facebookfile-earmark-excelfile-earmark-pdffile-earmark-textfile-earmark-wordhamburgerinstagramlinkedinxingyoutube
Skip to main content
Grafik Weltkarte mit Vernetzungen

IFS Certificates even more secure with GS1 GLN

With the start of audits to IFS Food version 7 having a GLN (Global Location Number) became mandatory for companies in the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom and Switzerland. It is specified in Part 4 of the standard and applies to the subsequent versions of the IFS Food Standard.

IFS decided to introduce the GLN to simplify the communication between suppliers and retailers and to further optimize the security and verifiability of IFS Certificates. For you, the GLN is an additional feature with which you can prove to your business partners the authenticity of your certification and your compliance with the highest standards.

To achieve this, IFS and GS1 have worked together closely. This cooperation is unique worldwide and sets new standards for even more secure certificates. The global GS1 organization is an official provider of GLNs worldwide.

Special IFS package for your company

We at GS1 Germany have partnered together with IFS Management GmbH to provide you with the perfect package. It consists of two parts: a GLN for your location and the automatic entry of your GLN into Verified by GS1. Both are required for certification.

If you already have a GLN, you can of course also use it for certification. The prerequisite is that it is registered in Verified by GS1 and that the company name and address match the information in the certificate exactly.

Eine Infografik zum Thema GLN

GLN

What is a GLN?

The Global Location Number (GLN for short) is like a fingerprint in national and international business transactions. With a GLN, companies and parts of companies, such as production sites or warehouses, can be clearly identified. A GLNs consists of 13 digits and is the key to company information stored in databases.

Within the scope of IFS Certification, the GLN identifies the location for which a certificate is sought. Since a GLN can only be assigned to one location at a time, you need at least one separate GLN per certification location.

Verified by GS1

The entry of your GLN in Verified by GS1 confirms its authenticity

In Verified by GS1 companies and their locations can be found via its respective GLN. In this way it can be determined whether you are the actual owner of the GLN named in the certificate. Your GLN is active in Verified by GS1 as long as you are a customer of GS1.

To use a GLN for IFS Certification, it must be registered and active in Verified by GS1. In addition, the company name and address must correspond exactly with the information in the certificate. Only in this way IFS and your business partners can verify the authenticity of your GLN and certificate.

You already have a GLN and want to use it for certification?

Check now whether your GLN is active in Verified by GS1

IFS certification

The role of the GLN in the IFS certification process

The GLN appears on the cover page of the assessment report and on the IFS Food Certificate.

During the IFS Assessment, the auditor checks all mandatory information that appears in the assessment report, including the GLN. The validation is carried out via Verified by GS1 or via the proof of your order at GS1 by invoice. 

GLN for IFS Certification - it's that simple:

  • 1

    Order your GLN

    Choose the offer that suits you best and order your GLN conveniently online.

  • 2

    Register in Verified by GS1

    Have your GLN entered directly into Verified by GS1.

  • 3

    Your GLN is active in Verified by GS1

    Now you are ready for certification!

GLN offers

There are various options available to you, depending on your needs. However, the decisive factor is always for how many locations you need your own certificate and thus your own GLN.

You can order your GLN from your local GS1 organization or GS1 Germany. At GS1 Germany you have the choice between two offers: GLN Type 1 or GS1 Complete.

Icon von einer Fabrik

You have a single location?

Our solution: GLN Type 1

  • Ideal if you only want to certify one location
  • You receive a single GLN for your location
  • How much does the GLN Type 1 cost?
    • Annual fee of 105.00€
    • plus statutory VAT

Order GLN Typ 1 Go to »«
Icon von mehreren Fabriken

You have several locations?

Our solution: GS1 Complete

  • Ideal if you want to certify more than one location
  • You will receive a GLN for your company with your order
  • In the next step, using our GLN Manager on our GS1 Service Platform, you can generate up to 999 sub-GLNs for your individual locations. This service is free of charge for GS1 Complete customers.
  • How much does GS1 Complete cost?
    • Annual fee starting at 160.00€
    • Initial fee of 250.00€
    • plus statutory VAT

Order GS1 Complete Go to »«

Note

If you would like to order your GLN from your local GS1 organization, you will find a list of all country organizations here. Offers, scope of services and prices may vary.

Find GS1 Organization

The advantages of the IFS package

All-around carefree package of GLN and entry in Verified by GS1

No delay in certification due to fast delivery

Benefit from a strong partnership

FAQs

Do you have questions about GLN?

Our Customer Service Team is happy to help you.

Business Language: English and German
e-mail: gln-support @ gs1.de

Do you have questions about the GLN introduction or the IFS certification?

Please feel free to contact the IFS. 

e-mail: info @ ifs-certification.com