globalLocationNumber

globalLocationNumber · Recommended

Appears in

Organization

What is it?

A Global Location Number (GLN) is a 13-digit identifier issued by GS1, the international standards body responsible for barcodes and supply chain identification. It pinpoints a specific physical location or legal entity within the GS1 global registry, covering everything from a company's registered headquarters to an individual warehouse dock door. Schema.org uses globalLocationNumber to attach that identifier to an Organization, Person, or Place in structured data.

Why this matters for AEO

AI answer engines build knowledge graphs by resolving named entities to canonical records. A GLN gives an AI system a direct lookup key into GS1's authoritative registry, confirming that "Walmart Distribution Center, Bentonville AR" is precisely this physical location and not an ambiguous text string. When an organization publishes its GLN in structured data, AI engines can cross-reference the GS1 database, validate the entity's existence, and merge it confidently with supply chain records, mapping data, and business directories. This reduces the chance of an AI engine conflating two similarly named companies or locations.

What the specs say

Schema.org:globalLocationNumber expects a Text value. The Global Location Number (GLN, sometimes also referred to as International Location Number or ILN) of the respective organization, person, or place. The GLN is a 13-digit number used to identify parties and physical locations. [Source: https://schema.org/globalLocationNumber]

Google: Recommended. "The GS1 Global Location Number identifying the location of your Organization." [Source: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data/organization]

How to find your value

GLNs are assigned by GS1 Member Organizations. To obtain or look up your company's GLN:

1. Visit the GS1 global registry at https://www.gs1.org/ and navigate to the GLN registry.
2. Contact your national GS1 member organization (GS1 US, GS1 UK, GS1 Germany, etc.) if your company already has a GS1 Company Prefix.
3. Use the GS1 Company Database (GEPIR) search tool to look up whether your organization already has a registered GLN.
4. If your company participates in retail or logistics, your trading partners may already have a GLN on file for you.

A GLN is always exactly 13 digits. It is not a string with letters, slashes, or separators.

Format and code

The value is a plain 13-digit numeric string. No spaces, no hyphens.

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Organization",
  "name": "Maersk Line",
  "globalLocationNumber": "5790000220057"
}

Invalid formats to avoid:

{
  "globalLocationNumber": "5790000220057-01"
}

{
  "globalLocationNumber": "GLN: 5790000220057"
}

Webflow implementation

Static pages

Add the JSON-LD block to your homepage or about page via Page Settings > Custom Code > Head Code:

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Organization",
  "name": "Your Company",
  "globalLocationNumber": "1234567890123"
}
</script>

CMS template pages

globalLocationNumber is an organization-level identifier, not a per-page field, so CMS bindings are not typically needed. Set it once on the site-wide organization schema on your homepage or About page.

In Schema HQ

globalLocationNumber is output in the Organization schema editor under the Disambiguation section. Enter your 13-digit GLN once and it will be included in every published organization schema block across your site.

Real examples

GS1 assigns GLNs to large retailers, manufacturers, and logistics operators. Maersk, IKEA, and Carrefour all hold registered GLNs for their headquarters and distribution facilities. A representative example for a fictitious but structurally valid use:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Organization",
  "name": "Carrefour SA",
  "url": "https://www.carrefour.com",
  "globalLocationNumber": "3012345678901"
}

Related fields

• leiCode
• duns
• iso6523Code
• taxID
• vatID

FAQ

Does every business need a GLN?

No. GLNs are most common in retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing where GS1 standards govern supply chain operations. A typical software company or professional services firm will not have one. Add this field only if your organization actually has a registered GLN.

What is the difference between a GLN and a GTIN?

A GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) identifies a product or item. A GLN identifies a party (company, legal entity) or physical location. They both come from GS1 but serve different purposes.

Is the GLN the same as a GS1 Company Prefix?

No. A GS1 Company Prefix is a shorter number that forms the base of multiple GS1 identifiers including GLNs and GTINs. Your GLN is derived from your Company Prefix but is a distinct 13-digit identifier.