How to read these examples
Each URI begins with a normal HTTPS stem. Pairs in the path use /AI/value. The first pair is the primary identification key; subsequent path pairs can qualify that identity. Query parameters use ?AI=value for attributes.
| AI | Meaning | Example value | Role here |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Global Trade Item Number | 09520123456788 | Primary key |
| 10 | Batch or lot number | ABC123 | Key qualifier |
| 17 | Expiration date, YYMMDD | 270101 | Data attribute |
| 21 | Serial number | SERIAL9 | Key qualifier |
Example 1: GTIN only
https://example.org/01/09520123456788AI (01) identifies the trade item. The GTIN value contains fourteen digits, including its check digit.
This is the simplest uncompressed trade-item Digital Link. A GS1-aware parser can extract the GTIN, while an ordinary browser treats the whole value as a URL.
Example 2: GTIN plus batch or lot
https://example.org/01/09520123456788/10/ABC123AI (10) qualifies the GTIN with batch or lot value ABC123.
The path now identifies a batch of the trade item rather than only the product class. AI (10) is variable length, so its boundary must remain unambiguous when more data follows in element-string forms.
Example 3: GTIN plus serial number
https://example.org/01/09520123456788/21/SERIAL9AI (21) qualifies the GTIN with serial value SERIAL9.
This combination can identify an individual instance within the trade-item class. The serial is not a replacement for the GTIN; its meaning depends on the primary identifier that precedes it.
Example 4: GTIN, batch, serial and expiration
https://example.org/01/09520123456788/10/ABC123/21/SERIAL9?17=270101The path contains the primary key and qualifiers. Query AI (17) adds an expiration date of 1 January 2027.
The example illustrates the difference between identity and description. GTIN, batch and serial narrow what is identified; expiration describes it. URI Syntax also defines ordering rules, so components should not be rearranged merely for visual preference.
Validate the data and the URI
A plausible-looking path is not enough. The GTIN check digit, AI value formats, permitted combinations, URI encoding and component order all matter. Validate generated output with a GS1-aware engine before publishing it in packaging or systems.
Also remember that successful syntax validation says nothing about who controls the GTIN, whether the domain resolves, or whether the host behaves as a GS1-conformant resolver.
Sources and standards
Technical statements in this guide are grounded in current GS1 primary sources. The explanations are paraphrased for practical use.
- GS1 Digital Link URI Syntax 1.7.0Normative placement and formatting rules for the examples.
- GS1 Application Identifier referenceOfficial AI meanings and data formats.
- GS1 2D Barcodes at Retail POS GuidelineOfficial multi-element Digital Link examples and role hierarchy.