GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
Also known as: Global Trade Item Number, UPC, EAN, Barcode Number
Definition
A GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is a standardized, globally unique number that identifies a specific trade item (product). GTINs are the numbers encoded in barcodes and are essential for retail sales, inventory management, and supply chain visibility.
GTIN Formats
| Format | Digits | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|
| GTIN-12 (UPC-A) | 12 | North America |
| GTIN-13 (EAN-13) | 13 | International |
| GTIN-14 | 14 | Cases, pallets |
| GTIN-8 (EAN-8) | 8 | Small products |
GTIN Structure
Example GTIN-12: 012345678905
- Company prefix: First 6-10 digits (assigned by GS1)
- Item reference: Remaining digits (assigned by company)
- Check digit: Last digit (calculated for validation)
GTIN vs. SKU
| Aspect | GTIN | SKU |
|---|---|---|
| Uniqueness | Globally unique | Company-specific |
| Standard | International standard | Internal convention |
| Purpose | Cross-company identification | Internal tracking |
| Changes | Never reused | Can be reassigned |
Getting GTINs
- Join GS1 - National GS1 organization
- Get company prefix - Unique to your company
- Assign item references - Create GTINs for products
- Register products - Maintain product catalog
Why GTINs Matter
For Retailers
- Point-of-sale scanning
- Inventory tracking
- Order processing
- Price lookup
For Marketplace Selling
- Required by Amazon, Walmart, etc.
- Product matching and cataloging
- Prevents duplicate listings
- Enables product detail pages
For Supply Chain
- Shipment tracking
- Receiving verification
- Cross-company identification
- EDI transactions
Common Questions
Can I make up my own GTIN? No, GTINs must be obtained through GS1 or authorized resellers.
Do I need a GTIN for each size/color? Yes, each unique product variant needs its own GTIN.
Can I reuse a GTIN? No, once assigned, a GTIN should never be reused for a different product.
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