Your GS1 Company Prefix is a license that must be renewed annually to keep your barcodes active and associated with your company. If not renewed, your Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) and barcodes may no longer be recognized, putting your product listings at risk and potentially resulting in added costs or disruptions.
Keep Your Product Listings Active
Common Considerations for GS1 Company Prefix Renewal
Do I have to renew my GS1 Company Prefix every year?
Yes. Your GS1 Company Prefix is an annual license and must be renewed each year to remain active.
What happens if I don’t renew my GS1 Company Prefix?
If your prefix isn’t renewed, your GTINs and barcodes may no longer be recognized or trusted by retailers and marketplaces. You may also lose access to GS1 US Data Hub, making it difficult to manage your identifiers and associated product information.
Why am I receiving renewal emails and invoices?
Renewal notices and invoices are sent by email and mail to help ensure your organization is aware of upcoming renewal requirements. You can manage contact information in your account portal.
Why do I need to pay an annual renewal fee if I already have my barcodes?
While the annual renewal fee is designed to be affordable for businesses of all sizes, the value often extends beyond the cost itself. Maintaining an active Prefix helps preserve continuity for your products, supports retailer verification, and keeps your GTINs associated with your company.
Payment Options
Choose the renewal method that best fits your organization’s needs. After your payment is processed, you will receive a renewal confirmation email within 24 hours.
Renew by Mail
Make your check payable to GS1 US, Inc. Be sure to include the GS1 US department number (#781271) in the mailing address and write your account number on your check to help ensure faster payment processing.
Processing time
Two business days after receipt + delivery time dependent on courier service
Mailing Details
GS1 US, Inc.
Department 781271
P.O. Box 78000
Detroit, MI 48278-1271
Overnight Mailing Details
J.P. Morgan Chase
Attn: GS1 US, Inc. – Department 781271
1 Village Dr. Bldg. 45, First Floor
Van Buren Township, MI 48111
Renew by Electronic Transfer
Be sure to include your account number to help ensure faster payment processing.
Processing time
Two business days after receipt + delivery time dependent on courier service
Transfer Details
Bank: J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
ABA Routing: 044000037
Account Number: 921975780
SWIFT: CHASUS33
Frequently Asked Questions
Your GS1 Company Prefix is licensed annually. If you’re renewing for the first time, this may be the first time you’re seeing renewal notices—but renewal has always been required to keep your GS1 Company Prefix active. Learn more about the fees.
Your payment and GS1® renewal reminder may have crossed in transit.
- Processing times vary by payment method.
- It may take a few business days for your payment to be applied.
Also note, some companies have more than one GS1 Company Prefix, each with its own renewal license and date, which means you may receive multiple invoices. Paying one does not cover all prefixes.
What to do:
- Check which invoice(s) you’ve paid here.
- Allow time for processing.
- Contact support if notices continue after that.
If your GS1 Company Prefix is not renewed, your Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) and barcodes may no longer be recognized or trusted by retailers and marketplaces. This can lead to product listing issues, sales disruptions, account interruptions, and additional fees. If your license remains unpaid, it may eventually be terminated, and you must remove all GTINs and barcodes created with this prefix from all packaging. You may also lose access to tools used to manage your GS1 identifiers and product information, including the ability to create, edit, or maintain product data associated with your Prefix.
Yes. Even if you don't plan to create new Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), renewal is required to keep your existing GTINs active and associated with your brand.
Licensing and renewing a GS1 Company Prefix includes GS1 US® membership, which provides access to tools, support, and education from the recognized authority on product identification standards.
You can typically still renew, but renewing promptly helps minimize the risk of disruption. The sooner you renew, the faster your GS1 Company Prefix remains—or becomes—active again.
GS1 US® Help Center is available to help with invoices, contacts, renewal status, and next steps.
Still Need Help?
Our support team is available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM ET.
Email: info@gs1us.org
Phone: 937.435.3870
Please note that our days and hours of operation exclude observed holidays.