Business Profile

Bar Coding

GS1 US

Headquarters

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

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Complaints

This profile includes complaints for GS1 US's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

Customer Complaints Summary

9 total complaints in the last 3 years.
4 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

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The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

Initial Complaint
Date:01/15/2026
Type:Product Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
To Whom It May Concern,I am submitting this complaint regarding GS1 US and their refusal to provide a reasonable exchange or credit for a digital product purchase made in error.On 1/8/2026, I mistakenly purchased two Global Location Numbers (GLNs) from GS1 US at a cost of $30 each, totaling $60. I realized the error immediately during or shortly after checkout and promptly emailed GS1 US customer support requesting that the purchase be changed to the product I had intended to buy: two GS1 US Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), which cost the same amount ($30 each, $60 total).This request was made immediately, before any use of the product, and the product in question is entirely digital. There are no shipping costs, physical inventory, or resource expenditures associated with issuing or exchanging these digital identifiers. Under these circumstances, an exchange or credit would not result in any financial or operational loss to GS1 US.Despite this, GS1 US has stated that they will not accommodate my request in any formno exchange, no credit, and no refundeffectively forcing me to repurchase the correct product and absorb the full cost of the error.GS1 US operates as a monopoly in this space; businesses that require REMOVEDcannot obtain them from alternative providers. Because I cannot take my business elsewhere, GS1 USs refusal to offer even a basic accommodation places customers at an unfair disadvantage and removes any meaningful consumer choice.I am not seeking special treatmentonly a reasonable resolution in the form of a credit or exchange from GLNs to GTINs of equal value. I believe this request is fair, proportional, and consistent with good business practices, especially given the immediate notice and the digital nature of the product.I respectfully request the BBBs assistance in facilitating a resolution whereby GS1 US provides a credit or exchange for the unused digital products.
Business Response
Date: 01/16/2026
Thank you for the opportunity to address this complaint. We understand the customers frustration and appreciate the chance to clarify what occurred on January 8, 2026 and how our policies apply.
At the time the application was completed, the checkout experience in the GS1 US Store displayed an order summary reflecting the purchase of two Global Location Numbers (GLNs) at $30 each and required the customer to read, understand, and agree to our No Refund/No Exchange policy before payment could be submitted. The policy states the following: GS1 Company Prefix/GS1 US GTIN/Global Location Number Cancellation/Exchange Policy: Once a payment is made to GS1 US, Inc., you may not exchange the licensed GS1 Company Prefix/GS1 US GTIN/Global Location Number. Payments are non-refundable, so please understand your numbering requirements before finalizing your application and making payment. For GS1 Company Prefix or GS1 US GTIN, click on the Barcode Estimator to understand the barcode/Global Trade Item Number requirements. By submitting the order, you understand the above cancellation/exchange policy. This policy applies to all GS1 US digital identifiers and is presented during checkout to ensure customers can review their selection and confirm understanding prior to purchase.
We recognize the customer intended to obtain REMOVEDGlobal Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) instead. While GLNs and GTINs are both GS1 identifiers, they serve different purposes (locations vs. trade items) and cannot be exchanged for one another after purchase. As a neutral not-for-profit organization, GS1 US is committed to maintaining fairness and neutrality for all our customers. This policy ensures that every customer is treated equally and that our operations remain unbiased. In keeping with the policy agreed to at checkout, a refund, credit, or exchange for the REMOVEDwill not be issued.
Customer Answer
Date: 01/24/2026

Complaint: 24402856

Thank you for the opportunity to respond. I acknowledge GS1 USs statement that a no-refund/no-exchange policy was presented during checkout and that I agreed to it. This complaint is not based on a dispute over the existence of that policy. The issue remains that GS1 US has relied exclusively on policy language without addressing whether refusing any accommodation was reasonable under the specific circumstances of this transaction. This was an immediately identified purchasing error involving a purely digital identifier that was never used, activated, assigned, or consumed. I contacted GS1 US promptly after purchase and requested a same-value substitution (two $30 GLNs for two $30 GTINs). No refund was requested, no free services were sought, and no additional cost or operational burden would have resulted from a credit or exchange. GS1 US states that refusing accommodation ensures fairness and neutrality. However, rigidly applying a policy without regard to contextparticularly where no harm, cost, or inequity would resultdoes not address whether the outcome itself is fair to the consumer. Treating all customers identically, even when circumstances clearly warrant flexibility, is not the same as treating customers fairly. Because REMOVEDis the sole provider of REMOVED, customers have no alternative vendor. This lack of consumer choice makes reasonable, good-faith customer service accommodations especially important. I am requesting BBBs assistance in conciliation to resolve this matter through a straightforward remedy -
an equal-value credit or exchange of the unused GLNs toward the intended GTIN purchase (or, if necessary, a credit less a reasonable administrative fee). If GS1 US declines conciliation, I respectfully request that the complaint be recorded as unresolved so that future consumers can accurately understand how GS1 US handles immediately identified digital purchase errors. I remain willing to resolve this matter amicably.

Sincerely,

REMOVED
Business Response
Date: 01/28/2026
Thank you for sharing your perspective. We understand and acknowledge your dissatisfaction with our decision, and we understand that the purchasing error was identified promptly and that the REMOVEDwere not used or assigned. However, after careful review, we must uphold our original determination. GS1 US identifier purchases are governed by a no-refund, no-exchange, and no-credit policy that is presented and accepted at checkout. To ensure consistent and equitable treatment for all members, this policy is applied uniformly in all situations.
While we understand your request for flexibility and do not take your feedback lightly, we are unable to offer a refund, exchange, or credit in this case. We acknowledge that the outcome does not align with your expectations, and we remain available to provide guidance on future purchases to help avoid similar situations.

Customer Answer
Date: 02/01/2026

Complaint: 24402856

I am rejecting this response because unfair business practices held by a monopoly leave the consumer no option to take their business elsewhere. Holding exclusivity in this space enables the business to have unreasonable business practices and policies without fear of recourse.

Regards,

REMOVED
Initial Complaint
Date:11/19/2025
Type:Product Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I submit this complaint to request urgent scrutiny of GS1 US, whose conduct in my case reflects indifference, obstruction, and unnecessary fee-seeking that undermines the credibility of their BBB accreditation. For a not-for-profit entity, this behavior is especially troubling and raises questions about how GS1 US interprets its nonprofit role.

I attempted a simple administrative correction: updating my GS1 account to reflect my newly registered DBA from the Los Angeles County Registrar. My business has not yet launched, the original name was never used or registered anywhere, or tied to any commercial activity—it was only a placeholder. Despite this, GS1 US insisted I purchase a completely new barcode—an extra $30—solely because the business name changed. This has no rational or procedural justification, as the barcode was never deployed or used in commerce.

Instead of assisting with a routine update, GS1 US responded with dismissiveness. A manager callback was promised and never provided, and multiple emails were ignored. Their silence, combined with the insistence on an unjustified second fee, reflects a lack of transparency and fairness.

A minor clerical update was turned into an unnecessary ordeal seemingly driven by an inclination to impose superfluous charges. That an accredited entity would operate this way is disconcerting.

I request that the BBB reevaluate GS1 US’s adherence to accreditation standards and require them to correct this matter without imposing an unwarranted second fee. Having exhausted all direct resolution attempts, I now rely on the BBB to ensure accountability.

I expect GS1 US to halt this blatant attempt to extract an unjustified second fee under the cover of its monopoly advantage, and to update my business name using the valid DBA documentation I provided—especially since my business has not yet begun and no barcode has ever been used in commerce.
Business Response
Date: 12/12/2025
GS1 US is aware of this
complaint but denies having acted improperly. This individual did not provide
necessary information to GS1 US to enable it to determine whether the number
could be transferred as he requested. GS1 US agreed to refund the individual’s
$30 payment and canceled his license to use the number.
Customer Answer
Date: 12/13/2025
Complaint: REMOVED

I am rejecting this response because:
GS1 US’s response is factually incorrect and procedurally deficient.

GS1 US states that I failed to provide information necessary to evaluate a business name update. That statement is inaccurate and contradicted by the documentary record. I submitted a DBA/FBN registration certificate issued by the Los Angeles County Registrar under my legal name. GS1 US did not issue a written deficiency notice, did not identify any missing requirement, did not cite any controlling policy, and did not provide an opportunity to cure. No administrative review occurred.

After I objected to an additional fee demand associated with a name change for a GS1 identifier that had never been used in commerce, I was advised that the update would not be approved. Although GS1 US did not explicitly state that a second payment was required, this effectively left re-registration under the new name—and repayment—as the only available path forward. GS1 US then terminated my license, issued a refund without authorization, and directed me not to contact the organization. These actions were taken through outside legal counsel rather than through ordinary administrative channels. The temporal and procedural sequence reasonably supports an inference of retaliation rather than routine account administration.

GS1 US exercises exclusive control over GS1 identifiers required by major U.S. retailers. Loss of access therefore functions as exclusion from essential retail channels. When a dominant standard-setting organization revokes access in response to a customer disputing fees, rather than adjudicating eligibility under disclosed, objective criteria, the conduct implicates unfair methods of competition and exclusionary gatekeeping over a market-essential facility.

The refund cited by GS1 US does not evidence resolution. I did not request cancellation, did not consent to termination, and did not authorize exclusion. The refund served to extinguish the relationship and eliminate further challenge. The accompanying cease-contact directive foreclosed administrative recourse and prevented review on the merits.

GS1 US’s conduct raises serious concerns regarding coercive use of monopoly control to suppress objections, deter scrutiny, and deny market access without due process. Such practices are incompatible with neutral administration of a standard-setting function and inconsistent with good-faith participation in commerce.

These facts directly implicate BBB accreditation standards. GS1 US failed to act transparently, failed to engage in good-faith dispute resolution, failed to provide accurate and complete explanations, and employed disproportionate measures that caused material harm to a small business. Continued accreditation under these circumstances exposes other small businesses to foreseeable risk of retaliatory exclusion.

Where a dominant standard-setting organization controls access to a market-essential identifier, uses opaque procedures to impose fees, responds to objections by terminating access through legal counsel, and forecloses further contact, the issue is not customer dissatisfaction but structural abuse of gatekeeping power. Such conduct undermines competitive access, chills lawful challenge, and predictably deters small businesses from asserting rights for fear of exclusion. The BBB should not lend its accreditation to practices that replicate these effects. Failure to scrutinize and address this conduct risks normalizing retaliatory exclusion as an acceptable business practice and exposes other small businesses to the same coercive harm.

The documented sequence—fee pressure, refusal to process lawful documentation, retaliatory termination of access, and legal silencing by an entity controlling an indispensable commercial standard—raises serious questions as to whether private regulatory power is being systematically leveraged to coerce compliance and suppress challenge in a manner that warrants scrutiny by appropriate oversight authorities beyond ordinary civil or administrative processes.

This submission reflects my direct experience and the competitive implications of the conduct described.

Regards,

REMOVED
Business Response
Date: 01/02/2026
Thank you for sharing your additional concerns. We reviewed your
complaint and related correspondence. After careful consideration and
consultation with our legal counsel, we have determined that no additional
response from GS1 US is necessary or required at this time.
Customer Answer
Date: 01/02/2026

Complaint: 24170366

I am rejecting this response because:
GS1 US stated in writing, and through its legal counsel, that my license was canceled and that a refund was issued. The refund check was issued under a business name I cannot cash, and I am still awaiting a corrected check under my legal name. When I recently accessed my account, I found that my GTIN is now active again, still under the original placeholder business name that I requested be corrected. This reactivation directly contradicts GS1 US’s written position that my license was terminated and leaves unresolved both the refund issue and the business-name update. GS1 US’s statement that no further response is required leaves these contradictions unaddressed and, in my view, reflects closure for containment rather than resolution on the merits.

Regards,

REMOVED
Initial Complaint
Date:10/16/2025
Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I accidentally bought a package of 1000 UPC barcodes when I meant to buy 100. It was an honest mistake and I have tried in good faith to reach someone with the authority to exchange this. I called their support number and they said someone would get back to me. It's been well over a week and no one did. I called again today and the representative assured me that someone would be 5pm. No one has called. I think they have zero accountability as they are a monopoly. Companies need to speak out. This is not fair. I am filing a series of complaints with AGs and a chargeback with my credit card company.
Business Response
Date: 10/17/2025
Dear Mr. REMOVEDyou for reaching out and sharing your concerns. We sincerely apologize for the lack of follow-up from our management team. You were assured that someone would contact you, and its clear that did not happen. We understand how frustrating that experience must have been, and we regret the inconvenience caused.

Regarding your request to exchange the REMOVEDbarcode package:at the time of licensing the GS1 Company Prefix (10/2/2025), the policy regarding no refunds and no identifier exchanges was clearly stated and agreed to. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and traceability of issued identifiers, and unfortunately, we are unable to make exceptions once a purchase has been finalized.
We recognize that this was an honest mistake and appreciate the good faith efforts youve made to resolve it. While we must uphold the terms of the agreement, we are committed to improving our communication and accountability. Your feedback is being taken seriously and will be shared with the appropriate teams to ensure better responsiveness moving forward.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. If theres anything else we can do to support you within the scope of our policies, please dont hesitate to let us know.
Customer Answer
Date: 10/17/2025

Complaint: 24026569

I am referring this to Loftie's counsel REMOVEDCoie. Please provide contact information for your legal department.

Regards,

REMOVED
Business Response
Date: 10/30/2025
Thank you for your message. We acknowledge your request for the contact information of GS1 US legal department in relation to your refund inquiry.
We are currently reviewing the matter and will ensure that the appropriate documentation is provided to the relevant legal contact for follow-up. We appreciate your patience as we complete this process and will be in touch shortly with the necessary details.

Customer Answer
Date: 10/30/2025

Complaint: 24026569

I am rejecting this response because they are clearly hoping I just give up. I've made a very simple request: an email contact for their legal department so that our attorneys can engage directly with theirs.

Regards,

REMOVED
Initial Complaint
Date:03/13/2025
Type:Order Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
REMOVED(a "neutral, not-for-profit, global organization") is forcing REMOVED(e.g. Amazon Sellers) to pay yearly dues ($200 in my instance) just to have the alleged privilege of having UPCs "active" in their system. REMOVEDhas provided negligible services to my small business, beyond collecting $200/year. They allow zero option to opt out of their forced services. REMOVEDoffers no discount or method to transfer my UPC codes away, essentially holding them hostage. I have asked them for an exemption and "REMOVED" sent a one sentence email response, "Gs1 does not offer exemptions from fees."For a nonprofit, this highly unethical business practice is extremely troubling, especially when small businesses are forced to comply with their strict terms and conditions ("agreement"). I wish there was a discount, especially for small business whose business is 75% of what it was last year, and yet they continue to hold hostage UPCs (and the ecommerce products connected to these UPCs) hostage. I.e. if you don't give them money each year, they will terminate your UPC, essentially taking down your entire product line on ecommerce.
Business Response
Date: 03/18/2025
As a neutral not-for-profit organization, GS1 US is committed to maintaining fairness and neutrality for all our customers. To uphold this principle, we do not offer exemptions or discounts on our services. This policy ensures that every customer is treated equally and that our operations remain unbiased. To provide clarification regarding the terms of the REMOVEDCompany Prefix license agreement that was agreed to when the REMOVEDPrefix was licensed by the customer, please see below.
As outlined in the agreement, the use of the REMOVEDis voluntary. However, if the licensee chooses to continue using the Prefix, it is subject to an annual renewal requirement. Specifically, the terms state:
"This license to use the Prefix shall automatically terminate after one year from the date of issuance by GS1 US unless the Licensee renews said license by timely payment of the then current and applicable annual renewal fee to GS1 US. For purposes of clarity, renewal fees shall not be applicable to the Single GTIN and Single GLN Identification Keys. Licensee shall be responsible for and pay GS1 US for all costs, expenses, or fees (including attorneys fees) relating to the collection of renewal payments. The Agreement and the license to use the Prefix or Identification Keys shall terminate should the Licensee cease doing business and no refunds shall be applied."
This means that to continue using the GS1 Company Prefix, it is necessary to renew the license annually by paying the applicable renewal fee. Failure to do so will result in the automatic termination of the license. Additionally, please note that renewal fees do not apply to Single GTIN and Single GLN Identification Keys.
We understand that this may be an inconvenience, and we are here to assist with any questions or concerns regarding the renewal process. Our goal is to ensure that customers have a seamless experience with REMOVED.
Customer Answer
Date: 03/19/2025

Complaint: 23062444

I am rejecting this response because:

The response provided does not address the core issueGS1s annual renewal fees for UPCs function as unfair, vague, monopolistic, and arguably extortionate practice. While REMOVEDclaims to operate as a "neutral not-for-profit organization," its troubling business model suggests otherwise. The organization holds a uniquely privileged position in the marketplace, which it leverages to compel small businesses to pay recurring fees under duress.

GS1 provides no substantive service in exchange for these fees. The claimed management of REMOVEDdoes not involve ongoing administrative work proportional to the cost imposed. Other forms of licensing typically involve either a one-time cost or a renewal fee commensurate with actual services provided.

The agreement may state that the use of a GS1 Company Prefix is voluntary, but in practice, it is not. Platforms such as REMOVEDrequire GS1-registered UPCs, leaving sellers with no viable alternative. This effectively forces businesses into a contractual obligation with REMOVEDunder terms that offer no flexibility, grace REMOVEDor alternative pricing structures for small businesses.

A contracts existence does not inherently make its terms reasonable, ethical, or free from scrutiny. Many monopolistic and anti-competitive practices rely on restrictive agreements that disproportionately disadvantage smaller entities. GS1s policy of charging perpetual fees for a service that is largely front-loaded (i.e., issuing a UPC once and merely maintaining a database) raises serious concerns about the fairness and necessity of such fees.

While no law requires businesses to purchase GS1 UPCs, major retail platforms, such as REMOVED, mandate GS1-issued barcodes for product listings. The supposed voluntary nature of GS1 prefixes is therefore illusorybusinesses must choose between compliance with GS1s terms or being denied access to critical sales channels.

Additionally, the financial penalty for non-renewal (having products delisted from REMOVED) illustrates that GS1 operates as a gatekeeper rather than a neutral provider. This contradicts the claim that businesses enter into agreements freely. If GS1 were truly neutral, it would advocate for competition in the marketplace rather than monopolizing barcode distribution under restrictive terms.

Furthermore, many businesses purchase GS1 barcodes under the assumption that the initial fee secures long-term use, only to later discover that failure to pay renewal fees results in product delisting. If the renewal fee is essential, GS1 should be transparent at the point of sale about the long-term financial burden, rather than embedding it in fine print.

GS1's refusal to offer exemptions or discounts REMOVEDsmall businesses. While claiming neutrality, the organization operates in a manner that aligns with monopolistic control rather than a non-profit service provider. The lack of competition and the financial penalties for non-renewal raise concerns about whether GS1s policies align with principles of fair trade.

Many sellers require multiple UPCs due to product variations (e.g., different sizes, colors, bundles), making single GTINs impractical and prohibitively expensive when purchasing them individually. The single GTIN model does not solve the underlying problemit merely shifts businesses into a different high-cost structure.

Furthermore, GS1 did not always require renewals; prior to 2002, prefixes were sold without annual fees. The shift to a subscription-based model appears to serve GS1s financial interests rather than providing additional value to businesses. This raises the question: If REMOVEDissued before 2002 function indefinitely without "management," why should those issued today require costly, perpetual oversight?

If GS1 insists that the fees cover necessary operational costs, it should provide a detailed breakdown of where these fees are allocatedparticularly how they benefit individual license holders beyond merely sustaining GS1s internal operations.

Do note "non-profit status" does not inherently absolve an organization from unfair business practices. REMOVEDis the sole recognized provider of REMOVEDthat REMOVEDand other major retailers accept. This unique position enables GS1 to impose fees without competition, a textbook example of monopolistic behavior.

Given these concerns, and the clear imbalance in the exchange of value, a reasonable resolution would be for GS1 to waive the renewal fee in this instance. If GS1 is indeed committed to fairness, transparency, and neutrality, as claimed, it should be willing to accommodate businesses, such as mine which revenue has fallen 34% compared to last year. I have been burdened by these fees without meaningful justification for their necessity.

A reconsideration of the policy and a waiver of the renewal fee would demonstrate that GS1 does not merely operate as a compulsory toll for market access but as an organization genuinely invested in fair and reasonable business practices, especially for being a nonprofit.
Business Response
Date: 03/28/2025
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns with us. We acknowledge the challenges your business is facing, especially with the significant revenue decline you mentioned. We genuinely empathize with your situation and appreciate your candid feedback.

At GS1 US, we strive to uphold our commitment to fairness,transparency, and neutrality. As indicated in your agreement, the policies, including the no-refund and non-waiver of annual renewal frees, were agreed to at the time of membership. These policies are designed to ensure consistency and fairness for all our members. While we understand that this may not provide immediate relief in your specific case, these policies are in place to maintain the integrity and sustainability of our services for the entire community.
Customer Answer
Date: 03/31/2025

Complaint: 23062444

I am rejecting this response because:

Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, your response does not resolve the core issues raised in my original complaint and appears to simply reiterate policy rather than address the substantive concerns of ethical business practice, disproportionate fee structures, and monopolistic implications.
Your reply essentially states, Our hands are tied due to policy, but the Better Business Bureau exists precisely to evaluate whether such policies are fair, transparent, and implemented in good faithnot just whether they exist in a contract.
This response fails to acknowledge or engage with the specific grievances I outlined, including:
The lack of meaningful services provided in exchange for the ongoing fees;
The exploitative leverage GS1 holds as the only recognized source of REMOVEDs accepted by major platforms like REMOVED;
The misleading nature of GS1's original value propositionmany small businesses enter thinking the REMOVEDis a one-time purchase, only to later find out they are trapped in a perpetual fee structure;
The absence of accommodations, exemptions, or even flexible pricing tiers for small businesses, especially those suffering measurable revenue loss;
The inconsistent historical precedentprior to 2002, GS1 sold prefixes without any ongoing fees, proving that perpetual renewals are not structurally necessary for barcode validity or product traceability;
The disingenuous use of "voluntary" terminology, when in practice, GS1's position as a monopoly supplier makes participation functionally mandatory for REMOVEDsellers.
A contract is not a shield for questionable or exploitative practices, especially when entered into under unequal bargaining power and practical coercion. The BBB regularly evaluates whether such agreements reflect industry best practices, transparency, and fairness. Here, GS1s model appears misaligned with the ethical obligations of a nonprofit entityparticularly one that claims to serve a broad and diverse community of businesses, including small operations like mine.
To reiterate: this is not simply a request for an exemption from a fee. This is a formal challenge to the ethicality and fairness of your organization's business model as it applies to small businesses, and a request for a reasonable and tailored resolution to a clearly one-sided arrangement.
I therefore renew my request that GS1 waive the renewal fee in this specific instance, given my substantial business downturn and the negligible services received in exchange for this fee. At minimum, I am requesting a clear, itemized accounting of what this fee supports on a per-license-holder basis and how it justifies the cost to my business in practical terms.
If GS1 continues to maintain a rigid, inflexible policy stance while simultaneously claiming to operate with neutrality and fairness, I will have no choice but to escalate this matter furthernot only within the BBB framework but also through relevant trade organizations, public business forums, and small business advocacy channels.
I look forward to GS1 taking meaningful action that reflects the values it purports to uphold as a nonprofit industry REMOVED.

Regards,

REMOVED
Initial Complaint
Date:12/31/2024
Type:Product Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
When started with REMOVED. You guys got me open to account for the same company. Now you telling me to tranfert prefix from one to the other charge 187$. Now you need a letter from lawyer after sending all documents for them to sight a other 200$. Why after email back and forth no one is able to call and help me. Just email back and forth. Wast of time and money
Business Response
Date: 01/02/2025
Hello,
In order for us to better address your inquiry, we kindly ask that you provide us with the name of the company that licensed the GS1 Company Prefix from GS1 US.
Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to your response.
Initial Complaint
Date:10/30/2024
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I bought a license for prefix and GS1 terminated it. Now, they want another $750 to reinstate it. My objection is on their business practice all together, a very valuable practice put in the wrong hands and minds.
Business Response
Date: 11/21/2024
Hello,
Before the GS1 Company Prefix license for esouk, REMOVEDcompany, was terminated for non-payment of the annual license fee on 5/3/2024 several invoices were emailed and mailed to REMOVED. The annual license fee is due on or before 12/31 of each year. REMOVEDlicensed the GS1 Company Prefix on 12/2/2021 and at the time of completing the application for the license, it was indicated that an annual renewal fee is required to be paid in order to keep using the prefix. Invoices for the renewal period of 1/1/2024-12/31/2024 were emailed to REMOVEDon the following dates: 11/2/2023, 12/18/2023, 1/16//2024, and 3/4/2024. A phone call was also made on 3/21/2024 to REMOVEDwhich was the only telephone number we had on file for REMOVED. On 5/3/2024, a termination of the prefix license notification was emailed to the customer. We did not receive any responses to our attempts until 10/29/2024.
Additionally, when REMOVEDcompleted our online application for the GS1 Company Prefix on 12/21/2021, they agreed to our GS1 US COMPANY PREFIX AND IDENTIFICATION KEY LICENSE AGREEMENT and section 11 of the agreement states the following:
Termination. GS1 US may, in its sole discretion, terminate this Agreement and Licensees right to use the Prefix and/or Identification Keys immediately if the Licensee
does not comply directly or indirectly with any term of this Agreement. This license to use the Prefix shall automatically terminate after one year from the date of issuance by GS1
US unless the Licensee renews said license by timely payment of the then current and applicable annual renewal fee to GS1 US. For purposes of clarity, renewal fees shall not
be applicable to the Single GTIN and Single GLN Identification Keys. Licensee shall be responsible for and pay GS1 US for all costs, expenses, or fees (including attorneys
fees) relating to the collection of renewal payments. The Agreement and the license to use the Prefix or Identification Keys shall terminate should the Licensee cease doing business and no refunds shall be applied.
Because of these facts, no refund was issued to the customer.
Initial Complaint
Date:10/22/2023
Type:Product Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
we purchased UPC codes from this company just to fulfill amazon selling requirement.amazon does not accept the codes we purchased from them. we never used any of their codes. we want to cancel our order and get refund asap.
Business Response
Date: 11/02/2023
The GS1 Company Prefix licensed to EMPEROR ENTERPRISES LLC on 10/10/2023 can be used to create GTINs to identify products. When the customer licensed the GS1 Company Prefix, the customer selected that they read and agreed to the Prefix/GS1 US GTIN/Global Location Number/Exchange Policy which states: GS1 Company Prefix/GS1 US GTIN/Global Location Number Cancellation/Exchange Policy: Once a payment is made to GS1 US, Inc., you may not exchange the licensed GS1 Company Prefix/GS1 US GTIN/Global Location Number. Payments are non-refundable, so please understand your numbering requirements before finalizing your application and making payment. For GS1 Company Prefix or GS1 US GTIN, click on the Barcode Estimator to understand the barcode/Global Trade Item Number requirements. By submitting the order, you understand the above cancellation/exchange policy.
While the communication we received was unclear as to what the details were regarding Amazon's refusal to accept the GTINs, we provided the customer with a link to our webpage for Amazon Seller assistance: REMOVED. This webpage provides a list of common challenges and possible solutions that we hear from our GS1 US members who try to list their products with Amazon. If the customer would like to provide us with the specifics of the issue(s) they experienced with Amazon, we will be more than happy to offer detailed guidance on how to resolve this issue with Amazon so they may move forward with listing their product(s) with Amazon.
Due to the customer agreeing to the Prefix/REMOVEDGTIN/Global Location Number/Exchange Policy a refund will not be issued.
Customer Answer
Date: 11/02/2023

Complaint: 20767100

I am rejecting this response because this is not fair.
Amazon and GS1 is forcing us to buy the REMOVEDcodes from them.When it does not work, they do not take any responsiblity.
If you are not going to refund this, I will need you to change my prefix and issue me new codes for my different company so I can try with it.
After this point, I will not keep you responsible for it. I will need prefix to be changed and new prefix given to my new company.

Regards,

REMOVED
Business Response
Date: 11/08/2023
To help understand the issue(s) you are experiencing with listing your products with the GTIN(s) you licensed, please provide the reason for rejection from Amazon and also the GTIN(s) that you submitted to them. We would like to understand and try to help you resolve this issue with the GTIN(s) you licensed as they are authentic and uniquely identify your company's brand and products.
Customer Answer
Date: 11/20/2023

Complaint: 20767100

I am rejecting this response because: Amazon does not accept the GS1 codes for my company.
I am being very reasonable. I am not asking you to provide me refund.
I am only asking you to transfer GS1 codes to my another company with new prefix so I can start selling my products.
Only thing I am asking from you is to provide me new prefix and attach it to my company.

Regards,

REMOVED
Initial Complaint
Date:07/11/2023
Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I bought 12 barcodes in for 2020 for $250. During covid, i had a hardship that prevented me from using my barcodes. Now nobody can tell me what happened to my barcodes or compensate me my $250
Business Response
Date: 08/07/2023

This letter is in response to the above referenced complaint.

Our records reflect that REMOVEDapplied for GS1 US Membership and was licensed a GS1 Company Prefix on 12/31/2020. According to the license agreement (agreed upon at the time of application), a license renewal invoice (for the continued use of the licensed GS1 Company Prefix) was sent November 1, 2021. Reminder invoices were sent each month to REMOVED; however, no payment nor response was received. The license was terminated on 5/4/2022. I see record of phone conversations REMOVEDhad with our office (as recently as 7/12/2023) regarding receiving a credit for the initial fee paid for the terminated prefix license. REMOVEDwas advised that REMOVEDdoes not issue credits as the initial fee paid on 12/31/2020 was for the first year of membership.

Through our conversation with REMOVEDon 7/12/2023, a refund nor credit will be issued for the initial fee paid on 12/31/2020.

Sincerely,

REMOVEDW

REMOVED | Manager, Member Support | GS1 US
Customer Answer
Date: 08/07/2023

Complaint: 20308105

I am rejecting this response because:

I did reach out and let them know my business was on hold for Covid.
They never told me I would lose all my credits.

$250 later I have nothing

Regards,

REMOVED
Business Response
Date: 08/23/2023

Regarding Complaint #REMOVEDfor REMOVED:

On February 1, 2022, an agent called REMOVEDat REMOVEDand introduced himself and the company he was calling from. She said, no thank you and disconnected the call. This call was one of several efforts to obtain payment for the past due renewal of the GS1 Company Prefix license for Maliib. There isnt a record of a phone call or email, prior to the termination of the license, from REMOVEDadvising REMOVEDthat her business was on hold. Additionally, the license agreement that REMOVEDagreed states that the renewal of the license must be paid to continue usage of the GS1 Company Prefix.

The previous decision still stands. There will be no issue of a refund or credit.

Best Regards,

REMOVED
Customer Answer
Date: 08/23/2023

Complaint: 20308105

I am rejecting this response because:

please have the company provide a record of a call, email or anything signed about losing $250.

I did call and they would not let me renew in order to extort me into paying $250 again

Regards,

REMOVED

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