GTIN is the abbreviation for Global Trade Item Number. It is an identification number for labeling products and services worldwide. This number enables products to be uniquely identified. The GTIN is used for global, unambiguous assignment.
The GTIN is assigned by GS1 (Global Standards One). This organization manages and assigns the Global Trade Item Number. In Germany, GS1 Germany is responsible for assigning the numbers.
The allocation of this unique identification number creates uniform standards for companies worldwide.
EAN became GTIN
The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is the current name for the European Article Number (EAN), which was valid until 2009. Since then, the term GTIN has become the international standard name for this identification number.
Structure of a GTIN
The GTIN usually consists of 13 digits. It contains:
- the country code (each country has its own combination of digits)
- the company number of the respective company
- the article number
- a check digit at the end
For particularly small products on which there is no space for a 13-digit GTIN, a so-called short number can be used. This consists of 8 digits and contains the country code, the article number and a one-digit check digit at the end of the GTIN.
There is also the GTIN-14 and the GTIN-12.
How does the GTIN become machine-readable?
A barcode can be generated by GS1 so that a Global Trade Item Number is also machine-readable. The GTIN can also be represented via an Electronic Product Code (EPC).
What advantages does the GTIN offer?
The GTIN is a globally standardized system. This identification number facilitates the global movement of goods. Products can be clearly identified – without any overlaps. With the help of the barcode, items can be recorded more quickly at the checkout. Typing errors are eliminated by scanning the code.
How important is the GTIN in online retail?
Many marketplaces and search engines – such as Amazon, eBay, Google, etc. – require unique identification of products and services. Amazon’s help section states that the EAN code for a product is required “to improve the quality of search results and the catalog”.
On Amazon, each Global Trade Item Number (formerly EAN) is assigned its own ASIN. For example, if a retailer wants to sell a product with the same GTIN that is already offered by another Amazon seller, the product is assigned the same ASIN and is linked to the retailer’s offer.
To avoid simply being added to an existing listing as a seller, you should consider beforehand whether you want to sell a product that you have not produced yourself. If you produce your own items, you should have your own GTIN created so that you can then receive your own ASIN for your product on Amazon – which no other seller uses.