About Us

GS1 Bahrain is an independent not-for-profit organisation established in 2000 by representatives from industry and trade. GS1 Bahrain is the leading provider of supply chain standards and solutions for over 20 industry sectors providing standards and services to local companies. We introduced barcoding to the Bahrain in 2000 and today we enable more than 1,000 companies, of all sizes, to become more efficient by implementing the GS1 system.
We bring businesses, associations and industries together. This blended community comes to GS1 Bahrain for advice, networking and solutions to their supply chain challenges. GS1 Bahrain is part of a worldwide network of GS1 organizations in over 100 countries and a global office based in Brussels, Belgium. Our charter is to supply and manage barcode numbers, operate and manage supply chain standards in accordance with our global GS1 system and to provide related solutions and services to our customers.

Our Mission and Vision

At GS1 Bahrain, we strive to be the “Global Language of Business”. We also aim to make GS1 standards and services the most trusted and used in the supply chain.

Our Purpose

At GS1 Bahrain, our aim is to help Bahraini businesses adopt GS1 standards and encourage local businesses to play a key role in developing and maintaining the standards on an ongoing basis.

Future Goals

Looking towards the future, our aim is to:

  • Encourage businesses from an increasing range of industry sectors to collaborate more actively with us and each other.
  • Provide a range of services that allow businesses to use the GS1 system to create efficiencies in their supply chains and overall business.
  • Support our customers through providing: high quality education, training and customer care.

We are driven and governed by our customers, and all our services are provided on a cost recovery basis. We collaborate with our local stakeholder communities to develop and implement a robust system of standards which enable the unique identification, accurate capture and automatic sharing of authentic information about products, locations and events.

We are at the forefront of eCommerce and supply chain management initiatives, and are committed to helping Bahrain businesses adopt the world’s best practice in supply chain management techniques and streamline their processes.

We aim to help businesses ensure a fast, efficient and accurate flow of information with their trading partners all over the world.

Barcode Integrity

All over the world manufacturers and retailers rely on the GS1 system. You can trust that GS1 barcode numbers issued by an authorized GS1 organization are unique, accurate, and based on current global standards. Here in the Bahrain, GS1 Bahrain administers the GS1 system and is the only authorized source for GS1 barcode numbers and standards.

How we got here

Over the last 40 years, we’ve opened offices in over 100 countries and amassed more than a million members using supply chain standards that make business easier. Learn about key dates in our history.

  • 1973:   The barcode standard is agreed

    Industry leaders in the US select a single standard for product identification. Still used today, it’s known as the GS1 barcode.

  • 1974:   The first barcode is scanned

    On 26 April, a packet of chewing gum becomes the first barcoded product to be scanned in a supermarket.

  • 1977:   The GS1 system is launched

    The European Article Numbering (EAN) Association — later called GS1 — opens an office in Brussels. Its founding members launch an identification system to improve supply chain efficiency.

  • 1983:   Barcodes are used on wholesale multi-packs

    As barcodes have proved their reliability and usefulness in real-world environments, they are extended and used on product outer cases.

  • 1989:   GS1 moves beyond barcodes

    With wide area networks making an impact on supply chains, we create our first international standard for electronic data interchange.

  • 1990:   Responsibilities grow

    The US and international arms of GS1 come together formally, creating a single organisation with a presence in 45 countries.

  • 1995:   First healthcare standards created

    We expand our work into the healthcare sector, working closely with healthcare bodies and providers.

  • 1999:   The GS1 DataBar arrives

    After significant research and design, the GS1 DataBar is created. This holds more information than a barcode, yet is significantly smaller.

  • 2000:   90th local office opens

    In just ten years, we double the number of countries in which we have a local presence.

  • 2002:   Global standards forum launched

    Our Global Standards Management Process is launched. This global forum gives GS1 members one place to discuss standards.

  • 2004:   The first standard for RFID is created

    With Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Chips becoming more common, we create a standard for their implementation and use.

  • 2007:   GS1 enters the business-to-consumer world

    As ecommerce grows, we begin to create open standards that give consumers direct access to key product information.

  • 2013:   A 40-year celebration

    With a presence in over 100 countries and more than a million members, we celebrate 40 years of the global language of business.