GTIN

GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is the umbrella term for product identification numbers managed by GS1. Japan's JAN code (13 digits) is GTIN-13; North America's UPC (12 digits) is GTIN-12. These numbers uniquely identify products at retail checkout.

Traditionally encoded in EAN/UPC barcodes, GTINs are now integrating with QR codes through GS1 Digital Link. A GS1 QR code stores the GTIN as a URL like https://id.gs1.org/01/04912345678904, linking directly to manufacturer product pages.

This integration is transformative. Traditional barcodes served only POS identification. A single GS1 QR code simultaneously handles checkout identification (GTIN), consumer product information (URL), and lot numbers or expiration dates (additional data). Global retail plans to transition to GS1 QR codes by 2027.

Obtaining a GTIN requires GS1 membership. Companies receive a GS1 Company Prefix and assign product numbers within that prefix.