Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)

The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), formerly also known as an EAN number, is a unique identification number that is assigned to each product worldwide to enable efficient handling, traceability and management in various distribution channels. The GTIN is a crucial element in modern product labelling and ensures that products in global trade can be clearly identified and managed.

What is a GTIN and why is it important?

The GTIN is an internationally standardised number defined by the GS1 standard. It enables companies to clearly identify their products and manage them in various merchandise management, warehousing, inventory management and sales transactions systems. Without a valid GTIN, companies are severely limited in their competitiveness in international trade. It is printed on barcodes and enables fast and accurate recording of products at checkouts, in warehouses and along the entire supply chain.

For manufacturers who want to sell products, the GTIN is not only an important prerequisite for trade processing, but also for compliance with standards and legal requirements in many markets. In particular, a valid GTIN is often a legal requirement in the food industry, pharmaceutical industry and for electronic products.

The role of GS1 Germany in the allocation of GTINs

The allocation of GTINs is carried out by organisations such as GS1 Germany, which acts as part of the global GS1 network. GS1 ensures that each GTIN is assigned uniquely and consistently and that all parties involved in the supply chain can access the same data. GS1 Germany is the central point in Germany that supports companies in registering and managing their GTINs, while also pointing out the regulations and ordinances required for the correct use and allocation of GTINs.

The GS1 standards are not only important for GTIN allocation, but also for the entire product labelling and data communication in global trade. They enable clear and precise identification of products, inventory, deliveries and business transactions. The most important GS1 standards include not only the GTIN, but also the Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC), the Global Location Number (GLN) and the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN).

The use of GS1 standards significantly improves efficiency and transparency in the supply chain. This results in fewer errors, faster transactions and better product traceability, which is particularly important in international trade and logistics.

How is a GTIN applied?

The GTIN is usually applied as a barcode to products and packaging. Barcode printers are specially designed for this purpose and enable the number to be applied precisely and permanently. There are different methods, such as:

• thermal printing (thermal direct and thermal transfer)
• inkjet printing for larger print runs and flexible applications
• laser printing for particularly resistant products and materials

Each method ensures that the barcode remains easily legible under the various conditions of transport and storage.

Advantages of the GTIN in practice

Using the GTIN offers numerous advantages for manufacturers and retailers:

Efficient processes

• Automated ordering and warehousing processes: Barcodes can be scanned automatically, which significantly speeds up ordering, inventory and logistics processes.
• Avoiding errors: Manual errors in product identification are minimised, resulting in higher data quality and more accurate traceability.

Transparent supply chain

• Tracking products: By using GTINs, products can be tracked in real time along the entire supply chain, increasing both transparency and security.
• Improved communication: With a unified product label, all partners in the supply chain – from manufacturers to wholesalers to retailers – can communicate faster and more efficiently.

Global trade

• International compatibility: The GTIN is an international standard that facilitates access to global markets. For companies that operate internationally, the GTIN is indispensable for selling their products in different countries and through different retail channels without any problems.