GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
A globally unique product identifier administered by GS1, used across supply chains and marketplaces — the umbrella standard that includes UPC and EAN.
A GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is a globally unique numeric identifier assigned to a product so it can be recognized consistently across retailers, marketplaces, and supply chains worldwide. GTINs are administered by GS1 and encoded in the barcodes scanned at checkout. GTIN is the umbrella standard — UPC, EAN, ITF-14, and ISBN are all GTIN formats.
GTIN formats: GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, GTIN-14
- GTIN-12 — the 12-digit UPC used mainly in North America.
- GTIN-13 — the 13-digit EAN used mainly in Europe and most of the world.
- GTIN-8 — a shortened 8-digit code (EAN-8) for very small packages.
- GTIN-14 — a 14-digit code (ITF-14) for cases and shipping units.
GTIN vs UPC vs EAN
UPC and EAN are not different from GTIN — they are specific lengths of it. A UPC is a GTIN-12; an EAN is a GTIN-13. When a marketplace asks for a "GTIN," you can supply your UPC or EAN; systems left-pad shorter codes with zeros to a common 14-digit length internally.
Why GTINs matter for ecommerce and marketplaces
Google Shopping, Amazon, and most marketplaces require a valid GTIN to match your listing to the global product catalog, improve discoverability, and unlock rich product results. Missing or invalid GTINs suppress listings and ads.
Managing GTINs in a PIM
A PIM stores the GTIN as a governed attribute on each product, validates its format and check digit, and syndicates it to every channel. Apimio keeps GTIN, UPC, EAN, MPN, and your internal SKU on one canonical record and pushes the right identifier to each Shopify field and marketplace feed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between GTIN and UPC?+
A UPC is a type of GTIN — specifically a 12-digit GTIN (GTIN-12) used in North America. GTIN is the umbrella standard; UPC and EAN are specific lengths of it.
What is the difference between GTIN and EAN?+
An EAN is a 13-digit GTIN (GTIN-13) used mainly in Europe and worldwide. Like UPC, it is a GTIN format, not a separate standard.
Why do marketplaces require a GTIN?+
Google Shopping, Amazon, and others use GTINs to match your product to the global catalog. Valid GTINs improve discoverability and unlock rich results; missing ones can suppress listings.
What is GDSN?+
GDSN (Global Data Synchronization Network) is the GS1 network that lets trading partners share standardized, GTIN-keyed product data automatically between certified data pools.