Publication of the new GS1 Benelux FMCG & Foodservice data model (November 2024)

New and modified fields

In the 'Special item code' field, the code value ECO_CHEQUES is allowed to indicate that a product or service can be purchased with ecocheques.
It becomes possible to indicate whether the origin of proteins in a product is animal-based or plant-based. For this purpose, 3 fields are added to the data model and the use of 1 field is extended. Validation rules will guide the use of these fields, but not enforce them:
- Ingredient code (ingredientCode)
- Type of ingredient code/@codeListName (ingredientCode/@codeListName)
- Ingredient purpose (IngredientPurpose)
- Ingredient content percentage (IngredientContentpercentage)
Information about products of biological/organic origin can be shared according to the recommended practice of GS1 in Europe. For this purpose, 3 fields are added to the data model. Validation rules will guide and enforce the use of these fields in certain cases:
- Organic certification identification (organicCertificationIdentification)
- Product activity type code (productActivityTypeCode)
- Country of activity (countryCode)

Changes in function of the data quality programme

A large number of fields are officially added to the data quality programme of GS1 Belgium & Luxembourg in order to expand the programme and to enable mutual recognition with the Dutch programme.

Changed validations

Various validations that already existed for the Dutch market are adopted for Belgium and Luxembourg in the context of further harmonisation. Some validations will also change from 'warning' to 'error' as a result.
Update to the GPC code lists in the validation that makes it mandatory to provide Recupel/Ecotrel information for specific product categories.
Various new validations to stimulate correct use of the fields. These validations currently have a 'warning' status.

More information

The new data model and the validation overview can be found on our website in Dutch, French and English. You can find a complete overview of all changes in the release notes.