The GLN non-reuse rule is effective as of 1 July 2022.
An allocated GLN SHALL NOT be reallocated to another party and/or location.
The only exceptions are:
- If the GLN was never published in an externally accessible manner (e.g., to a registry or directly to a trading partner), it may be reused immediately;
- Parties and/or locations that have been withdrawn and are reintroduced may use the original GLN if they are reintroduced without any modifications or changes that require a new GLN as specified by the GS1 GLN Allocation Rules Standard.
GLNs discontinued and withdrawn from systems prior to 1 July 2022 may be considered for reuse one final time. However, companies are strongly advised to follow the non-reuse rule for all GLNs to avoid risks of conflicting data.
If a GLN was withdrawn prior to 1 July 2022, the previously applicable rules must be adhered to.
Note: All issuers of Global Location Numbers (GLNs) must ensure that GLNs allocated for locations used in the healthcare supply chain SHALL never be reused, e.g., locations where treatment of patients takes place, etc.
For more information, refer to GSCN 20-061.