GTIN Definition
GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is a unique numeric identifier assigned to a product so it can be recognized consistently across different retailers, systems, and countries. It is the number encoded in a product's barcode and forms the foundation of the GS1 identification standard.
How is it used?
Retailers, marketplaces, and supply chain systems use GTINs to look up, list, and track products without ambiguity. A product sold in multiple countries or through multiple channels carries the same GTIN everywhere, to make sure that all parties are referring to the same item.
Who assigns GTINs?
GTINs are issued through GS1. In practice, a brand or manufacturer joins their national GS1 organization, receives a company prefix, and uses it to generate GTINs for each product they sell. Without a GS1-issued GTIN, most major retailers and marketplaces will not list the product.
