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TechnologyGLN

GLN (Global Location Number)

Quick answer

13-digit GS1 code uniquely identifying a location (HQ, warehouse, store, delivery dock).

Key takeaways

  • NAD+BY (Buyer) → buyer GLN
  • NAD+SU (Supplier) → supplier GLN
  • NAD+DP (Delivery Place) → delivery location GLN (usually the retailer store/DC, NOT the legal seat)
  • NAD+IV (Invoicee) → invoicing entity GLN

Definition

GLN (Global Location Number) is a 13-digit GS1 identifier marking a unique physical or legal entity in a commercial transaction: legal seat, warehouse, store, retailer delivery dock, specific receiving bay.

How it appears in EDI

  • NAD+BY (Buyer) → buyer GLN
  • NAD+SU (Supplier) → supplier GLN
  • NAD+DP (Delivery Place) → delivery location GLN (usually the retailer store/DC, NOT the legal seat)
  • NAD+IV (Invoicee) → invoicing entity GLN

Common confusion: physically shipping to the legal-seat GLN instead of the store GLN → rejected order and penalty.

Practical example: Carrefour

Carrefour has one GLN for the legal entity (invoicing) and separate GLNs for each hypermarket / distribution center. The supplier must keep a complete map: internal location code ↔ Carrefour GLN.

How to obtain one

  • Companies with a GS1 prefix issue their own GLNs
  • For retailer/partner GLNs, they are shared at onboarding or pulled from GDSN
  • CRMconnect keeps a pre-mapped library for native retailers (Carrefour, Auchan, Kaufland, Lidl, Mega Image, Profi, Metro, Dedeman, Hornbach, Leroy Merlin)

Last updated:

Frequently asked

Can a GLN be reused if a location closes?+

No. GS1 rules require a deactivated GLN not to be reused for at least 48 months from deactivation.

Difference between GLN and GTIN?+

GTIN identifies a product (what); GLN identifies a location or legal entity (where/who).

Where CRMconnect fits

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Related terms

Technology

GS1

The global organization managing trade identification standards: GTIN (EAN), GLN, SSCC, EANCOM.

Logistics

SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)

Unique 18-digit code identifying an individual transport unit - pallet, case, container.

Technology

GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)

Global product identification code - base for EAN-13, UPC, marketplaces.

Technology

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)

Structured exchange of commercial documents between B2B partners, without emails or manual data entry.