GTIN vs UPC Barcodes: What’s The Difference?

In retail and online shopping, barcodes are on every product, providing vital information to the systems that track, sell, and manage inventory. GTIN vs UPC is a distinction that might seem minor at first glance, yet it holds significant weight in commerce.

GTINs have a global reach, accommodating various industries and product types, while UPCs are tailored to American and Canadian retailers. Both are the key to efficiency and organization, ensuring that every item reaches the right destination and is accounted for.

For anyone in the business of selling products, understanding the distinction between these two is essential for smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

Firstly, Get to Know about GTIN

In GTIN vs UPC context, GTIN, or Global Trade Item Number, is a unique and internationally recognized identifier for products. It is used to identify an item in the global supply chain and is essential for selling products in the retail sector.

1. Types of GTIN

GTINs vary in length depending on their application and geographical use. There are four main types: GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, and GTIN-14. GTIN-8 is often used for smaller items that don’t have enough space for a longer barcode.

GTIN-12 is widely recognized in North America and is synonymous with the UPC. GTIN-13 is common in Europe, and GTIN-14 is used for items that require additional packaging hierarchy, like a crate of goods versus a single item.

2. The Importance and Benefits of Using GTIN

A GTIN ensures that products can be identified and tracked consistently anywhere globally, which is vital for logistics and supply chain management. This unique identification helps avoid duplication and confusion in the marketplace, making it easier for retailers and online platforms to manage their inventories.

Moreover, GTINs help products surface in online searches, making them more visible to potential buyers. This is particularly relevant in GTIN vs UPC, where GTIN’s broader applicability gives products a wider online footprint.

Secondly, Let’s Talk about UPC

UPC, or Universal Product Code, is a 12-digit GTIN primarily used in the United States and Canada. It’s a specific type of barcode used to track store trade items. It comprises a 6-10 digit GS1 Company Prefix, 1-5 digit Item Reference Number, and single Check Digit.

Read About: What is GS1 Barcode? Here is the Complete Explanations

1. Types of UPC

The Universal Product Code (UPC) primarily comes in two formats: UPC-A and UPC-E. UPC-A consists of 12 numerical digits, while UPC-E is a shortened version with only six digits.

This compact yet precise system enables quick identification of millions of items. While UPC-A is the standard and most common form, UPC-E is employed for smaller packages with limited space.

2. The Importance and Benefits of Using UPC Code

In GTIN vs UPC, the latter offers a reliable and efficient means of product identification and tracking within the United States and Canada. The implementation of UPCs fosters streamlined operations at the point of sale due to its quick scanability.

It aids in accurate inventory management, ensuring the products are correctly logged and tracked throughout the supply chain. Moreover, by adopting UPCs, companies can have better insights into sales trends and make informed decisions regarding stock replenishment and marketing strategies.

The unique identification provided by UPCs also minimizes the chances of errors, thereby enhancing operational accuracy and customer satisfaction.

GTIN vs UPC: Core Differences

GTIN and UPC are both product identification systems used by retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers. Here’s a breakdown of their differences and features:

Differences	GTIN	UPC
Length	8, 12, 13, or 14 digits	12 digits
Usage	Global	Primarily Canada and the United States
Components	A company prefix, an item reference, and a calculated check digit	A company number, an item number, and a check digit
Industry	Broad, including retail, healthcare, transport, etc	Retail-specific
Registration	Must obtain a GS1 company prefix and follow GS1 standards to create GTINs	Through GS1 US or other UPC barcode vendors

Who Use GTIN and UPC?

GTINs are utilized across many industries worldwide. They are the go-to standard for identifying products in global trade, from healthcare providers who track medications and medical devices to publishers identifying books. In e-commerce, GTINs are essential for listing products on major online platforms, ensuring that items are uniquely identified in a vast digital marketplace.

In contrast, UPCs, a subset of GTINs, are primarily used in North American retail. They are the familiar barcodes on everyday products ranging from groceries to electronics. Retailers rely on UPCs for quick checkout, inventory management, and sales tracking. It’s the standard for efficiently handling products in stores across the United States and Canada.

Does GTIN Need to Create Barcode?

Thinking about using barcodes for your business? If you only need them internally, like for tracking inventory, you can create your own with a special font. But for anything external, like selling online or in stores, you’ll need to register them with a global organization called GS1.

When does a business need a new GTIN?

There are international guidelines that determine when a product needs a new GTIN (code) because it’s considered a different item. You’ll need a new code if you change:

• Brand name (who makes it)
• Package size (dimensions)
• Amount of product (weight or volume)
• Comparison size (e.g., “serves 4” changes)
• What’s inside (number or type of items)
• Ingredients significantly (especially for allergies)

However, you don’t need a new code for:

• New package design (it still looks the same inside)
• Promotional packaging (as long as weight, volume, or price stays the same)
• New supplier (selling existing stock)
• Product becomes orderable (previously unavailable)

Where to Buy GTIN and UPC?

The starting point is always GS1, the non-profit organization that maintains global standards for business communication. To obtain a GTIN or UPC, businesses must apply for a GS1 company prefix. This unique identifier forms the basis of the barcode and ensures that each number is unique to a single company.

Once the prefix is assigned, companies can generate their own barcodes for products, which can then be printed and applied to their merchandise. The process is designed to maintain integrity and avoid duplication in the global marketplace.

Whether dealing with GTIN vs UPC, the key is to secure these identifiers from a reputable source like GS1 to ensure that your products are recognized and accepted by retailers and online marketplaces worldwide.

Summarization: So, Are GTIN and UPC the Same?

In summary, GTIN and UPC are not identical, though they are closely related. The UPC is a 12-digit barcode and is a subset of the GTIN. The GTIN can be composed of lengths – 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits – and is used worldwide, accommodating a broader range of products and packaging types.

GTIN vs UPC is a matter of scope: GTINs have a global application, while UPCs are region-specific. Both serve the purpose of uniquely identifying products in the marketplace, but the GTIN offers a more flexible system that can be adapted for international use.

For all your printing, marking, and coding needs, Markcom Global can be your go-to resource. Visit us to see how our solutions can streamline your business operations!

References:

https://www.gs1.org/docs/idkeys/GS1_GTIN_Executive_Summary.pdf

https://www.gs1us.org/upcs-barcodes-prefixes/what-is-a-gtin

https://www.gorillaroi.com/blog/gtin-vs-upc-barcode/

https://www.gtin.info/

https://www.ecomengine.com/blog/gtin-number

https://www.envisionhorizons.com/everything-amazon-sellers-need-to-know-about-gtins-and-upc-barcodes