A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) acts as a unique international identifier for products. Common GTIN variations include Universal Product Codes (UPC), European Article Numbers (EAN), and International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN). These codes are essential for the unique identification of products, facilitating efficient tracking across the global supply chain.

Why you should add a GTIN to your products

Retailers prefer products with GTINs for several reasons:

1. ​Efficient Inventory Management​: GTINs enable automated scanning, reducing errors and speeding up checkouts. They help track stock levels, preventing overstocking or stockouts.
2. Simplified Ordering​: Unique GTINs streamline ordering, tracking, and reordering, and facilitate faster communication via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).
3. Faster Checkout​: GTINs in barcodes speed up checkouts, reduce pricing errors, and ensure accurate transactions.
   
4. Supply Chain Visibility​: GTINs improve product traceability and compliance, aiding international trade with standardized identifiers.
5. Informed Decisions​: GTINs provide data for analyzing sales trends and customer preferences, optimizing stocking and pricing.
6. Retailer Compliance​: Many retailers and e-commerce platforms require GTINs for standardized listings, ensuring smooth transactions.
7. E-Commerce Integration​: GTINs enhance product listings on digital platforms, improving search visibility and helping customers find products easily.

How to add a GTIN to your product

You can assign a GTIN to your products using the Product Editor, the Bulk Editor, the bulk upload spreadsheet, or an integration (ex. our Shopify integration).

Key guidelines for GTINs:

• GTINs must be purely numeric, containing no letters or special characters
• The length of a GTIN can be 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits
• GTINs must pass a computed check digit validation
• Each product variant or style should have its own GTIN

For additional details or to license GTIN codes, visit the GS1 website.