What is Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)

GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is a unique identifier used to distinguish individual products in global commerce. It’s encoded in barcodes and used across supply chains to help systems recognize, track, and manage products accurately regardless of where or how they’re sold.

Examples

GTIN format

Example GTIN

Notes

GTIN-8

96385074

Shortest GTIN format used for small items where label space is limited.

GTIN-12 (UPC)

012345678905

Common in North America, typically found under retail barcodes.

GTIN-13 (EAN)

4006381333931

Widely used outside North America, especially in Europe.

GTIN-13 (ISBN)

9783161484100

ISBNs used in publishing are a type of GTIN-13.

GTIN-14

10614141000013

Used for identifying multipacks or case-level packaging in logistics.

Good to know

GTINs come in four standard formats: GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, and GTIN-14, each suited for different packaging levels or regional uses. It’s important to know which format is required by your sales channels and make sure each product has a unique, valid GTIN. This helps with accurate listings, inventory tracking, and compatibility with marketplaces like Amazon, Google, and Walmart.

Know more

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a GTIN, UPC, and EAN?
GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is the umbrella term for globally recognized product identifiers. A UPC (12 digits, common in North America) and an EAN (13 digits, common internationally) are both specific formats of GTINs. Think of GTIN as the system, and UPC/EAN as types within that system.
Do I need a GTIN for every product?
Yes, each unique product, including different variants like size or color, should have its own GTIN. This helps marketplaces, search engines, and retailers correctly list, categorize, and track your products.
Where do I get a GTIN?
GTINs are issued by GS1, the global organization that manages product identifiers. You can license a GTIN directly from your local GS1 office. Avoid third-party resellers, as invalid GTINs can lead to listing rejections on platforms like Amazon and Google Shopping.