What is a GTIN?

GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number, a 14-digit identifier used to identify products in the global supply chain.

GTINs are encoded into barcodes, which can be scanned to retrieve product information from a database. The most common types of barcodes used with GTINs are UPC (Universal Product Code) and EAN (European Article Number) barcodes. In addition, GTINs can also be encoded in data matrix and QR code formats.

The benefits of using GTINs in supply chain and retail operations are numerous. By assigning a unique identifier to each product, GTINs can help improve inventory accuracy, reduce out-of-stocks, and streamline the supply chain process. They also facilitate cross-border trade by ensuring that products are identified consistently across different countries and regions.

Despite the benefits, there are also challenges associated with using GTINs. One of the main challenges is ensuring that the correct GTIN is assigned to each product, as errors can result in misidentified products, inventory inaccuracies, and shipping delays. Another challenge is ensuring that GTINs are used consistently across different suppliers, retailers, and countries, as variations in GTIN usage can result in confusion and inefficiencies.