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What is a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)? Know types and how to obtain them
A Global Trade Item Number is a unique and internationally recognized ID for a product. Learn more about its types, structure and how to get it, in the blog.
Ever wondered how products are recognized and tracked across global marketplaces like Amazon? The answer lies in a simple yet powerful unique product identifier code — the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).
The GTIN plays a crucial role in e-commerce, inventory management, and global trade. Whether you’re a small business owner listing your first product or a seasoned exporter expanding internationally, understanding GTIN is key to ensuring your products are visible, scannable, and sellable across platforms.
In this blog, we’ll break down what a GTIN is, why it matters, how to get one, and how Indian sellers can even apply for a GTIN exemption on Amazon.
The GTIN plays a crucial role in e-commerce, inventory management, and global trade. Whether you’re a small business owner listing your first product or a seasoned exporter expanding internationally, understanding GTIN is key to ensuring your products are visible, scannable, and sellable across platforms.
In this blog, we’ll break down what a GTIN is, why it matters, how to get one, and how Indian sellers can even apply for a GTIN exemption on Amazon.
What is a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)?
A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a unique identifier used internationally to distinguish products in supply chains and e-commerce platforms. It is commonly encoded in barcodes and allows trading partners to identify product characteristics such as manufacturer, product type, and packaging.1
The term GTIN includes various formats like GTIN-8, GTIN-12 (UPC), GTIN-13 (EAN), and GTIN-14. These are issued by GS1, a non-profit organization managing global standards for product identification.
The term GTIN includes various formats like GTIN-8, GTIN-12 (UPC), GTIN-13 (EAN), and GTIN-14. These are issued by GS1, a non-profit organization managing global standards for product identification.
Importance of GTIN
Using GTIN ensures standardized product identification, making transactions efficient and error-free across systems:
Improved product catalog quality:
Providing GTINs when uploading product catalogs allows sellers to access pre-existing product information on marketplaces, such as detailed product descriptions, images, and customer reviews. This not only saves time but also enhances the quality of product listings, contributing to a stronger online presence and improved seller reputation.
Increased sales opportunity:
Including GTINs in product listings creates more chances to upsell on marketplaces. Products with GTINs can be featured as recommended items, making them more visible to shoppers. Additionally, GTINs make it easier to sell products internationally, as they are recognized and accepted globally.2
Functions of GTIN
GTINs serve multiple roles in commerce, beyond just identification:
● Product cataloguing: Retailers and distributors use GTINs to standardize product databases.
● Error reduction: GTINs reduce manual entry errors and streamline data exchange.
● Inter-operability: GTINs support integration across logistics, payment systems, and ERP platforms.3
Benefits of GTIN
Implementing GTINs offers a multitude of advantages for businesses aiming to thrive in the international arena:
1. Increased visibility and discoverability:
Products with GTINs are more easily discoverable on online platforms and search engines. This enhanced visibility can lead to increased sales and market reach, particularly for businesses targeting global consumers.
2. Reduced errors and returns:
Accurate product identification through GTINs minimizes shipping errors, mis-deliveries, and customer returns. This translates into cost savings for businesses and improved customer satisfaction.
3. Compliance with industry standards:
Many industries and major retailers worldwide mandate the use of GTINs for product identification. Adopting GTINs thus ensures compliance with these standards, opening doors to new markets and partnerships.
4. Streamlined international trade:
For exporters, GTINs simplify customs procedures and regulatory compliance, making international trade more efficient. They provide a common language for product identification across borders, reducing delays and complexities.4
How GTINs are used
GTINs are integral to various stages of a product’s lifecycle, from manufacturing to sale. They are encoded into barcodes and other data carriers that are scanned at different points in the supply chain:
At manufacturing:
Manufacturers assign GTINs to their products at the point of production. This ensures that each unique product variation has its own identifier.
In warehousing and logistics:
Warehouses use GTINs for efficient inventory management, order picking, and tracking products as they move through storage and transportation networks.
At retail point of sale:
Retailers scan GTINs at the checkout to identify products, retrieve pricing information, and manage sales data. This streamlines the sales process and provides accurate sales reporting.
For online product listings:
E-commerce platforms utilize GTINs to organize product catalogs, prevent duplicate listings, and improve search functionality for consumers.5
Types of GTIN
GTIN serves as an umbrella term for various types of product identifiers, each designed for specific applications and geographical regions. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper implementation. There is a range of GS1 codes covered under GTIN, with some of the commonly used types including:
1. GTIN-8 (EAN-8):
This is an 8-digit GTIN primarily used for smaller retail items where space for a full barcode is limited. It is primarily used outside North America and is intended to be scanned at POS for small items.
2. GTIN-12 (UPC-A):
Commonly known as the Universal Product Code (UPC), this is a 12-digit standard product identifier widely used in North America for retail scanning. This format is crucial for US exporters.
3. GTIN-13 (EAN-13):
Also referred to as the European Article Number (EAN), this is a 13-digit product code predominantly used in Europe and other international marketplaces outside of North America. It is the most common GTIN format globally, and Indian exporters will frequently encounter this format.6
4. GTIN-14 (ITF-14 or UCC/EAN-14):
This is a 14-digit GTIN used for trade items sold at different levels of packaging, such as cases of products or pallets. It is useful for managing inventory in warehouses and businesses often use this for bulk shipments and logistics.
5. International Standard Book Number (ISBN):
This is a product ID used specifically for the identification of books. While unique to books, it is structured similarly to other GTINs to facilitate identification.7
Structure of GTIN
A data structure comprising a string of digits, GTINs can be 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits in length to accommodate different applications and product constraints. Depending on the length, these structures are known as GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, and GTIN-14 respectively. The GTIN usually comprises the following elements:
1. Indicator digit:
Numbers from 1-8 help in identifying the packaging level information of the product. The 9th digit is exclusively used for variable measure products (like a box containing similar products). These indicator digits are used in GTIN-14 only.
2. Item reference:
This is a unique number assigned to the trade item. This varies in length depending on the company prefix length.
3. GS1 company prefix:
This is a unique number licensed to a company by the GS1 member organization. These prefixes vary in length, assigned as per a business’s or brand’s need.
4. Check digit:
This is the final digit that is calculated from the preceding digits in the GTIN. This digit verifies that the data is correctly composed in the preceding GTIN code.8
How to obtain GTIN for your product
GS1 India assigns GTINs to brand owners and businesses in India. These GTINs are generated through Datakart — a single repository for data of all the products in India, enabling online generation of GTINs and management of product information.9 If you are selling your products on e-commerce sites like Amazon, then you will have to request GS1 India for the allocation of GTINs.
How to request GTIN exemption with Amazon
While GTINs are generally required for listing products on Amazon, sellers of private-label, handmade, or custom items can request a GTIN exemption. Follow the steps below to apply:
Step 1: Check eligibility
Determine whether your product qualifies for a GTIN exemption. Eligible products typically include those that are private-label, handmade, generic or unbranded, as well as bundles or parts that lack a manufacturer-issued GTIN. Always refer to Amazon Seller Central for the most updated eligibility rules.
Step 2: Gather product and brand information
Collect essential details about your product. This includes the product category, the brand name (or indicate if it’s generic), and clear product images showing that no GTIN exists on the packaging. You may also need to provide documentation such as a brand authorization letter if you’re selling under a specific brand.
Step 3: Access Seller Central
Log in to your Amazon Seller Central account. From the Catalogue drop-down menu, select ‘Add products.’ On ‘List your products,’ enter your product title into the search bar and submit it. If your product is not listed, click the ‘Create a new listing link.
Step 4: Add product identity and brand name
In the Product Identity section, enter the item name and confirm or select the appropriate category and product type for your GTIN exemption request. Provide the brand name. For unbranded items or bundles, check the box labeled "This product does not have a brand name." This will disable the brand name field and display "Generic" instead.
Step 5: Submit the exemption request
Next, select the “I do not have a product ID” checkbox and click ‘Next.’ If a GTIN exemption is needed, the Apply now button will appear. If no exemption is required, you can proceed to the next tab, where you may be notified that you’re exempted from providing a product ID. Please note that additional listing requirements may also apply. Click Apply now to complete the application form.10
Conclusion
Understanding and utilizing GTINs is essential for businesses aiming to thrive in the global marketplace. They not only streamline operations but also enhance product visibility and customer trust. For Indian exporters, adopting GTINs can open doors to international markets and platforms like Amazon. By obtaining GTINs through GS1 India or seeking exemptions where applicable, sellers can ensure compliance and expand their global reach.
Amazon Global Selling: Easy e-commerce exports and hassle-free shipping
If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce export program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your export journey, connecting you to Amazon’s Service Provider Network for tailored compliance, payments, and logistics support.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is GTIN the same as barcode?
GTIN is a commonly used barcode that contains information about a product.
2. Is it possible to sell on Amazon without any GTIN/product ID?
If your products do not have a GTIN, for example, in the case of handmade products, then you can file a request to Amazon for GTIN exemption. You may check the process here.
3. Do we need to change GTIN if any changes are made to the product?
Yes, a new GTIN is required whenever any defined product details are changed. A new GTIN is assigned to the trade item if:
● The new products look changed from the current product.
● There is a substantial impact on the supply chain, i.e. storage, shipment, etc.
● The new products look changed from the current product.
● There is a substantial impact on the supply chain, i.e. storage, shipment, etc.
4. What is the difference between GTIN, UPC, and barcode?
GTIN is a unique identifier for products. UPC is a type of GTIN, specifically a 12-digit code used mainly in North America. A barcode is the visual representation of these codes, scannable by machines.
Published on January 24, 2022.
Updated on July 07, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.gs1us.org/upcs-barcodes-prefixes/what-is-a-gtin
2. https://blog.lengow.com/product-code/gtin/
3. https://www.shiprocket.in/blog/gtin-number/
4. https://www.commport.com/what-is-a-gtin/
5. https://documents.gs1us.org/adobe/assets/deliver/urn:aaid:aem:3b583151-bc32-4223-a190-5bb1ae565b0e/Guideline-An-Introduction-to-the-Global-Trade-Item-Number-GTIN.pdf
6. https://www.bajajfinserv.in/what-is-global-trade-item-number-gtin
7. https://support.gs1.org/support/solutions/articles/43000734333-what-is-isbn
8. https://documents.gs1us.org/adobe/assets/deliver/urn:aaid:aem:3b583151-bc32-4223-a190-5bb1ae565b0e/Guideline-An-Introduction-to-the-Global-Trade-Item-Number-GTIN.pdf
9. https://www.gs1india.org/datakart/
10. https://sellercentral.amazon.in/help/hub/reference/external/G200426310?initialSessionID=258-8024175-4123017&ld=NSGoogle&pageName=IN%3ASD%3AAGS%3ABlogs%3Awhat-is-gtin&locale=en-IN
Updated on July 07, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.gs1us.org/upcs-barcodes-prefixes/what-is-a-gtin
2. https://blog.lengow.com/product-code/gtin/
3. https://www.shiprocket.in/blog/gtin-number/
4. https://www.commport.com/what-is-a-gtin/
5. https://documents.gs1us.org/adobe/assets/deliver/urn:aaid:aem:3b583151-bc32-4223-a190-5bb1ae565b0e/Guideline-An-Introduction-to-the-Global-Trade-Item-Number-GTIN.pdf
6. https://www.bajajfinserv.in/what-is-global-trade-item-number-gtin
7. https://support.gs1.org/support/solutions/articles/43000734333-what-is-isbn
8. https://documents.gs1us.org/adobe/assets/deliver/urn:aaid:aem:3b583151-bc32-4223-a190-5bb1ae565b0e/Guideline-An-Introduction-to-the-Global-Trade-Item-Number-GTIN.pdf
9. https://www.gs1india.org/datakart/
10. https://sellercentral.amazon.in/help/hub/reference/external/G200426310?initialSessionID=258-8024175-4123017&ld=NSGoogle&pageName=IN%3ASD%3AAGS%3ABlogs%3Awhat-is-gtin&locale=en-IN
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*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.
*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.
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