Product Serialisation: Why Every Item Needs an Identity

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What Is Product Serialisation?

Product serialisation is the process of assigning a unique identifier to each individual product item, rather than just identifying products at the model or batch level. Under the ESPR, Digital Product Passports are linked to individual items through unique identifiers, making serialisation a fundamental requirement.

While a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) identifies a product type, serialisation adds a unique serial number that distinguishes each individual unit. Together, the GTIN and serial number create a globally unique identity for every item.

Why Serialisation Is Essential for DPPs

Serialisation enables several critical DPP capabilities:

• Individual product tracking throughout the supply chain
• Linking specific items to their unique passport data
• Enabling consumer verification of authenticity
• Supporting targeted recalls by identifying affected units
• Facilitating end-of-life processing with item-specific material data

Without serialisation, DPPs can only provide generic product-type information. With serialisation, each passport can include batch-specific data, manufacturing date, and other item-level details.

GS1 Serialisation Standards

GS1 provides the global framework for product serialisation. The combination of a GTIN and serial number, encoded in GS1 Digital Link format, creates a web-resolvable identifier that can serve as the access point for a Digital Product Passport.

The GS1 Digital Link URI format (/01/{gtin}/21/{serial}) provides a standardised way to encode product identity in QR codes, NFC tags, and other data carriers.

Implementing Serialisation

Start by establishing a serialisation strategy that fits your manufacturing processes. Decide on serial number formats, generation methods, and how serial numbers will be applied to products and linked to DPP data.

MyProductPassport supports GS1-standard serialisation with automatic unique identifier generation, QR code creation, and Digital Link URI formatting for every product passport.