What is a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)?
The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) helps businesses identify products and services uniquely in the global marketplace. This unique identifier forms the backbone of the GS1 system. GTINs belong to a family of GS1 global data structures that use 14 digits and work with different types of data carriers.
GTINs identify products or services that businesses price, order, or invoice throughout the supply chain. You’ll find this identifier as the number beneath those black and white lines on product barcodes. GTIN works as an umbrella term that includes several types of GS1 numbering strings.
The system has four main GTIN structures, each designed with different lengths to meet various product needs:
- GTIN-8: An 8-digit number that works best for smaller items, mostly used outside North America
- GTIN-12 (UPC): A 12-digit number that’s common in North America
- GTIN-13 (EAN): A 13-digit number that’s popular in Europe and other parts of the world
- GTIN-14: A 14-digit number used for cases and packaging that never starts with zero
The system also has special variants for specific items like ISBN for books and ISSN for newspapers or magazines.
GS1’s system makes a clear difference between the physical barcode (data carrier) and the GTIN itself. These numbers usually appear in barcodes but can also work with other carriers like radio frequency identification (RFID) and the upcoming GS1 Digital Link QR Codes.
Every GTIN contains specific parts: an indicator digit (only for GTIN-14), GS1 Company Prefix, Item Reference, and Check Digit. GS1 Member Organizations give companies their unique GS1 Company Prefix. GS1 remains the only organization that can provide authentic GTINs.
Modern commerce relies on GTINs for two main purposes. They ensure accurate data capture through barcode scanning at sales points, care facilities, and distribution centers. E-commerce platforms need them to make sure online orders get picked, packed, and shipped correctly.
GTINs’ unique and universal nature helps match products across different databases, even between organizations. Companies can communicate better with each other and manage product data more efficiently because of this standardization.
Major retailers and marketplaces, including Amazon, now require suppliers to use GTINs. The barcode journey started with UPC more than 50 years ago, and since then, hundreds of thousands of manufacturer or company prefixes have spread worldwide. The early 2000s saw retailers updating their databases to handle 14-digit strings, right as the Uniform Code Council merged with global EAN offices to create GS1 Global.
Types of GTIN Codes
Image Source: Bar Codes Talk
GTIN codes come in four main formats, each one built for specific product types and regional markets. These number-based identifiers follow strict patterns that serve different purposes in the global supply chain.
GTIN-8
GTIN-8 uses eight digits as the smallest GTIN format available. Products with limited packaging space need this shortened identifier when larger barcodes won’t fit. You’ll find GTIN-8 mostly outside North America, where it shows up as an EAN-8 barcode symbol. The code’s structure has a three-digit GS1 prefix, a four-digit item reference, and a check digit. Small cosmetics, candy wrappers, gum packets, single-use sachets, and compact stationery items often use GTIN-8 when space runs tight.
GTIN-12 (UPC)
GTIN-12, better known as UPC (Universal Product Code), runs 12 digits long and stands as North America’s standard format. This identifier started as UPC-A and now appears on most retail products across the United States and Canada. A number system character leads the code, followed by a five-digit manufacturer code from GS1, a five-digit item number from the manufacturer, and a check digit. Smaller packages can use UPC-E, a compressed six-digit version, though it’s not as common.
GTIN-13 (EAN)
GTIN-13, previously called European Article Number (EAN), uses 13 digits and works as the international version of North America’s UPC. Europe and most other countries use GTIN-13, which follows a 1-6-6 pattern with a GS1 prefix, manufacturer code, product reference, and check digit. Any UPC-A code becomes its matching EAN-13 by adding a zero at the start, making GTIN-13 effectively cover all GTIN-12 codes. Traditional packaging displays this format, which serves as the global retail standard outside North America.
GTIN-14
GTIN-14 runs 14 digits long and never starts with zero. While other GTIN types mainly identify single retail items, GTIN-14 handles logistics packaging like cases, cartons, and pallets. The code combines four parts: an indicator digit (0-8) showing packaging level, the GS1 Company Prefix, an item reference, and a check digit. Companies use either ITF-14 or GS1-128 barcode formats based on their industry needs. Cartons with similar items share the item reference with those items’ GTIN, while mixed assortment cartons get their own unique references.
How GTINs Are Used in Retail and Ecommerce
GTINs work like universal product passports in retail and ecommerce channels. These identifiers help products move smoothly between physical and digital environments. Retail settings use GTINs for two main purposes. The system captures accurate data through barcode scanning at sales terminals, distribution centers, and healthcare facilities. GTINs also serve as reference keys to quickly pull up details like pricing, inventory levels, and product features.
A typical retail transaction flows quickly. The cashier’s scan prompts the system to check the retailer’s database, show the right price, and update inventory counts. A customer buying lemon soda triggers the system to subtract one unit from stock while checking the price.
GTINs become even more vital in ecommerce where customers can’t touch products before buying. The system makes sure products are correctly identified from listing to delivery. Online marketplaces like Amazon use GTINs to:
- Identify and differentiate products
- Manage and verify orders
- Track inventory with continuous updates
- Put inventory strategies like “first in, first out” (FIFO) to work
- Create individual-specific shopping recommendations
GTINs also boost products’ visibility in search engines substantially. Google Shopping uses these identifiers to make products easier to find across platforms. Products with proper GTINs show up more often in relevant searches, and Google can group similar items from different sellers for price comparisons. This standardization cuts advertising costs because GTIN-enabled products need less algorithmic adjustment.
Supply chain management becomes more efficient with GTINs. The system helps track inventory accurately, speeds up order processing, and makes product recalls easier by quickly spotting affected items. Companies can also set up sophisticated inventory systems that provide up-to-the-minute updates as products move through the supply chain.
Amazon’s rules now require GTINs for 25 different product categories to check authenticity and quality. Google strongly suggests adding GTINs for all products that have manufacturer-assigned identifiers. Products without correct GTINs might not show up as often in search results.
How to Get a GTIN Number for Your Products
You can get a GTIN number for your products in several ways. Your business type and product category will determine the best approach. Each method has its benefits that match different needs.
Buy from GS1
GS1, the official global authority for product identification, sells GTINs that are unique and recognized worldwide. They give you two main choices:
- Single GTIN option: Small businesses with few products can buy individual GTINs at USD 30.00 each without renewal fees.
- Company Prefix option: Businesses that need 10 or more GTINs can start at USD 250.00 for 10 GTINs and pay a USD 50.00 annual renewal fee. The price per GTIN drops as you buy more, with packages available for 100 GTINs (USD 750.00), 1,000 GTINs (USD 2,500.00), and more.
GS1 will email your GTINs or Company Prefix to you after purchase. You’ll also get access to tools like GS1 Data Hub to create barcode images.
Use manufacturer-provided GTIN
Retailers who sell brand-name products can use GTINs assigned by manufacturers. These numbers are available through:
- Manufacturer’s product catalogs
- Supplier invoices or packing slips
- Brand’s official website
Double-check these numbers with the manufacturer to avoid mistakes or duplicates.
Check product packaging
The quickest way to find a GTIN is by dissecting the product packaging. GTINs appear next to barcodes on:
- Retail products: Back or bottom of packaging
- Books: Back cover (as ISBN)
- Electronics: Product box or label near serial numbers
- Grocery items: Near nutritional information
Apply for GTIN exemption (if eligible)
Some marketplaces let you sell without GTINs through their exemption programs. You might qualify if you sell:
- Private-label or handmade products
- Products you manufacture without barcodes
- Parts without Product IDs
- Bundled products
- Generic, unbranded products
Products with existing GS1-approved barcodes, GTINs, or from brands that require UPCs cannot get exemptions.
Each marketplace needs a separate exemption request. Amazon usually processes requests within 48-72 hours, and Walmart takes up to three business days.
Benefits of Using a GTIN Code
GTIN codes bring exceptional benefits throughout the product lifecycle. GTINs create a foundation for better communication between companies in complex supply chains and improve product information accuracy. This standardization gives products globally unique identification numbers that eliminate confusion throughout the supply chain.
Companies find GTINs valuable because a single identifier works with all supply chain partners. This integrated system cuts down order and invoice errors, reduces wrong shipments, and shows products accurately on websites. Companies using GTINs have seen their conversion rates grow up to 20%.
GTINs help automate ordering and warehousing processes through their technical capabilities. Scanning barcodes speeds up inventory and logistics operations substantially while reducing manual errors. The system’s tracking features enable up-to-the-minute monitoring of products across the supply chain.
GTIN-matched product listings show 40% higher click-through rates compared to listings without unique identifiers in e-commerce. Many major retailers and online marketplaces now require GTINs to list products.
GTINs serve as the foundation for traceability and support product recall processes and regulatory compliance, especially when you have industries like pharmaceuticals and food. The system also strengthens anti-counterfeiting efforts through unique product identification that can be verified globally.
FAQs
Q1. What is a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) and why is it important? A GTIN is a unique identifier used to distinguish products and services in the global marketplace. It’s important because it enables accurate product identification, improves supply chain efficiency, and enhances product visibility in both retail and e-commerce environments.
Q2. How can I obtain a GTIN for my products? You can obtain a GTIN by purchasing it directly from GS1, the official global authority for product identification. For businesses with few products, you can buy individual GTINs, while those needing more can opt for a Company Prefix. Alternatively, if you’re selling existing brand-name products, you can use the manufacturer-provided GTIN.
Q3. What are the different types of GTIN codes? There are four main types of GTIN codes: GTIN-8 (8 digits, used for small products), GTIN-12 (12 digits, commonly used in North America), GTIN-13 (13 digits, used internationally), and GTIN-14 (14 digits, used for packaging levels like cases and pallets).
Q4. How do GTINs benefit e-commerce businesses? GTINs improve product discoverability in search engines, increase click-through rates, and can boost conversion rates by up to 20%. They also enable accurate order management, inventory tracking, and provide a standardized way to list products across multiple online marketplaces.
Q5. Are GTINs required for all products? While GTINs are not mandatory for all products, many major retailers and online marketplaces now require them for product listings. However, some marketplaces offer GTIN exemption programs for certain types of products, such as private-label or handmade items.
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