Identification Granularity

Identification granularity defines the level of precision used to identify a product in the DPP context. There are three levels of granularity: model, batch, and serial. The model level identifies only the product type (via GTIN). The batch level identifies a specific production batch (GTIN + batch number). The serial level identifies an individual unit (GTIN + serial number). The required granularity depends on the product category and EU delegated acts. For example, some electronic products require serial-level identification for complete traceability. Verisav supports all granularity levels in accordance with GS1 GSCN 23-103 specification. Identification granularity is a fundamental concept in the Digital Product Passport context that defines the level of precision used to identify a product. It determines at what level of detail a product can be traced and identified in the system. There are three main granularity levels defined by GS1 GSCN 23-103 specification: model level, which identifies only the product type via its GTIN, without distinction between individual units, batch level, which identifies a specific production batch by combining GTIN with a batch number (via Application Identifier AI 10), thus enabling tracking of all products from the same production batch, and serial level, which identifies an individual unit by combining GTIN with a unique serial number (via Application Identifier AI 21), thus enabling complete traceability of each individual product. Required granularity depends on several factors: product category (certain categories require finer granularity), regulatory requirements (European Union delegated acts may impose a specific granularity level), traceability needs (certain products require unit-level traceability for security, warranty, or compliance reasons), and industry practices (certain industries traditionally use specific granularity). For example, some electronic products (smartphones, computers, etc.) require serial-level identification for complete traceability, warranty management, and regulatory compliance. Other products may be identified at model or batch level depending on requirements. Verisav supports all granularity levels in accordance with GS1 GSCN 23-103 specification, thus enabling companies to choose the appropriate level according to their needs and regulatory obligations, and ensuring compliance with GS1 standards and ESPR regulation.