ITF14

ITF-14 is a barcode symbology used to identify packaging units in the supply chain. It is based on the Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) algorithm and is part of the GS1 system. ITF-14 is primarily applied to carton and case labeling to identify trade items at the packaging level, helping warehouses, distributors, and retailers track shipments.

The data encoded in an ITF-14 barcode is a 14-digit GTIN-14 number. This number represents the global trade item identifier for the packaging level and includes a check digit for data integrity. ITF-14 does not carry alphabetic data; it encodes numeric digits only. The 14 digits are printed as a human-readable string beneath the barcode in many implementations for verification.

Encoding and appearance: ITF-14 uses the Interleaved 2 of 5 encoding scheme, where digits are processed in pairs and converted into a pattern of bars and spaces. Each pair of digits determines a sequence of five bars and five spaces, interleaving the two elements. The barcode has standard start and end patterns and requires a quiet zone around it for reliable scanning. Because it is based on a dense numeric symbology, ITF-14 is well suited for larger carton surfaces but is less practical for very small labels.

Applications and standards: ITF-14 is widely used on shipping cartons, cases, and similar packaging within the GS1 framework. It complements other GS1 identifiers like GTIN and is commonly scanned by warehouse and logistics equipment to automate inventory and shipping processes. It is defined by GS1 General Specifications as part of the standard set for packaging-level identification.