Two Questions on UDI Product Description (GS1 US and GTIN aspects)

[Pmarszal]

Hello,

The community has been very helpful to answer questions about UDI/GUDID in the past but wanted to ask a question that some of you may be able to answer.

We created a GTIN number with GS1 US that we use as our DI number for a specific part. We since changed the part description format in our quality system to standardize part descriptions.

In order to change the part description in GS1 US, a new GTIN number would need to be generated.

First question:
Does part description have to match what our quality system states or can the format be different?

Second question?
If we have parts with the old description in the field but want to update the description (essentially assign a new GTIN), can we initiate a "Commercial Distribution End Date" (for the DI number) in GUDID?

I hope the community can give me some clarity to this issue we are facing.

 

[Marc]

A quick "Bump". My Thanks in advance to anyone who can help with this one.

 

[Mark Meer]

First question:
Does part description have to match what our quality system states or can the format be different?

First, I presume that by changing the "format" of the description that it is not, in fact, changing the information supplied to users in any significant way...?

Granted that consideration, I don't see any problem with a discrepancy, as long as you've documented it somewhere.
Companies do this all the time, for example, with product codes. When they change product codes (due, for example, to a new "universal" format they are adopting), they simply issue a spreadsheet that is a "mapping" of the old format to the new format.

Second question?
If we have parts with the old description in the field but want to update the description (essentially assign a new GTIN), can we initiate a "Commercial Distribution End Date" (for the DI number) in GUDID?

No expert here, but I presume this is what the GUDID field is for....
Perhaps reach out to the FDA UDI Help Desk, and see if they can clarify. (though don't hold your breath...)