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What Is a GTIN? Global Trade Item Numbers Explained
GTIN is the family of GS1-issued product identifiers — UPC-A is GTIN-12, EAN-13 is GTIN-13. Here is what GTIN means, how it relates to barcodes, and how to get one.
GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number. It is a globally unique product identifier issued by GS1 — the same organization that runs the barcode system. There are four GTIN formats: GTIN-8 (used for EAN-8 on small packaging), GTIN-12 (used for UPC-A in North America), GTIN-13 (used for EAN-13 internationally), and GTIN-14 (used for ITF-14 on master cases and case packs).
Whenever you see a barcode below a product on a shelf, the number printed underneath it IS the GTIN. UPC and EAN are two specific GTIN formats — saying 'I need a UPC' and 'I need a GTIN-12' mean the same thing. Marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, Google Shopping, and Meta Commerce all reference 'GTIN' when they actually mean any of these GS1 identifiers.
GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, GTIN-14: which one do I need?
Most retail products in North America use GTIN-12 (UPC-A). International products use GTIN-13 (EAN-13). Very small packaging that can't fit a full UPC uses GTIN-8 (EAN-8) — think small candy bars and single-use cosmetics samples. Master cases and shipping cartons use GTIN-14 (ITF-14). Internally, retailers store every GTIN in their database padded to 14 digits with leading zeros, so a UPC-A '012345678905' is stored as GTIN-14 '00012345678905.'
How to get a GTIN from GS1
Apply at gs1.org (or your country's affiliate — gs1us.org for the US, gs1uk.org for the UK, etc.). GS1 assigns you a Company Prefix, then you create GTINs within that prefix's namespace. Pricing varies by country and GTIN count: GS1 US starts at ~$30/year for a single GTIN; bulk packs of 10-1000 GTINs scale accordingly. Each GTIN is uniquely tied to one product variant (size, color, flavor) and cannot be reused.
GTIN vs SKU vs barcode: clearing up the terminology
SKU = your internal product code, your format, your business. GTIN = the GS1-issued global identifier registered to your brand. Barcode = the visual scannable representation of the GTIN (UPC-A bars, EAN-13 bars, Data Matrix grid, etc.). One GTIN can be rendered as multiple barcode types — the same GTIN-13 can appear as an EAN-13 on the product face AND as an ITF-14 on the master case, with both barcodes encoding the same underlying number.
Where GTIN matters most: Amazon and Google Shopping
Google Merchant Center (the backend of Google Shopping) requires a valid GTIN for almost every product listing — Google verifies the GTIN against the GS1 database before approving ads. Amazon requires a GTIN to create new listings in most categories. Without a real, GS1-registered GTIN, your products are functionally invisible in modern retail.
FAQ
How do I get a GTIN number?
Apply for a GS1 Company Prefix at gs1us.org (US) or your country's GS1 affiliate. After registration, GS1 assigns you a prefix; you then create GTINs in your prefix's namespace. Cost starts around $30/year for a single GTIN and scales with the SKU count you license.
Are SKU and GTIN the same?
No. SKU is your internal product code — you choose the format and meaning. GTIN is a globally standardized identifier issued by GS1 and registered to your brand. SKUs are private and brand-specific; GTINs work across every retailer worldwide.
Is GTIN the same as barcode?
Closely related but not identical. The GTIN is the number; the barcode is the visual scannable representation of that number. The same GTIN can be rendered as a UPC-A barcode, EAN-13 barcode, ITF-14 barcode, or even a 2D Data Matrix. The barcode 'wraps' the GTIN.
Who issues GTIN numbers?
GS1 is the only authoritative issuer. There are GS1 affiliate offices in nearly every country — GS1 US, GS1 UK, GS1 Germany, GS1 India, etc. You apply to the affiliate office in your country of business. Third-party 'GTIN resellers' technically own old GS1 prefixes and resell numbers from them, but retailers increasingly reject these because they don't resolve to your brand in the global GS1 database.
Can I get a GTIN for free?
Most countries no longer offer free GTINs at scale, though some GS1 offices provide a single-GTIN starter for very small businesses. GS1's online GTIN-creation tool is free to use once you've paid for your prefix. Free 'GTIN generators' that don't register through GS1 are not real GTINs — they generate syntactically valid numbers but won't pass Amazon or Google Shopping verification.
How much does a GTIN cost?
GS1 US: $30 for a single GTIN as a one-time fee (no annual renewal at the lowest tier); $250/year for 10 GTINs; scales up to enterprise tiers for thousands. Other countries vary — GS1 UK is similar, GS1 India is cheaper, GS1 Germany has tiered annual licensing. Check your local GS1 affiliate for current pricing.
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