GS1 Japan has been promoting the use of GLN as a location code in B-to-B commerce. In Japan, there are currently four GLN numbering structures as shown in the table below. Companies assigned a 7- or 9-digit GS1 Company Prefix for product identification are able to generate GLNs using this prefix. GS1 Japan also allocates a 10- or 11-digit Company Prefix upon request. To encourage widespread use of GLN, GS1 Japan has been implementing a promotional campaign in which companies applying for 10- or 11-digit Company Prefix within 2007 will have their registration fee waived for three years.

Table 1.2-1 GLN Numbering Structure in Japan

GLN is presently being used to identify companies and offices in the e-commerce marketplace of the department store sector and to enable EDI between the Japanese Consumers' Co-operative Union and their suppliers. Specific applications of GLN are also being discussed in studies on XML-EDI or master data synchronization. A new XML-EDI standard was released in April 2007 (See section 2.2.2 for details). Companies adopting the new standard are being recommended to use GLN to identify shipping and delivery locations and various trade partners. The use of GLN has just begun in this sector.