GLN Numbers

A GLN is a 13-digit number that identifies your business or one of its locations, rather than a product. Retailers and distributors sometimes ask for one when setting you up as a supplier.

One-off cost, no annual fees, emailed to you within minutes.

  • Global Location Numbers (GLN)

    You’ll receive your GLN by email, with confirmation of ownership.

    Quantity    Price per image
    1 £ 20
    2 £ 18.50
    4 £ 17.50
    5 + £ 17

     

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Before you buy, ask your retailer one question

“Do you check GLNs against the GS1 registry?”

No: our GLNs will work.
Yes: you’ll need to get your GLN from GS1 UK directly.
Not sure? Forward us their email, and we’ll tell you whether ours will work.

Do you need one?

Most sellers don’t. You’ll only need a GLN if:

– a retailer or distributor asks for one during supplier setup
– you’re joining an EDI (electronic ordering) system that asks for a location number
– you ship from several sites, and your customer needs to tell them apart

How many do you need?

Start with one for your business. That covers most supplier setup requests.

Add more only for each warehouse, distribution centre or delivery point that a customer needs to identify separately.

What a GLN does

Your product barcode (GTIN) tells a system what something is. A GLN tells it who or where: your company, a warehouse, a loading bay or even an EDI mailbox.

GLNs usually aren’t printed as barcodes. They appear in invoices, purchase orders, delivery notes and EDI messages, replacing postal addresses that can be typed in several different ways.

Where our GLNs are accepted

They work for: warehouse and ERP systems, your own paperwork and labels, and trading partners who just need a consistent number from you.

They won’t work for: anyone who checks against the GS1 registry. That includes GDSN data pools, some large retail chains’ EDI systems, and regulated supply chains such as pharmaceuticals and food traceability. See barcode acceptance.

Common questions

Does a GLN expire? No. There are no renewal fees, and the number stays yours. Don’t reuse a GLN for a different location, though, so note what each one is assigned to.

Can I use my product barcode number as a GLN? No. They’re separate numbers with separate jobs, and mixing them up causes problems.

Can a GLN be made into a barcode? Yes, if a partner asks for it. Usually it’s just supplied as digits.

How do I check a GLN is valid? Our GTIN validator also checks 13-digit GLNs.

What if my retailer rejects it? Contact us. If they need a GS1-registered GLN, we’ll refund you under our refund policy.