIT supporting development of future leaders studying Bachelor of Business (Logistics and Supply Chain Management).
• Australasian Railway Association (ARA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with ARA to develop Project i-TRACE, delivering harmonisation and productivity improvements to the Australian rail industry through GS1 standards.
• Australian Government (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)coreOthersGS1 Australia collaborates with government on the National Agriculture Traceability Strategy and participates in government consultations on packaging regulation, sustainability claims, and circular economy initiatives.
• Federal and State Health DepartmentscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGS1 Australia collaborates with Federal Health Department, State and Territory Health Jurisdictions, healthcare providers, and manufacturers to implement GS1 standards supporting patient safety, traceability, and supply chain efficiency.
• AmazoncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAmazon has confirmed it checks to ensure all GTINs (UPCs) loaded into its system are authentic barcodes from GS1. GS1 barcodes are the only barcodes guaranteed to be accepted by Amazon.
• GooglecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGoogle endorses GTINs for better product information in online shopping experiences.
• Standards AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGS1 Australia works with Standards Australia on identical adoption of international standards and participates in standards development activities.
• BuildingSmart AustralasiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU signed for collaboration on digital construction standards and building information modelling.
• Citrus AustraliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCitrus Australia uses GS1 Digital Link to achieve traceability by sales unit and enhanced international compatibility for exports.
• St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research (SVI)minorOthersGS1 Australia's Charity of Choice supporting research into diseases including cancer, type 1 diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Staff can donate through Workplace Giving Program.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Zebra Technologies: Global provider of barcode scanners, RFID readers, and printing solutions. A core GS1 Australia partner (announced April 2026) and serves the same supply chain identification market from the hardware side, making it a key adjacent peer.
• GS1 Global: The global umbrella organisation of which GS1 Australia is a member. Operates the same GS1 System (GTIN, EPCIS, GDSN) and sets the standards GS1 Australia distributes. Directly comparable as the parent standards authority and serves as a benchmark for governance and pricing models.
• AIM Global: The global industry association for automatic identification and mobility (barcodes, RFID, IoT). Overlaps with GS1 Australia's identification and capture standards portfolio and represents an adjacent governance body in the barcode ecosystem.
• SAP Ariba: Enterprise procurement and supply chain platform that operates alongside GS1 standards (GDSN, GTIN). Indirectly comparable as a large incumbent that consumes and distributes product master data using GS1 identification keys.

Direct peers

• Standards Australia: Australia's peak non-government standards body. Partner of GS1 Australia on identical adoption of international standards. Comparable as a national standards-setting and membership-based organisation serving Australian industry.
• GS1 UK: The UK member organisation of GS1. Comparable operating model, member services, and industry verticals (retail, healthcare, foodservice) provide a like-for-like benchmark for GS1 Australia's service offerings and pricing tiers.
• GS1 US: The US member organisation of GS1, issuing the 00-prefix barcode numbers. Closest functional peer to GS1 Australia in terms of membership model, industry verticals (retail, healthcare), and member services (National Product Catalogue equivalent).

Emerging players

• OpenSC: Blockchain-based product traceability platform spun out of the WWF. Comparable to GS1 Australia's primary industries and sustainability traceability services and represents an emerging alternative identification paradigm.
• TraceLink: Cloud-based pharmaceutical track-and-trace platform operating across the GS1 standards ecosystem. Comparable to GS1 Australia's healthcare traceability services and a relevant competitor for serialisation mandates such as UDI and medicines verification.
• IBM Food Trust: Blockchain-based food traceability network built on Hyperledger. Competes conceptually with GS1 Australia's EPCIS traceability offerings in the food/agriculture vertical, especially for cross-border supply chain provenance.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/GS1Australia
• Facebookfacebook.com/gs1aus
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gs1-australia
• Instagraminstagram.com/gs1australia/?hl=en

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A1 record

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about GS1 Australia