What kind of information is linked to the GS1 Identification Key?

Each GS1 Identification Key identifies a trade item or other entity such as a location or logistic unit uniquely. Each key is a unique reference for the entity being identified, so the database record holds the master data for the item concerned. 

For a trade item identified with a GTIN, the information may include its brand, product name, size, colour, flavour or weight. Other GS1 keys will require similar relevant information about the identified entity. The GS1 System states that 'each variant of a product should be assigned a separate, unique GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)'. Moreover, the GS1 System is based on the non-significance of the numbers. In addition, it is recommended that numbers are allocated serially, in a non-significant way. See GTIN Management Rules for more information.