GS1, a not-for-profit association, introduced the barcode and enhanced global standards for efficient business communication across the global supply chain. GS1 Canada is one of 116 GS1 Member Organizations worldwide. GS1 has been partnering with the industry globally for over 50 years—even before GS1 introduced the first barcode on a pack of gum in 1974. Today, GS1 barcodes are scanned 10 billion times a day, and GS1 standards are the world's most widely used system of standards.
In Canada, GS1 Canada collaborates with business leaders, industry boards, advisory councils, and industry work groups through its unique community management role to develop standards, guidelines, and non-proprietary business solutions. Partnering with industry, GS1 Canada provides education and implementation support to subscribers of all sizes across multiple sectors.