A GLN identifies a physical location, so if there are multiple manufacturing addresses, the company will need to obtain multiple GL numbers. These numbers are valid for one year from the date of issue and must be renewed annually.
GLNs are helpful in several ways:
●
More consistency in electronic digital interchange (EDI) - Postal addresses invite inconsistency and imprecision when put into
digital form — consider Street vs. St., Avenue vs. Ave., and Unit vs.
Apartment. On the other hand, a GLN is an always unique, always consistent code
with a predictable format and number of characters that is well-suited for digital
messaging.
●
Greater simplicity when filling out forms - Rather
than writing out the full address or company name several times, a GLN can
communicate the same information (or perhaps even more) with less effort and
less room for error across multiple forms.
● Better transparency and verification processes - A standard system like GLN allows companies to verify information about incoming shipments, points of origin, and other important details. In order to find the manufacturer associated with a certain GLN or barcode, interested parties must look up the code in a directory service, such as GS1. (However, keep in mind that not all GLNs are included in these Global Electronic Party Information Register services.)
Keep in mind, a Global Trade Item Number
(GTIN) for a specific unit, aka the barcode of a product, signifies the type of
product item it is. This is different from the GLN, which specifies the
manufacturing location.
How GLN Affects EAC Certification
Companies that sell products into Eurasian Customs Union countries—Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan—must obtain a Eurasian Economic Union (EAC) Certification. As of July 1, 2021, the GLN of the manufacturing facility is required to be included in new EAC Declarations of Conformities (DoC), and as of August 1, 2021, the GLN is required for new EAC Certificates of Conformity (CoC).
A GL number may not be required for companies with existing, valid EAC Declarations of Conformity or Certificates of Conformity. However, they will be required for any new certifications that the manufacturer pursues, or when the existing DoC or CoC is renewed.
Products manufactured in Eurasia are not
subject to this GLN requirement at this time.
Contact
G&M Compliance to learn more about the new GLN requirement for
EAC Certifications, or request a quote.