What is a GTIN?
GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number and is a globally standardised code that uniquely identifies products. It is managed by the organisation GS1 and forms the basis for barcodes on packaging, cartons, pallets and medical devices.
GTIN = the passport of a product — recognisable everywhere, globally unique.
🧱 What is the purpose of a GTIN?
- Uniquely identify every product variant (size, content, brand)
- Used in barcodes such as EAN-13, GS1-128 and DataMatrix
- Essential for supply chain, WMS, ERP, TMS, UDI, etc.
- Part of traceability via SSCC, LOT, THT, etc.
🔢 What forms of GTIN exist?
| Type | Number of digits | Use |
|---|---|---|
| GTIN-8 | 8 digits | Small products with limited label space |
| GTIN-12 | 12 digits | UPC-A in North America |
| GTIN-13 | 13 digits | EAN-13 in Europe and worldwide (most commonly used) |
| GTIN-14 | 14 digits | Packaging levels, cartons, outer cases, pallets |
A GTIN-13 looks like this, for example: 0871123456789
🔗 GTIN in practice
| System | Use of GTIN |
|---|---|
| WMS | Recognition and scanning of products |
| ERP | Unique product code, inventory management |
| GS1-128 | Embedded as an (01) code in barcode labels |
| UDI | GTIN is often the Device Identifier (DI) |
| Retail / e-commerce | Scan at the till or in online catalogue listings |
🖨️ Example barcode with GTIN
(01)08711234567890
- AI (01) = GTIN
- 08711234567890 = 14-digit GTIN for a logistic unit
- Can be scanned via a GS1-128, EAN-13 or 2D DataMatrix
✅ Benefits of GTIN
- Globally unique for every product and variant
- Standardised across the entire supply chain
- Efficient scanning and automation of processes
- Mandatory for retailers, manufacturers, pharma, UDI, etc.
- Linked to traceability data such as LOT, THT, SSCC
📌 In summary
A GTIN is a universal product code that is essential for barcoding, Supply Chain Management and traceability. Without a GTIN there is no uniform identification — with a GTIN, every product can be recognised worldwide.