What a GTIN is and where it comes from
Checked against the sources on this page on
A GTIN, or Global Trade Item Number, is the number that identifies a product or service. A barcode is the symbol that carries the number so a scanner can read it.
What a GTIN identifies
GS1 defines trade items as products or services that are priced, ordered or invoiced at any point in the supply chain. A company can use GTINs to identify each of its trade items.
The four lengths
| Format | Digits |
|---|---|
| GTIN-8 | 8 |
| GTIN-12 | 12 |
| GTIN-13 | 13 |
| GTIN-14 | 14 |
In all four, the last digit is a check digit calculated from the others.
Where a GTIN comes from
To build a GS1 identification key, an organisation becomes a member of GS1 and obtains a GS1 Company Prefix, which forms the basis of its keys. GS1 sends companies to their local member organisation for this.
Options differ by organisation. GS1 US, for example, also licenses single GTINs to companies that only need a few. See how many barcodes you need.
GTIN is one key among several
The GS1 General Specifications define 12 identification keys. These are the ones most companies meet first:
| Key | Identifies | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| GTIN | Products and services | Can of soup, chocolate bar |
| GLN | Parties and locations | Companies, warehouses, stores |
| SSCC | Logistics units | Loads on pallets, parcels |