What is GTIN Barcode?

GTIN actually does not refer to a separate barcode type, it is a collective name for a group of barcode types.

GTIN is the abbreviation of (Global Trade Item Number). The "trade item" here refers to a product or a service. GTIN is a code structure designed for global trade items. It assigns a unique code to each global trade item.

GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) can be used not only for barcodes (both 1D and 2D) but also for other data carriers such as radio frequency identification (RFID).

GTIN codes are managed and assigned by the GS1 organization. GS1 is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining global business communications standards.

The family of data structures (not symbologies) comprising GTIN include:

1.	GTIN-12 (UPC-A)	this is a 12-digit number used primarily in North America
2.	GTIN-8 (EAN/UCC-8)	this is an 8-digit number used predominately outside of North America
3.	GTIN-13 (EAN/UCC-13)	this is a 13-digit number used predominately outside of North America
4.	GTIN-14 (EAN/UCC-14 or ITF-14)	this is a 14-digit number used to shipping container code
5.	ISBN	International Standard Book Number (10 or 13 digits, used internationally)
6.	JAN	Japanese Article Number (8 or 13 digits, used in Japan only)

Why We Need GTIN?

All products sold globally should have unique product identifiers (UPIs). These identifiers distinguish your product from the others and help find or trace it. UPIs are assigned to each and every product by the manufacturer, and if you are reselling the product, the UPIs will be the same.

Commonly applied UPIs are Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), Manufacturer Part Numbers (MPNs), and brand names. If your product has UPI, especially a GTIN barcode, it makes your item easier to find for the customers and adds value to your ads and listings.

GTIN follows top-down allocation rules, ensuring the uniqueness of product identification codes in any country or region around the world. It is the only identification code for products to flow freely in the global supply chain, and is also a passport for products to enter the market. It accompanies the entire life cycle of the product and can record the entire process of the product from raw material procurement, to finished product processing, packaging, transportation, wholesale, warehousing, to retail stores, and finally delivered to consumers. It can realize that the source and destination can be traced. Accountability will help companies build efficient global supply chains and improve their competitiveness in the international market.

What Is a Difference Between GTIN and UPC?

Technically, GTIN and UPC do not differ, they are one and the same. UPC, EAN, and ISBN are all belong to GTINs.

How Do You Get a GTIN Number?

You can purchase UPCs directly from GS1 (the following link is their website, you can place the order online), this is quite costly, and on top of it, it’s not a one-time expense. SG1 applies a license renewal fee every year.

https://www.gs1.org/

GTIN exemption in Amazon

If you sell on Amazon, sellers can apply for a GTIN exemption under certain circumstances, for example, if you sell private label or handmade products.
Please refer to Amazon's website for details.

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