How to Create and Use Global Location Numbers (GLNs)

What is Global Location Number (GLN)? 
How can they Fulfil Regulatory & Business Requirements in the Global Supply Chain?

The GS1 Global Location Number (GLN) is a globally recognized unique identifier issued by GS1 for entities, locations and assets.

 

GLN Identifiers play a vital role to:

1. Improve supply chain efficiency by enabling the track and trace of products as they move through the supply chain,
2. Ensure regulatory compliance for ongoing and upcoming regulations
3. Enable operational transparency to maintain customer/consumer trust and
4. Comply with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) guidelines.

By using GLN, businesses can:

Improve Supply Chain Efficiency & Visibility

A GLN assigns a unique identifier to every location, ensuring that all supply chain movements— from raw materials to final distribution— are accurately tracked. This allows businesses to:

• Avoid confusion caused by inconsistent location names.
• Identify and track physical and virtual locations seamlessly.
• Streamline logistics and inventory management by knowing exactly where shipments are at all times.

 

Ensure Regulatory Compliance

The GLN is recognised for its importance in enabling traceability, but more than that, it is recognised for allowing the fulfilment of many ongoing and upcoming regulations, such as but not limited to:

1. The EU Anti-Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
2. Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
3. Green Claims Directive
4. Digital Product Passport (DPP)
5. EAC Declaration of Conformity

Enhance Traceability & ESG Compliance

Many industries are under strict regulatory requirements for tracking product origins, ethical sourcing, and sustainable supply chains. With GLN, businesses can:

• Precisely trace the origin of raw materials, finished goods, and logistics hubs.
• Ensure transparency in sourcing and labor practices.
• Strengthen sustainability initiatives by monitoring environmental impacts.
• Simplify data collection for ESG reports required by investors, customers, and regulatory authorities.

 

Simplify Auditing & Compliance Processes

Businesses are often subject to internal and external audits related to supply chain integrity and ESG commitments. GLNs help by:

• Enabling quick and accurate retrieval of location-based data for audits.
• Streamlining certification processes by clearly identifying suppliers and manufacturers.
• Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and global business standards.

 

Future-Proof Your Business with Smart Technologies

The future of supply chain management relies on advanced digital solutions such as:

• Internet of Things (IoT): Real-time tracking of products at different locations.
• Blockchain: Secure and immutable records for location-based ESG data.
• AI & Data Analytics: Optimized decision-making for supply chain and sustainability efforts.

 

By adopting GLN, businesses position themselves for seamless integration with these technologies, ensuring long-term growth, compliance, and operational excellence.

 

Other benefits of being a GLN User (Distributors, Retailers, Manufacturers, Logistic Providers, Suppliers, etc.) in action to fulfil business requirements:

1) A potential trading partner wants to find you to discuss about collaboration. Unfortunately, you have recently moved your headquarters and have not updated your information online yet. How can they find you?

2) One of your shipments has been long delayed, how do you find out where it is?

3) One of your products has a serious defect and must be recalled. Some of them have been shipped out, where are they now?

4) An expired over-the-counter drug was accidentally delivered to many of your trading partners, including hospitals. How can you prevent them from being used/distributed further that could potentially harm a patient?

GLN gives companies complete flexibility to identify any type, asset, location or legal entity required in their business. This will further bring value to a company’s intellectual properties (IPs) and business requirements. Information about “what is the product” will be more useful when added with information about “who manufactured, distributed or stored it” and “where it came from and where is it now”.

 

Want to get GLNs?
GS1 Malaysia offers GLN Membership Licenses!
Getting your GLN License is Quick & Easy!

Steps to Register for your GLNs:

1. Fill in the GLN application here: https://www.gs1my.com/member/r1/node/20
2. Submit the application together with copies of your company registration documents.
3. In 3 to 5 working days, receive your GLN and start optimizing your business operations!

 

Act Now! Secure your GLN License today and take the next step in improving your business efficiency and ESG readiness. Maximize your business efficiency, improve ESG compliance, and future-proof your supply chain with GS1 GLN! Register today! 

 

Join our FREE GLN Briefing on Zoom Now!

Briefing Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86884634932

 

Want to know more about GLN?

Submit Your Inquiries to GS1 Malaysia’s official communication channels.