Invoicing a specific department, delivering materials to the correct unit, or registering processes per branch; these are just a few situations where clear location identification is essential.
Using a unique location code increases efficiency, improves traceability, and facilitates smooth collaboration between systems and trading partners. This reduces errors and supports digital processes such as electronic ordering, invoicing and logistics flows.
What is the Global Location Number?
A Global Location Number (GLN) is a globally standardised identification code used to uniquely and unambiguously identify locations.
It is a numeric code that identifies a specific location, such as:
- Legal entity: for example, your company, a branch, or a department.
- Functional entity: for instance, the accounting department within your organisation.
- Physical location: such as a warehouse, loading dock or hospital ward.
- Mobile location: like a truck or food truck.
- Digital location: such as an API access point or other virtual environment.
This standardised identification is essential for efficient flow of goods and information between trading partners.
Why would a company use a GLN instead of an internal code?
Companies often use internal codes for delivery locations because it seems easier, but this can lead to errors when exchanging Order to Cash information with trading partners.
Although GLNs are most commonly used in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Peppol, the benefits apply to any company, especially in cross-sector or cross-border transactions.
Invoicing via Peppol is mandatory for B2B since 1 January 2026.
You can use a Global Location Number (GLN) to correctly assign and send invoices by department or by invoice type.
For example, a company can assign one GLN to the finance department and another to the logistics department, so that invoices automatically reach the right recipient via Peppol.
Do you have questions about GLN and Peppol? Check our FAQ or contact us at support@gs1belu.org.
Managing and looking up GLNs
Easily manage your GLNs via My Locations Manager (on the My GS1-platform).
With My Locations Manager, you can:
• Create and manage GLNs yourself
• Share GLNs
The consultation of GLNs is done via “Verified by GS1”.
Changing data regarding the Global Location Number (GLN)
A GLN is unique and must not be reassigned or reused. Each location must have its own, permanently unique GLN. Has the location or associated information changed (e.g., VAT number)? Then you may need to create a new GLN.
Refer to the GLN Allocation Rules from GS1 Global to determine whether a new GLN is required.
Creating and managing a GLN
- GLN package: If you need one or more GLNs, choose the GLN package and select the number of GLNs you require.
- Barcode package: Do you also need product identification (GTINs), coupons or logistic units in addition to GLNs? Then a My Product Manager Identify subscription is the better choice. GLNs are included.
- GLN & SSCC: This option is only intended for logistics service providers.
Important: you pay an annual licence fee. This is not a one-off payment.
A GLN consists of three parts:
- GS1 Company Prefix: unique per organisation
- Location Reference: to differentiate locations within one company
- Check Digit: validates the entire number
Example structures:
| GS1 Company Prefix (54 M1 M2 ...) and Location Reference (X1, X2 ...) | Check Digit | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | M1 | M2 | M3 | M4 | M5 | L1 | L2 | L3 | L4 | L5 | C |
| 5 | 4 | M1 | M2 | M3 | M4 | M5 | M6 | L1 | L2 | L3 | L4 | |
| 5 | 4 | M1 | M2 | M3 | M4 | M5 | M6 | M7 | L1 | L2 | L3 | |
| 5 | 4 | M1 | M2 | M3 | M4 | M5 | M6 | M7 | M8 | L1 | L2 | |
| 5 | 4 | M1 | M2 | M3 | M4 | M5 | M6 | M7 | M8 | M9 | L1 | |
A GLN is structurally similar to a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), but the context (such as barcode type or Application Identifier) determines how the number is interpreted.
Follow the step-by-step guide on this page.
No. Once the GLN type has been selected, it cannot be changed.
Yes. If you purchased a GLN pack or a single GLN, you can always cancel it. If the GLN is based on a GS1 Company Prefix that remains active, you can deactivate the GLN in My Locations Manager to indicate that it is no longer in use.
Before cancelling a GLN, check whether it is still being used, for example for Peppol, EDI or other applications. Cancelling a GLN that is still actively used by trading partners may cause issues.
You share your GLNs directly with your customers or suppliers. This is not done automatically.
No. Each company is responsible for managing its own data.
Changes and updates
- If the GLN identifies a physical location (for example a warehouse, shop or branch) and you have moved to a different physical location, updating the address is not sufficient. You must create a new GLN because a GLN is linked to a specific physical location.
- If the GLN identifies a legal entity or a function (and not a physical location), the address can be updated without creating a new GLN.
Yes. An organisation's primary GLN remains unchanged. You cannot change the GLN itself, but the address details are automatically updated through synchronisation with Companyweb, provided the organisation is based in Belgium.
That depends on the situation. A GLN cannot simply be transferred to another legal entity. GS1 assesses each request individually. Please consult the Decision Support Tool.
Submit your contract transfer request via this link.
Peppol and e-invoicing
No. A GLN is not automatically registered in the Peppol Directory. You must register through a Peppol Access Point.
Not always. For many organisations, a company registration number or VAT number is sufficient as the Peppol identifier. This is also the legally required identification. A GLN is mainly recommended if you want to identify different departments, branches or invoice flows separately. This allows each department to use its own Peppol identity.