The GS1 Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN) is a standards-based network through which suppliers publish product master data once to a certified data pool, and retailers, distributors and healthcare providers subscribe to it. Items are identified by GTIN, information provider GLN and target market, and the GS1 Global Registry connects publishers and subscribers across data pools.
The GS1 Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN) is a standards-based network that lets trading partners exchange product master data automatically. A supplier publishes item data once to a GS1-certified data pool, and retailers, distributors and other recipients subscribe to receive it, along with every subsequent update. GDSN is widely used in grocery, consumer goods, foodservice, DIY and healthcare, where accurate logistics and regulatory data is a condition of listing.
How GDSN works
GDSN runs on a publish and subscribe model across interconnected data pools. GS1 states that only trading partners using a certified data pool can synchronise data through the network. The flow follows a fixed sequence:
- Load: the data source (usually the brand owner or manufacturer) loads item data into its chosen data pool, typically from a PIM or ERP.
- Validate: the data pool checks the data against GDSN validation rules.
- Register: core item information is registered in the GS1 Global Registry, which acts as the directory showing which data pool holds which item.
- Subscribe: the data recipient, through its own data pool, subscribes to items, suppliers or categories.
- Publish: the source publishes items to specific recipients or target markets, and data moves between the two data pools as Catalogue Item Notification (CIN) messages.
- Confirm: the recipient returns a Catalogue Item Confirmation (CIC), with a status such as received, review, synchronised or rejected.
Because data pools interconnect, supplier and retailer do not need to use the same provider.
Which data GDSN carries
GDSN uses a global data model with a large set of standard attributes, extended by target market and sector-specific requirements. The main groups are:
| Attribute group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Identification | GTIN, information provider GLN, target market, brand, functional name |
| Classification | GS1 Global Product Classification (GPC) brick |
| Packaging hierarchy | Each, inner pack, case, pallet, quantity of children |
| Measurements | Height, width, depth, gross and net weight, net content |
| Logistics | Stacking, handling, temperature, shelf life |
| Regulatory and safety | Allergens, nutrition, ingredients, hazardous goods, country of origin |
| Packaging and sustainability | Packaging materials, weights, recycling information (market dependent) |
| Marketing and media | Descriptions, consumer-facing text, links to images and documents |
The unique item key is the combination of GTIN, information provider GLN and target market. The same GTIN can therefore carry different data for different countries, which matters for labelling, language and regulatory differences.
In the EU food sector, GDSN is a common route for supplying the mandatory food information that Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 requires for distance selling, such as allergens and ingredients.
Who provides GDSN data pools
GS1 maintains a list of certified data pools, which in October 2026 contains 45 entries representing 44 organisations. Providers fall into two groups:
- GS1 Member Organisation pools, such as GS1 UK TrueSource, GS1 Switzerland firstbase, GS1 Denmark, GS1 Canada and GS1 Australia's National Product Catalogue.
- Commercial providers, such as 1WorldSync and Syndigo, which often combine GDSN with wider content syndication services.
Choice usually depends on the target markets and retailers served, sector expertise, PIM connectors and pricing.
GDSN sits alongside other GS1 services. Verified by GS1 provides a registry of core GTIN attributes for basic product identification, and GS1 Digital Link encodes GTINs in web addresses used in QR codes, a building block often discussed for the digital product passport.
How GDSN fits with PIM and other channels
A PIM and GDSN have complementary roles. The PIM is the internal system of record where product data is created, enriched and approved for all channels. GDSN is one outbound channel for standardised master data to trading partners, next to marketplaces, retailer portals and feeds covered in product data syndication.
Practical integration points:
- Data model alignment: GDSN attributes, code lists and units should be mapped in the PIM data model, with target market variants where needed.
- Hierarchies: packaging levels (each, case, pallet) need their own GTINs and linked records.
- Validation in the PIM: applying GDSN rules before publication reduces rejections at the data pool.
- Feedback handling: CIC responses from recipients should flow back to data owners for correction.
Many PIM vendors offer certified or partner connectors to data pools. For independent PIM vendor overviews, see PIM Vendors.
Practical next steps
- List the retailers and distributors that require GDSN, and their target markets.
- Select a certified data pool that covers those markets and connects to the PIM.
- Map GDSN attributes and GPC bricks in the PIM data model, including packaging hierarchies.
- Add GDSN validation rules to PIM completeness checks.
- Set up processes for handling recipient confirmations and correction requests.
- Align GDSN data with supplier onboarding and DPP preparations to reuse attributes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a GDSN data pool?
A GDSN data pool is a GS1-certified service that stores a company's product data, validates it against GDSN rules, registers items in the GS1 Global Registry and exchanges data with other data pools. Only trading partners using a certified data pool can synchronise data through GDSN.
Is GDSN mandatory?
GDSN is a voluntary standard, but many retailers, wholesalers and healthcare providers require suppliers to publish through it as a condition of listing products.
What is the difference between GDSN and a PIM?
A PIM manages and enriches product information internally across all channels. GDSN is a network for exchanging standardised master data between trading partners. The PIM typically feeds the data pool.