GTINBarcodeSysteme

GTINBarcodeSysteme is the family of barcode systems used to encode Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) in order to identify trade items across the supply chain. GTINs are administered by GS1, a global nonprofit organization that coordinates standards for product identification and data exchange. The GTIN serves as a unique item identifier for products and packaging, supporting automated data capture, inventory management, and cross-border commerce. GTINs come in several lengths: GTIN-12 (commonly known as UPC-A in North America), GTIN-13 (EAN-13 used internationally), GTIN-14 for packaging levels, and GTIN-8 for very small items. The digits include a check digit calculated using a modulo-10 algorithm to verify accuracy.

GTINs are encoded in various barcode symbologies. The most common are UPC-A and EAN-13 barcodes printed on consumer goods, while ITF-14 is used for outer packaging cartons. For data-rich applications, GS1-128 (also known as UCC/EAN-128) encodes the GTIN together with additional data elements called application identifiers (AIs), such as batch/lot number, production date, or expiration date.

In practical use, retailers scan GTIN-based barcodes at points of sale and in warehouses, while upstream data sharing is governed by GS1 data standards and data pools like the Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN). The GTIN within this framework supports accurate item identification, interoperability among trading partners, and efficient supply-chain operations. GTINBarcodeSysteme thus denotes the overall system for assigning, encoding, and exchanging GTINs across diverse channels and regions.