GTIN Number: What It Is & Why Your Business Needs It

Have you ever wondered how products are tracked and identified across the global supply chain? How can trading partners differentiate one product from another? It’s been made possible with a unique identification number – global trade item numbers (GTINs). GTIN is a key component that provides every product with a key identifier assigned to it worldwide. According to GS1, the organisation is responsible for GTIN standards, and over 200 million products have been registered under the GS1 registry platform.

You need to understand and implement GTIN to ensure product authenticity, improve supply chain efficiency, and enhance your business and product visibility across different sales channels. Let’s dive into what GTIN is, its types and functions, how these GTINs are structured, and more.

What is a GTIN Number?

GTIN, or Global Trade Item Number, is a unique identification number a company uses to distinguish its products. It is an internationally recognised product identification method developed by GS1, a global system of standards. GS1 allots GTIN to business owners or exporters.

The key features of GTIN include the following:

• GTIN is a globally recognised product identifier
• It can be used by all businesses regardless of the sector they operate in

You can also use GTIN to identify products at different packaging levels. Once you have assigned a GTIN to trade items, you and your trading partners can use that number to identify and communicate information about a particular product worldwide. There are currently four types of GTINs used by businesses globally. These include GTIN 8, GTIN 12, GTIN 13, and GTIN 14. 

Now, let’s take a look at the functions of GTIN.

Functions of GTIN Number

A GTIN serves various functions in eCommerce, retail, and logistics industries. Here are the primary functions of GTIN:

• Identification of physical products

GTIN gives your physical products a unique identity. It can help you identify and track your items across the supply chain. You can do so by encoding GTIN into barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and serial numbers affixed to your products.

• Identification of online products

You can also use GTIN to identify trade items online. This includes recognizing products from electronic messages (purchase orders and invoices) and catalogs. Moreover, GTIN also enables you to identify products embedded in web pages, optimizing these web pages for search engines.

• Business transactions

If you run an eCommerce business, you can use GTIN to process different transactions. It enables you to streamline processes and reduce manual errors. GTIN is essential to most Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) transactions. It facilitates seamless processing from one machine to another. In eCommerce businesses, GTIN supports the complete steps of getting customer orders to receiving payments.

• Online applications

You can present GTIN as a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) via the GS1 direct link. It supports data sharing and applications functioning on the internet. With GTIN, you can keep your customers engaged by translating new and existing barcodes into web content. It includes promotional content and other useful information about the product. 

• Logistics integration

GTIN is a unique identification number that helps you establish a seamless connection across different logistics systems. These include purchasing, inventory management, warehousing, analytics and reporting, and more. Eventually, it will enhance the quality and quantity of data you collect from these systems. 

• Visibility requirements

The Electronic Product Code (EPC) can increase visibility into trade items using GTIN representation. For instance, combining GTIN with a product’s serial number creates a unique identifier that facilitates authenticity verification. GTIN can facilitate recall and withdrawal processes when combined with batch or lot numbers.

Different Types of GTINs in Use

GTINs come in different formats, each is designed for specific product categories and use cases. Understanding the different types of GTINs are important for you to ensure compliance with marketplace and supply chain requirements. Listed below are the commonly used types of GTIN:

1. GTIN 8

This is the only GTIN that is used in the EAN-8 barcode. The components of GTIN 8 include seven digits containing an item reference and a GS1-8 prefix. Another part of GTIN 8 is the check digit. These are used for small-sized products like stationery, cosmetics, and small accessories. 

2. GTIN 12 (Universal Product Code)

This is only used in UPC-A barcodes. GTIN 12 also has two components. First, eleven digits that include your UPC company’s prefix and item reference. The second component is the check digit. These are generally used for grocery and consumer goods. 

3. GTIN 13 (European Article Number)

This GTIN is also called the EAN-13 barcode. In addition to the check digit, the other component of GTIN 13 is the twelve digits containing your GS1 company prefix and item reference. Here, one point to keep in mind is that your GS1 company prefix used in the creation of GTIN 13 will begin with 1-9. These are majorly used by international retailers. 

4. GTIN 14 (ITF-14-Interleaved Two of Five)

GTIN 14 is used when the quantity of goods is variable. Its components include the indicator digit, twelve digits that contain your GS1 company prefix and item reference, and the check digit. Remember, the indicator digit will either indicate the product’s packaging level (1- 8) or its variable measure (9). These are used for cartons, cases, and bulk packaging of products. 

You can use GTIN 14 to identify packaging levels of trade items. Moreover, more products can be identified from a single GS1 company prefix when GTIN 14 is used.

Structure of GTIN Number

A GTIN follows a standardised structure ensures each product has a unique and scannable identifier. While the length of GTIN varies, its basic structure remains the same across all formats. The structure/components of GTIN number include:

• Item reference: It’s a no-logic number assigned by the user to identify and track trade items. The length of item reference will vary depending on the length of your GS1 company prefix. Combined with the company prefix, it ensures every product variation (model, size, and colour) has a different GTIN. 
• Check digit: Check digit is the final digit calculated from the GTIN’s previous digits. This is used to confirm whether the data has been composed correctly. The check digit is included to promote data integrity in the GTIN system.
• GS1 company prefix: Another component of GTIN is your GS1 company prefix. A GS1 member organization licenses it to a company. It’s a globally unique number that serves as the foundation for generating GS1 identification keys. Based on your company’s requirements, the length of the GS1 company prefix will vary. 
• Indicator digit: Lastly, indicator digits range from 1 to 8. These numbers are used to identify packaging levels and reveal the packaging hierarchy of products. However, the digit 9 is solely used with variable measure products. GTIN 14 is the only GTIN with an indicator digit.

GTIN Format Examples 

GTIN Type	Format	Example
GTIN-8	8 digits	12345670
GTIN-12 (UPC-A)	12 digits	012345678903
GTIN-13 (EAN-13)	13 digits	4569876523647
GTIN-14 (ITF-14)	14 digits	10002876587687

How to Obtain a GTIN Number for Your Product?

Obtaining a GTIN is important if you want to list your products on major eCommerce platforms like Flipkart, eBay, and Amazon. The process is simple but should be done correctly to avoid any issues later. The steps include:

1. Register with GS1: GTINs are issued by GS1, the only official body authorised to provide unique product identifiers. Visit the official site of GS1 and create an account and apply for a GS1 company prefix that can be used to generate your GTINs. 
2. Choose the number of GTINs needed: If you sell products, you will need unique GTIN for each product. 
3. Pay the required fee: GS1 charges an initial registration fee and an annual renewal fee. This cost will be as per the number of GTINs you purchase. 
4. Receive your GTINs: Once registered, GS1 provides you with a unique GTIN for each product with barcode images for packaging. These can be used across all retail stores, warehouses, and eCommerce platforms. 
5. Assign GTINs to your products: Link each GTIN to its product details. Ensure it’s printed correctly on product packaging. 

Requesting a GTIN Exemption with Amazon: The Complete Process

GTIN exemption with Amazon is a short-term strategy that enables you to list your non-barcoded products on Amazon. The eCommerce giant offers a GTIN exemption policy for FBA fulfillment warehouses. It involves defined types of companies and product categories.

Here’s how you can apply for GTIN exemption with Amazon:

• Step 1: Go to the ‘apply for GTIN exemption’ page. Click the ‘select’ button and choose the applicable product category from the list.
• Step 2: Under the brand/publisher category, select the type of products you are going to sell. Enter the name of the brand if it’s a branded product. Select generic for un-branded ones.
• Step 3: Next, click the ‘check for eligibility’ button. From the eligibility summary that appears, check the status column to see if you are eligible for the GTIN exemption. You will not be able to continue if you aren’t.
• Step 4: Click the ‘submit proof’ button for the GTIN exemption.
• Step 5: Upload your image once you are on the ‘provide proof’ page. You must also enter the name of the product and upload product images. The product image must show all sides of the product. You must repeat this process for all items requesting a GTIN exemption.
• Step 6: Click on the ‘submit request’ button.

You will receive an email within 48 hours once you have completed the exemption process. The email will inform you about the status of your request. Alternatively, you can also check the status in the case log.

Export Procedures from India: The Role of GTIN

If you are planning to sell your products internationally, having a GTIN is important as it helps in customs clearance, compliance with international regulations, and smooth listing on global eCommerce platforms. Here is how GTIN helps you to export from India: 

• Many countries need GTINs for quick and hassle-free customs processing and to verify the product’s authenticity.
• When exporting from India, documents like invoices, certificates of origin, and bills of lading can help customs officers to identify products quickly.
• GTINs are important for most product categories when selling online on Amazon, eBay, etc.
• Helps in easy inventory tracking as standard product codes simplify stock management.

How ShiprocketX Simplifies Export Logistics?

Selling globally can be difficult, but ShiprocketX makes export logistics hassle-free by ensuring smooth product integration, automated documentation, and reliable shipping services. Some other features include:

• It has a global shipping network of over 220+ International destinations with trusted carrier partners where you can sell easily.
• Shiprocket helps in generating customs invoices, shipping labels, and exporting documents while reducing manual errors and speeding up the process. 

Conclusion

The concept of GTIN number goes beyond mere identification. GTN number is assigned to the products so that the product can be ordered, invoiced, or priced at any point in the supply chain. It serves as a key for businesses, facilitating systematic inventory management and seamless order fulfillment. Moreover, GTIN ensures you sell your products efficiently in the global marketplace. 

For a smooth shipping experience and hassle-free exports, you can use ShiprocketX in your logistical process. So, get started today and scale your business efficiently!