GS1 UK became the new name for e.centre in February 2005. e.centre was the trading name of the Association for Standards and Practices in Electronic Trade , EAN UK Ltd, which was launched in October 1998 after the merger of the Article Number Association (ANA) and the Electronic Commerce Association (ECA).

British business established the ANA in April 1976 to promote the use of the GS1 System (formerly EAN.UCC System). It developed the most widely used electronic data interchange (EDI) standards for trade in the UK and worked with its members and other organisations to produce standards for profitable global trading. ANA's work provided the foundation for improved supply chain management.

The ECA was formed by the business community in 1987, initially as the EDI Association, but later broadening its sphere of interest to incorporate the wider aspects of electronic commerce. Much of its work was conducted through a wide range of advisory groups that form an important aspect of GS1 UK activities today.

GS1 UK is a member of GS1 which directs the use of the GS1 System around the world.

To find out more about GS1, please visit their website at: www.gs1uk.org