Short definition - GTIN - Global Trade Item Number
Die GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is a globally standardized number for the unique identification of trade items. It is used to clearly identify products in retail, logistics systems, online shops and at cash registers. It is used to clearly identify products worldwide — regardless of where they are sold. In German, equivalent to: Global item identification number.
In short, the GTIN is the international identity of a product.
What is a GTIN number?
Die GTIN number is a standardized number code that is assigned to a product. It is usually in the barcode and is scanned to quickly identify items.
Typical areas of application:
- retailing
- ecommerce
- warehouse logistics
- Marketplaces like Amazon
- Cash register systems
- inventory management systems
- international supply chains
As a result, a product can be uniquely recognized globally.
What is the 13-digit GTIN made up of, including examples?
The most common form in Europe is GTIN-13. It consists of 13 digits.
Typical structure:
- Country prefix/GS1 prefix
Shows the awarding region of the company. - company number
Identifies the registered company. - Item number
Is awarded for the specific product. - check digit
The last number is used for mathematical control.
Important: The prefix does not necessarily show the country of manufacture of the product, but the organization of the number assignment.
examples of GTINs (fictitious example numbers):
- 4006381333931 — Example of a GTIN-13 on a consumer product
- 7612345678908 — Example of a GTIN-13 in European trade
- 012345678905 — Example of a GTIN-12 common in the North American market/UPC
GTINs come in multiple formats:
- GTIN-8 → small packaging
- GTIN-12 → UPC (USA/Canada)
- GTIN-13 → Standard in Europe
- GTIN-14 → Cartons/packaging units/logistics
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Are GTIN and EAN the same?
Almost — but not exactly.
The term EAN (European Article Number) was formerly used for barcodes in retail. Today, this system has been developed internationally by GTIN replaced.
That means:
- EAN is the former name
- GTIN is today's global standard
In everyday life, many continue to say “EAN”, although technically the GTIN is usually meant.
In short: EAN is historic. GTIN is up to date.
GTIN code - where is it used?
The GTIN Code is usually displayed as a barcode and used in numerous processes.
examples:
- Scan at the cash register
- Receipt of goods in the warehouse
- Dispatch processes
- Online product feeds
- Marketplace listings
- Returns processing
- Product data management
Without a GTIN, many trading processes would be significantly slower and more prone to errors.
Where can I find the GTIN number?
You can often find the GTIN number:
- under the barcode on the package
- on product labels
- in product data sheets
- in the ERP system
- in the shop system
- on marketplace data pages
- in master databases
In the case of consumer goods, it is usually placed directly on the outer packaging.
Who awards the GTIN in Germany and how much does it cost?
In Germany, the award is carried out via GS1 Germany. Companies register there and receive number ranges from which they can identify their products. GS1 is the world's leading organization for trade and supply chain standards.
The costs usually depend on:
- company size
- Number of GTINs required
- membership model
- additional services
In practice, they are often awarded through memberships with GS1 Germany. Anyone who manages many products requires correspondingly larger number capacities.
GTIN in fulfillment and logistics
The GTIN is extremely valuable for warehousing and fulfillment because it standardizes processes.
advantages:
- quick scan in incoming goods
- unique product identification
- less confusion
- clean master data
- better integration with trading partners
- more efficient return processes
Standardization is worth its weight in gold, especially when it comes to multi-channel commerce.
Typical mistakes with GTINs
Wrong attribution
A GTIN must not be assigned to several products at the same time.
Outdated master data
If dimensions, variants or product information are not up to date, subsequent errors occur.
Cheap foreign numbers without a clean rights base
This can lead to problems on marketplaces.
GTIN with SKU confuse
SKU is internal, GTIN is standardized external.
