Welcome to GS1 The Global Language of Business Contact us Search MO Zone login Login About About us What we do > History > Public Policy > Contact > GS1 Annual Report 2015-2016 Read our annual report > Careers View open positions > Management Board Check it out > About us What we do > History > Public Policy > Contact > GS1 Annual Report 2015-2016 Careers Management Board Standards Identify ID Keys Capture Barcodes EPC/RFID Share GDSN GS1 EDI See all Use Traceability Internet of Things (IoT) Useful links Check digit calculator Need a GS1 barcode How GS1 standards work GS1 Standards Development Recently published standards Identify ID Keys Capture Barcodes EPC/RFID Share GDSN GS1 EDI See all Use Traceability Internet of Things (IoT) GS1 Standards Check digit calculator Need a GS1 barcode How GS1 standards work GS1 Standards Development Recently published standards Industries Retail Healthcare Transport & Logistics Foodservice Other Industries Technical industries Humanitarian Logistics Retail Healthcare Transport & Logistics Foodservice Other Industries Technical industries Humanitarian Logistics News & Events News & Events Events & Calendar > Latest News > GS1 Global Forum 2017 View this event > GS1 Standards Event 2017 View this event > Global GS1 Healthcare Conference View this event > News & Events Events & Calendar > Latest News > GS1 Global Forum 2017 GS1 Standards Event 2017 Global GS1 Healthcare Conference Home About How we got here How we got here Over the last 40 years, we’ve opened offices in over 100 countries and amassed more than a million members using supply chain standards that make business easier. Learn about key dates in our history. 1973: The barcode standard is agreed Industry leaders in the US select a single standard for product identification. Still used today, it’s known as the GS1 barcode. 1974: The first barcode is scanned On 26 April, a packet of chewing gum becomes the first barcoded product to be scanned in a supermarket. 1977: The GS1 system is launched The European Article Numbering (EAN) Association — later called GS1 — opens an office in Brussels. Its founding members launch an identification system to improve supply chain efficiency. 1983: Barcodes are used on wholesale multi-packs As barcodes have proved their reliability and usefulness in real-world environments, they are extended and used on product outer cases. 1989: GS1 moves beyond barcodes With wide area networks making an impact on supply chains, we create our first international standard for electronic data interchange. 1990: Responsibilities grow The US and international arms of GS1 come together formally, creating a single organisation with a presence in 45 countries. 1995: First healthcare standards created We expand our work into the healthcare sector, working closely with healthcare bodies and providers. 1999: The GS1 DataBar arrives After significant research and design, the GS1 DataBar is created. This holds more information than a barcode, yet is significantly smaller. 2000: 90th local office opens In just ten years, we double the number of countries in which we have a local presence. 2002: Global standards forum launched Our Global Standards Management Process is launched. This global forum gives GS1 members one place to discuss standards. 2004: The first standard for RFID is created With Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Chips becoming more common, we create a standard for their implementation and use. 2007: GS1 enters the business-to-consumer world As ecommerce grows, we begin to create open standards that give consumers direct access to key product information. 2013: A 40-year celebration With a presence in over 100 countries and more than a million members, we celebrate 40 years of the global language of business. Latest news See what we’ve been up to recently. GS1 news Media information Trying to find our latest news or looking for a GS1 spokesperson to interview? Media information Standards Need a barcode All GS1 standards General Specifications Standards Development GS1 and Public Policy Industries Retail Healthcare Transport & Logistics Foodservice Technical Industries Humanitarian logistics News & Events News Events About us What we do Our story Careers Tools Check digit calculator Who owns this barcode? Training FAQs Innovation Network Terms of use Privacy policy Website feedback Contact us