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Decoding GTINs: The Global Trade Item Number Explained

A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a unique product identifier used to distinguish products and services in the global marketplace. GTIN stands for global trade item number, and it can take various forms such as GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, and GTIN-14, and serves as a key element in supply chain management by enabling efficient tracking, inventory management, and point-of-sale operations. 

GTINs are assigned by the Global Standards Organization, ensuring that each product is easily recognizable and searchable across different retail operations and online marketplaces worldwide. By facilitating seamless communication between manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, GTINs play a critical role in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of product data management, ultimately leading to better customer experiences and streamlined operations.  

The Four Different Types of GTIN

1. GTIN-8: This format consists of 8 digits and is primarily used for small, individual products where space is limited, such as miniatures and small packs. It offers a compact solution for product identification.

2. GTIN-12: Made up of 12 digits, GTIN-12 is commonly used in North America. This is a type of product identifier usually known as a UPC barcode and is widely adopted in retail, facilitating easier scanning at point-of-sale systems. 

3. GTIN-13: A 13-digit number, GTIN-13 is prevalent internationally, especially in Europe. It is designed to accommodate a larger number of products, making it ideal for consumer goods sold globally.

4. GTIN-14: Comprising 14 digits, GTIN-14 is used mainly for packaging levels and logistics. It allows for the identification of various packaging configurations, such as cases or pallets, enhancing supply chain management.

In supply chain management, GTINs enhance inventory control and tracking, ensuring consistent product tracking: correct orders, shipping, and receiving. This traceability improves operational efficiency and helps maintain accurate stock levels. Furthermore, in the event of a product recall, GTINs play a critical role by allowing companies to quickly identify affected items, notify consumers, and manage returns effectively.

Do you need a GTIN to create barcodes?

Creating barcodes, from picking the right barcode symbologies to creating the barcode images, requires barcode software such as InventoryCloud.

GTIN serves as a unique identifier for your products and is required for proper barcode generation. The process of registering barcodes begins with signing up for a GS1 account, where you can apply for a GTIN. Once assigned, you can create barcodes that encompass the GTIN, ensuring products are easily identifiable to retailers and consumers alike.

While having a barcode is typically necessary for retail sales, there are situations where selling without one is acceptable. For instance, small artisan products sold at local markets or online platforms may not require barcodes, allowing sellers to reach customers directly.

The GTIN is intrinsically linked to barcodes, enabling accurate tracking and inventory management. Utilizing barcode software can significantly enhance efficiency, allowing businesses to streamline processes such as inventory tracking and sales analysis, ultimately improving operational effectiveness. In summary, a GTIN is crucial for barcodes, and effective use of barcode software can transform inventory management for businesses.

What's the Difference Between a GTIN and a UPC Barcode?

GTIN and UPC (Universal Product Code) are related but not the same. The most common type of GTIN is the 12-digit GTIN-12 barcode widely used in the United States and Canada for various consumer goods, known as a  Universal Product Code (UPC) is a 12-digit barcode used primarily in the retail industry to identify products uniquely. UPCs are a part of the GTIN system, ensuring standardized identification across North America and beyond.

Does that mean GTINs are the same as UPCs? Not quite. GTINs have global applications across diverse geographic regions and industries, making them suitable for international trade. In contrast, UPCs are primarily utilized within the retail sector for product listing, facilitating sales tracking and inventory management. The GTIN-12 format is synonymous with the UPC, which is specifically a 12-digit number used predominantly in the United States.

But a GTIN could be an 8-digit number to 13-digit number, depending on the type used. Businesses use GTINs and UPCs for supply chain efficiency, improving inventory accuracy, enhancing sales data analysis, and enabling efficient point-of-sale transactions. Overall, while UPC is a specific type of GTIN, the latter encompasses a broader range of applications across different markets and geographies.

How Do You Buy an Authentic GTIN Number?

When looking to buy an authentic GTIN for your products, the best choice is to purchase directly from trusted vendors like GS1 US or GS1 UK. These organizations are the official source for GTINs and ensure that the numbers are uniquely assigned to your products. This authenticity is crucial, especially if you intend to list your products on major platforms like Amazon, as using non-genuine GTINs can lead to listing rejections and potential account issues.

Purchasing directly from GS1 offers several benefits. You gain the assurance of legitimacy, protecting your brand’s reputation and ensuring compliance with retail standards. Additionally, you can choose to buy individual barcodes or a company prefix, depending on your needs. This flexibility allows for tailored solutions as your product range expands.

To Get a GTIN Number, Visit the GS1 Website

To obtain GTIN numbers, visit the GS1 US website and choose either the single or Company Prefix option based on how many GTINs you need. If you require just one, select the single option. For multiple UPCs, opt for the Company Prefix to create as many GTINs as you require.

During the application process, you will need to provide your brand name, company name, quantity of UPCs required, contact details, and payment information. After submitting your application, you will receive the codes or Company Prefix via email from GS1 US.

Along with your GTINs, GS1 US will provide instructions for utilizing the GS1 US Data Hub tool, which will help you create UPC barcodes efficiently. Follow the guidelines to ensure your products are ready for retail with properly formatted barcodes in your barcode software. This process ensures correct product identification, enhancing inventory management and sales.

GTIN FAQs

GTINs play a crucial role in modern commerce, serving as unique identifiers for products across various industries. As businesses increasingly rely on efficient inventory management and accurate product identification, understanding GTINs has become essential. This FAQ section aims to clarify the most common queries surrounding GTINs, including their purpose, types, and how they integrate within various supply chain processes. Whether you are a retailer, manufacturer, or consumer, grasping these concepts can empower you to navigate the ever-evolving marketplace with confidence. Below, we address key questions to help demystify GTINs and their significance in today’s digital and global economy.

What do GTIN numbers mean?

GTIN numbers are unique identifiers assigned to products, facilitating their identification and tracking in global trade and commerce. They play a crucial role in streamlining operations across the supply chain, ensuring that products are easily recognizable by retailers, distributors, and consumers alike.

GTINs help businesses manage inventory efficiently, improve supply chain visibility, and reduce errors in order processing, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction.

There are several types of GTINs, including EAN (European Article Number) with 13 digits, UPC with 12 digits primarily used in North America, JAN (Japanese Article Number) with 8 or 13 digits for Japan, ISBN (International Standard Book Number) with either 10 or 13 digits for books, and ITF-14, a 14-digit code often used for shipping cartons.

Each type of GTIN serves specific usage regions, reinforcing consistent product tracking and identification on a global scale.

Is GTIN the same as SKU?

GTIN and SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) are both vital identifiers in retail, but they serve different purposes.

The GTIN is a unique identifier used globally to define a specific product, facilitating trade and inventory management. It is typically a 12 to 14-digit number assigned by organizations like GS1.

In contrast, SKU is a retailer-specific code designed for internal inventory management. Each retailer creates its own SKU system, which can include letters, numbers, and various formats, making it distinct from GTIN.

While GTINS and SKUs are related in that they both identify products, they are not interchangeable. GTIN is standardized and used universally, while SKU is unique to individual retailers and reflects their particular inventory management practices.