GTINs are issued under the GS1 system and come in four lengths: GTIN-8, GTIN-12 (used in UPC barcodes), GTIN-13 (used in EAN barcodes), and GTIN-14 (often used for cases and other packaging levels). Each packaging level of the same product, such as a unit, an inner pack, and a case, needs its own GTIN.

Why it matters for labeling

The GTIN is the backbone of product identification across industries. In FMCG and retail, it's the number in the EAN or UPC barcode scanned at checkout. In GS1 barcodes such as GS1-128 and GS1 DataMatrix, it's carried with Application Identifier (01). For medical devices using GS1 as their issuing agency, the GTIN serves as the UDI-DI, and in EU pharma, it's commonly used as the product code in the unique identifier.

Common mistakes

  • The same GTIN used on two different packaging levels
  • A GTIN copied from a previous version or a similar product during an artwork update
  • The human-readable number not matching the encoded barcode
  • A GTIN changed, or not changed, when GS1 rules require the opposite

Sources