IEPI

EPCglobal Identifier. The unique electronic identifier of a product or logistic unit carried on an RFID tag.

Definition

An EPCglobal identifier (sometimes noted IEPI in French docs) is a unique numeric code carried on an RFID tag compliant with the GS1 EPC Tag Data Standard. It extends a regular GS1 key (GTIN, SSCC, GLN, GRAI) by adding a serial number to uniquely identify every physical instance of a product. Common format: SGTIN-96 (96 bits) or SSCC-96.

Origin

The EPC (Electronic Product Code) standard was defined by the MIT Auto-ID Center between 1999 and 2003, then transferred to EPCglobal Inc. (a GS1 subsidiary) in 2004. The Tag Data Standard is at version 2.0 today. The system is universal in serialised pharmaceutical traceability (DSCSA in the US, FMD in Europe), aerospace (engine-part tracking), fashion (anti-counterfeiting).

Example in context

urn:epc:id:sgtin:0614141.812345.42

This SGTIN-type EPCglobal identifier decomposes into: GS1 company prefix (0614141), product reference (812345), serial number (42). It identifies a specific instance of a given product, unlike the GTIN which only identifies the category. In an EPCIS event, this identifier is carried by the epcList attribute.

Related terms

• GTIN — the GS1 product key SGTIN serialises.
• GS1 Identification Key — family of keys EPC extends.
• ebMS3 — protocol used to transport EPCIS events in B2B.