Why do different GS1 Company Prefixes have different lengths?

The GS1 Company Prefix can be anywhere between 6–11 digits in length. This enables each company to choose a GS1 Company Prefix that gives them a suitable capacity for creating GS1 identification numbers. The shorter the GS1 Company Prefix, the more digits are available for the company to allocate themselves, and therefore the greater the capacity. When you register for a GS1 Company Prefix, you specify what capacity, and therefore what GS1 Company Prefix length, you want. The fees for larger capacity (i.e., shorter GS1 Company Prefix) are somewhat higher.