Small User Status
August 2005 UPDATE
The Variable Length Prefix was implemented and the first variable length prefix was issued by GS1 US in March 2000*. Unfortunately it is no help to the Small User. It seems to have been implemented by the GS1 US only to allow them to raise their rates as much as 1,266%!
* On July 8, 2005 I was told by GS1's VP, Losi Perez, that the first variable length prefix was issued March 2001. On August 25, 2005, Teresa Truscelli of GS1 told me the date was actually March 2000. Apparently GS1 records leave something to be desired. If anyone has an earlier date, please let me know.
digits in
the prefix
initial fee of $750 and an annual fee of $150** includes System Number" digitClick HERE to go to my editorial page about fees.
Information about the GS1 US as a non profit, tax exempt company, comming soon!
Earlier Postings thru 2004
I have received a number of e-mails requesting information on how to obtain a Variable Length Prefix online at the GS1 US site. The GS1 US has supplied me with the following information: When applying on line, there are a few pieces of information that are captured on the application form that dictate the appropriate prefix length. One of them is based upon the number of unique products (GTIN's) and locations (GLN's) identified on the application form. The other is dependent upon the type of products that a company has identified through the application process. Some products have a certain GTIN formatting requirement (such as bulk produce) that require a specific length prefix. All of this information is taken into consideration before a prefix length is identified. The membership fee is based upon the information provided on the application form. The size of the company as well as the number of unique products and locations are key pieces of information. The minimum fee is $750. The minimum renewal fee is $150. At the moment, Company Prefixes that enable the assignment of item references of less than 100 are not available. It is probable that in 2004 Company Prefixes allowing less than 100 references will become available. The membership fee (and renewal fee) structure, as well as whether or not the fee schedule will be published, most likely will be addressed next year also. I for one, sincerely hope the fees schedule will be revised to be more responsive to the needs of the very small entrepreneur who has only a few products.
Another concern expressed in several e-mails, was what happens if one needs more reference numbers that their present Variable Length Prefix allows? The GS1 US said, “When a company obtains their GS1 US Company Prefix from the GS1 US, the prefix itself is licensed, not the item reference numbers or full UPC-12. If a company has exhausted the capacity under their current GS1 US Company Prefix, the member will need to apply for an additional GS1 US Company Prefix. If approved, the member will be issued another GS1 US Company Prefix with additional item reference capacity.”
George J. Laurer
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Revised: August 2005