GTIN8

GTIN-8 stands for Global Trade Item Number with eight digits and is part of the GTIN family used to identify trade items in the global supply chain. An eight-digit GTIN consists of seven data digits and a final check digit. The first seven digits are assigned to an item by GS1 member organizations and typically reflect a company prefix and product code, while the last digit is a check digit used to verify the integrity of the number.

The check digit is calculated using the standard GS1 check-digit algorithm. Starting with the rightmost of the first seven digits, digits are weighted alternately by 3 and 1, the results are summed, and the check digit is the number that brings the total to a multiple of 10. This error-detection mechanism helps ensure that GTINs are scanned correctly across systems.

GTIN-8 is primarily used for small articles where space on the packaging is limited. It is commonly encoded in the EAN-8 barcode symbol, which can be scanned by retail point-of-sale systems and other barcode readers. While GTIN-8 represents the shortest fixed-length GTIN, the GTIN family also includes GTIN-12, GTIN-13, and GTIN-14 for different packaging and logistical needs.

All GTINs are globally unique identifiers managed within the GS1 system. They enable consistent product identification across manufacturers, retailers, and logistics providers, supporting efficient data capture, inventory management, and checkout processes. GTIN-8 is one option among several GTIN formats, selected when a compact identifier is required.