GTIN-Nummer
Also: Global Trade Item Number, EAN, EAN-13, EAN-8, GTIN-13, GTIN-14, GTIN-8, GTIN-12, Internationale Artikelnummer, Europäische Artikelnummer
AI-generated
The GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is a globally unique product identification number based on the GS1 standard. It is used at the item, secondary packaging, and pallet level, and forms the basis for barcodes as well as automated data exchange in the supply chain.
Key facts
- The GTIN is a GS1 standard for the globally unique identification of trade items at the unit, secondary packaging, and pallet level.
- GTIN variants exist with 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits; the most common form in Europe is the GTIN-13, which corresponds to the EAN-13.
- GTINs are assigned by the product manufacturer and require GS1 membership with a dedicated company prefix.
- Data quality in the item master is critical: incorrect or missing GTINs cause manual rework throughout the entire supply network.
- In EDI data exchange – e.g., in advance shipping notices (DESADV) – the GTIN is the central linking element between supplier and recipient.
What is a GTIN?
The GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is an internationally standardized numbering system for the unique identification of trade items. The standard is managed by the organization GS1 and serves as the foundation for barcode symbologies such as EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, and ITF-14. Each GTIN consists of a defined sequence of digits that includes a company prefix, an item reference, and a check digit. Depending on the use case, variants with 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits are available – the GTIN-13 corresponds to the EAN-13, which is widely used in Europe.
It is important to understand that a GTIN is not assigned to an individual product alone, but to a specific trade item. A single pack, a carton, and a pallet of the same article can each receive their own GTINs, as they are considered distinct trade items with their own characteristics.
How does the GTIN work in practice?
At goods receipt, warehouse staff or an automated scanning station reads the barcode containing the GTIN. The Warehouse Management System (WMS) or ERP system resolves the GTIN against the stored item master data and automatically assigns the received goods to the correct product, storage location, and inventory. If a valid GTIN is missing or does not match the master data record, manual rework and potential posting errors result.
The GTIN also plays a central role in picking, shipping, and EDI processes (e.g., DESADV advance shipping notices). Trading partners, particularly in food retail and industry, frequently require that every line item is communicated with a valid GTIN. This enables fully automated goods receipt postings on the recipient's side without manual assignment.
- For batch-tracked goods, the GTIN is often encoded together with a batch number and expiry date in a GS1-128 barcode or Data Matrix code.
- In e-commerce and on marketplaces, the GTIN serves as a product identifier to consolidate listings from multiple vendors.
- Internal item numbers and GTINs must be cleanly mapped in the item master so that systems can work together seamlessly.
What matters during implementation?
Anyone introducing or maintaining GTINs should keep several points in mind. First: GTINs are assigned by the manufacturer and may not be reassigned by retailers or logistics service providers. Companies marketing their own products must register as a GS1 member and will then receive a company prefix. Second: the quality of GTIN master data is critical. A GTIN that is incorrectly captured or used more than once causes errors throughout the entire network. Third: when integrating systems between ERP, WMS, and trading partners, it should be verified which GTIN variant (8, 13, or 14 digits) is expected in which context, as systems process different field lengths. Depending on the vendor, this may require additional configuration effort.
Related terms
- Artikelklassifizierung
Item classification refers to the systematic categorization of items based on defined criteria such as value, turnover frequency, storage requirements, or hazardous material characteristics. It forms the foundation for differentiated warehousing, procurement, and picking processes.
- Artikelnummer
The item number is an internally assigned, unique identifier that unambiguously identifies an article within the inventory management and warehouse system. It forms the basis for postings, purchase orders, and communication between purchasing, warehousing, and production.
- Artikelstamm
The item master is the central data repository that permanently stores all logistically and commercially relevant features of an item. It forms the basis for warehousing, inventory planning, picking, and billing.
- Artikelstammdaten
Item master data refers to the permanently valid base data of an item – such as dimensions, weight, packaging units, hazardous goods classification, and best-before date relevance. It forms the foundation for all logistical, procurement-related, and system-driven processes along the supply chain.
- Barcode
A barcode is a machine-readable optical code that represents information as a pattern of bars and spaces or as a two-dimensional matrix. It enables the automatic identification of items, load carriers, and documents along the entire supply chain.
- Bewegungsdaten
Movement data captures all transactions and physical goods movements in the logistics process – from goods receipt and stock transfers to dispatch. It contains timestamps, quantities, locations and the units involved, and forms the basis for transparency, control and analysis in warehouse and…
- Charge
A batch is a uniquely identifiable quantity of products manufactured or processed under identical conditions. It forms the basis for traceability, quality control, and legally required recall processes throughout the entire supply chain.
- Chargenrückverfolgung
Batch traceability refers to the complete and uninterrupted trackability of products and materials along the supply chain based on their batch assignment. It enables companies to quickly identify and selectively block all affected quantities in the event of a quality issue or recall.
- DESADV
DESADV (Dispatch Advice) is a standardized EDI message in EDIFACT format that electronically announces an upcoming delivery. It transmits structured information on packaging units, items, quantities, and identifiers such as the SSCC to the goods recipient.
- Data Matrix
Data Matrix is a two-dimensional barcode that stores significantly more information in a very small area than conventional 1D barcodes. Thanks to integrated error correction, it remains reliably readable even when partially damaged or soiled.