# Traceability

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> When a food producer must recall a contaminated batch, authorities, freight forwarders, and retailers need to prove within hours exactly where the goods were produced, packed, loaded, and delivered.

When a food producer must recall a contaminated batch, authorities, freight forwarders, and retailers need to prove within hours exactly where the goods were produced, packed, loaded, and delivered. Traceability is the capability to reconstruct the documented path of a product or consignment along the entire supply chain—both forward and backward. It relies on shipping documents, customs declarations, scan data, and electronic systems, and is a legal requirement for dangerous goods, foodstuffs, and pharmaceuticals. Unlike simple tracking—which shows a shipment's current location—traceability covers historical records on condition, handling, and chain of custody.

**Source:** [https://www.gs1.org/standards/traceability](https://www.gs1.org/standards/traceability)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Traceability |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 92 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://www.gs1.org/standards/traceability |

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