GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
The GS1 item number that uniquely identifies a trade item worldwide, in 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits.
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The GTIN identifies a trade item: a product as it is ordered, invoiced, or scanned. Where the SSCC identifies one physical shipment, the GTIN identifies an item type. Each packaging variant gets its own GTIN: the consumer bottle, the tray of 12, and the pallet each carry a different number.
The GTIN comes in four lengths: GTIN-8 for small packages, GTIN-12 (North America), GTIN-13 (the familiar EAN-13 number on almost every consumer product in Europe), and GTIN-14 for trade units such as outer cases. In a GS1-128 barcode, the GTIN follows Application Identifier (01) or (02).
For your labeling this means the GTIN should come from one source, usually your ERP or PIM system. As soon as GTINs are retyped into label templates manually, the classic errors appear: an old number on a new product, or the same GTIN on two different items. Both lead to rejected deliveries at retailers.
Source: GS1
Frequently asked questions — GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
How many digits does a GTIN have?
A GTIN comes in four lengths: GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13 or GTIN-14, depending on the packaging level.
Is an EAN-13 the same as a GTIN?
Yes. The EAN-13 on virtually every consumer product in Europe is a GTIN-13.
Does each packaging variant have its own GTIN?
Yes. The consumer bottle, the tray of 12 and the pallet each get a different GTIN.
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