GDTI Global Document Type Identifier
The unique identifier for digital and physical documents — enabling secure verification, authentication, and lifecycle tracking.
What is a GDTI?
A GDTI (Global Document Type Identifier) is a unique identifier assigned to a specific document type or an individual document instance — enabling standardized referencing, verification, and tracking across supply chains and business processes.
The GDTI serves two purposes: it can identify a document class (e.g., "Certificate of Analysis" or "Bill of Lading") and also a specific document instance (e.g., Certificate #A12345). This dual capability makes it invaluable for document authentication, anti-counterfeiting, and digital transformation initiatives.
What can be identified with a GDTI?
- Certificates & licenses - quality certs, calibration certificates, professional licenses.
- Commercial documents - invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, customs declarations.
- Lab reports & analysis - Certificate of Analysis (CoA), test results, safety data sheets.
- Warranty & registration - product warranty cards, extended service agreements.
- Digital product passports - sustainability credentials, circular economy documentation.
- GDTI provides cryptographic - grade document authenticity — crucial for anti-counterfeiting and regulatory compliance.
GDTI Structure
A 14-digit base plus optional serial number, using Application Identifier (AI) 253.
(8–9 digits)
(2–4 digits) + Check Digit
(alphanumeric, up to 25 chars)
Key Benefits of Using GDTI
Transform document management from chaos to trusted digital backbone.
Document Authentication
Verify document authenticity instantly by scanning a barcode/QR - critical for certificates, diplomas, and compliance docs.
Link Physical to Digital
Embed GDTI in a QR code on printed certificates - scan to retrieve digital version, metadata, or verification status.
Document Lifecycle Tracking
Track issuance, distribution, expiration, and revocation of each document instance.
Anti-Counterfeiting
Fake documents cannot replicate the GS1-registered GDTI — secure supply chains from fraudulent certificates.
Automated Processing
Scan GDTI barcodes to auto-populate ERP, customs, or quality systems — eliminate manual data entry.
Global Interoperability
GDTI is recognized across borders and industries - ideal for cross-border trade and regulatory compliance.
GDTI in Action
Real-world examples of document identification with GDTI.
Retail Loyalty
Customer scans GSRN QR code from mobile app at checkout — system applies points, offers, and tracks purchase history without exposing personal data.
Bill of Lading
Logistics provider assigns GDTI to each Bill of Lading. Port authorities scan to validate and process cargo release instantly.
Digital Diploma
University issues digital diplomas with GDTI. Employers scan QR to verify credential authenticity without contacting the registrar.
GDTI Best Practices
- Always use GS1 Digital Link for consumer‑facing documents — it provides a richer web experience.
- Store document metadata (issuance date, expiry, status) in a resolvable database linked to GDTI.
- Never reuse a GDTI serial number for a different document instance.
- For high-security documents, combine GDTI with digital signatures or blockchain anchoring.
- Include human‑readable GDTI below the barcode for manual fallback.
Frequently Asked Questions
GDTI Resources & Tools
How to implement GDTI
Follow these steps to start using GDTI for document identification.
- ✔ Obtain GS1 Company Prefix - from GS1 Qatar.
- ✔ Define document types - assign a unique document type code for each document class (CoA, invoice, certificate).
- ✔ Generate GDTI base - combine prefix + document type + check digit.
- ✔ Add serial numbers (optional) - for individual document instances.
- ✔ Encode in barcode/QR - use GS1-128 or GS1 Digital Link QR code.
- ✔ Deploy verification portal - create a web service that returns document status when a GDTI is queried.
