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Standards

GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)

A GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is the globally unique number that identifies a product so any trading partner can scan and reference it the same way. It is the number encoded in a UPC or EAN barcode. Common formats are GTIN-12 (UPC), GTIN-13 (EAN), and GTIN-14 for case quantities.

How a GTIN is structured

A GTIN is built from a GS1 company prefix, an item reference, and a check digit. The check digit is calculated from the other digits and confirms the number was scanned or keyed correctly. Retailers require valid GTINs on items, and often on cases, so the right product is identified at every step.

GTIN in orders and catalogs

GTINs appear in EDI price and sales catalogs (the 832) and on purchase orders so the buyer and supplier agree on exactly which item is being ordered. A wrong or missing GTIN causes the order line to fail item matching, which can short the shipment and trigger a chargeback at retail.

Related Terms

SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)
An SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is an 18-digit GS1 number that uniquely identifies a logistics unit such as a pallet or carton. It is encoded in the GS1-128 shipping label and referenced in the EDI 856 advance ship notice, so a receiver can scan one label and know every item inside.
GS1-128 Barcode
GS1-128 is a barcode standard used on shipping labels to carry structured data like the SSCC, GTIN, quantity, and lot number. Application Identifiers tell the scanner what each field means. It is the barcode that pairs with the EDI 856 advance ship notice for scan-based receiving at retail.
Advance Ship Notice (ASN)
An Advance Ship Notice (ASN) is an electronic notification a supplier sends before a shipment arrives, detailing its contents, packing structure, and carrier. In EDI it is the 856 transaction. It tells the buyer exactly what is coming, how it is packed, and when, so receiving can be scanned and verified at the dock.

Learn More

EDI 832 Price/Sales Catalog GuideEDI 850 Purchase Order GuideEDI Document Types ReferenceFree EDI Inspector

Frequently Asked Questions

A UPC is one GTIN format, the 12-digit GTIN-12. GTIN is the umbrella term that also covers EAN (GTIN-13), the 8-digit GTIN-8, and the case-level GTIN-14.

A GTIN can be 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits depending on the format. In data systems shorter GTINs are often stored right-justified and zero-padded to 14 digits.

A GTIN-14 identifies a packaging level above the consumer unit, such as a case or pallet. It lets a buyer order and scan a full case as a single trade item.

Sources: GS1 US standards

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