What Is GS1?
GS1 is the global standards organization responsible for managing UPCs (Universal Product Codes) and other product identification standards used throughout the retail supply chain.
When a company licenses a GS1 Company Prefix, it gains the ability to create UPCs that uniquely identify its products. Retailers, clearinghouses, and coupon processors rely on these identifiers to verify that coupons are associated with legitimate products and authorized manufacturers.
Why is a GS1 Company Prefix Certificate Required for Paper Coupons?
Before a paper coupon can be established within the coupon industry infrastructure, the manufacturer must provide evidence that it owns the UPCs referenced on the offer.
A GS1 Company Prefix Certificate serves as that proof.
The certificate helps coupon clearinghouses and settlement providers:
- Verify Manufacturer Ownership The certificate confirms that the company issuing the coupon owns the UPC prefix associated with the products eligible for redemption.
- Support Accurate Coupon Settlement During coupon settlement, retailers submit redeemed coupons for reimbursement. Accurate manufacturer identification helps ensure coupons are routed to the correct organization and paid appropriately.
- Reduce Fraud and Misredemption Risk Validating product ownership helps prevent unauthorized coupon activity and reduces the risk of coupons being associated with incorrect products or manufacturers.
How to Download Your GS1 Company Prefix Certificate
If your organization has access to its GS1 account, downloading the certificate is straightforward:
- Log Into GS1 US Data Hub Access your organization's GS1 account through the GS1 US Data Hub.
- Navigate to Company Information Within the account dashboard, locate the company profile or licensing section where your GS1 Company Prefix information is stored.
- Download the Certificate Most organizations can download a PDF version of their GS1 Company Prefix Certificate directly from the account portal.
What If No One Knows Who Owns the GS1 Account?
This is a common challenge, particularly for established organizations that have experienced employee turnover. Some companies have success in locating their GS1 certificates within their billing team as a billing contact is required for set up. Other organizations may house the certifications within marketing, supply chain logistics or legal departments. Start there and if no one at your company knows who manages the GS1 account:
Contact GS1 Customer Support
GS1 can help identify the account administrator or guide your organization through the account recovery process.
Phone: 937.435.3870.
Email: info@gs1us.org.
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (ET).
*excludes observed holidays
Gather Company Information
Be prepared to provide:
Company name
- Business address
- Existing UPC information
- Tax identification details, if requested
Verify Authorization
GS1 may require documentation proving you are authorized to access account information on behalf of your organization.
Preparing for a Successful Coupon Launch
Obtaining your GS1 Company Prefix Certificate early in the coupon setup process can help prevent delays when establishing a paper coupon program. By verifying UPC ownership upfront, manufacturers can streamline coupon processing, support efficient coupon settlement, and ensure retailers can be reimbursed accurately through the manufacturer clearinghouse process.
For brands planning a new paper coupon campaign, confirming GS1 documentation is one of the simplest steps to keep a program moving smoothly from launch through settlement.
Need help preparing for a successful coupon launch? Inmar can help you navigate GS1 documentation requirements and streamline the setup process. Contact our team via the form to ensure your program is ready for a smooth launch and efficient settlement.
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