GTIN and barcode checks by SalesChefIs a GTIN the same as a barcode?
No. The GTIN is the number. The barcode is the symbol that carries it, so a scanner can read it.
GTIN and barcode checks by SalesChef
GTIN barcodes explained: GTIN, UPC, EAN and the check digit.
A GTIN, or Global Trade Item Number, is the number that identifies a product. The barcode is the symbol that carries it, so a scanner can read it. A UPC carries a 12-digit GTIN and an EAN carries a 13-digit GTIN, and the last digit of every GTIN is a check digit that catches a mistyped number. SalesChef checks every code in your product file, matches each row to the right product, keeps pack sizes apart and merges duplicates, ready for your yes.
- 10 billion+
barcode scans every day.
GS1 (opens in a new tab) - 2 million+
companies use GS1 standards.
GS1 (opens in a new tab) - 14
digits in a GTIN-14, the number for a case or set pack. It is not meant to be scanned at the checkout.
GS1 US (opens in a new tab)
What is a GTIN?
GTIN is the family name for the product numbers GS1 issues to brand owners. There are four lengths, each with its own job.
GTIN-12 (UPC)
Twelve digits, used mostly in North America and scanned at the checkout. It is the number inside a UPC-A barcode.
GTIN-13 (EAN)
Thirteen digits, used mostly outside North America and scanned at the checkout. It is the number inside an EAN-13 barcode.
GTIN-8
Eight digits, for small items, used mostly outside North America.
GTIN-14
Fourteen digits, for a case or set pack. It never starts with a zero and is not scanned at the checkout.
How to keep every GTIN right
Check the check digit
The last digit is worked out from the digits before it. GS1 US says scanners run the same sum to verify the number is properly composed and read correctly. A number that fails was mistyped.
One GTIN for each variation
GS1 US says every variation, like a different size or flavor, gets its own item number. Two sizes under one code sends the wrong product.
Keep the single apart from the case
A case carries its own GTIN-14. On a single item’s listing, it tells the system the shopper is buying the whole case.
Match on the code, not the name
Sellers name the same product many ways. Match on the maker, the code and the pack, never on the name alone.
Never make one up
Google says to provide a GTIN only if you are sure it is correct, and never to guess or make one up. Leave the field empty and flag it.
Read UPC and EAN as one number
A 12-digit UPC with a zero in front is the same GTIN as the 13-digit EAN. Match them as one product, never two.
How SalesChef gets every code right
Checks every code
In a delivery marketplace’s Skol beer range, SalesChef checked the code on every row and flagged each one that was malformed or failed the check digit.
Catches the wrong pack
A Skol single can was listed under a case barcode. SalesChef swaps in the can’s own code and keeps every pack size apart, so shoppers pick the pack they want.
Matches every row to the maker
For a western-wear store’s Ariat boots, SalesChef matched every barcode to Ariat’s own record. Another color stays its own product.
Merges the duplicates
The same can, listed under seven names, becomes one clean listing. Sellers get a file that says what to fix in each row. Nothing goes live without your yes.
Works with your feeds and data pools
SalesChef reads your product file or feed, checks every code, and hands back clean records for your team to approve.
See every integration
Google Merchant Center
1WorldSync
Feedonomics
Productsup
Channable
Rithum
More guides
Questions about GTINs and barcodes
What is the difference between a GTIN, a UPC and an EAN?
GTIN is the family name. A UPC carries a 12-digit GTIN, used mostly in North America. An EAN carries a 13-digit GTIN, used mostly elsewhere.
What does GTIN stand for?
Global Trade Item Number. GS1 calls it the identification key for a trade item: a product or service you sell.
How do I get a GTIN?
From GS1, the body that issues barcode numbers, including in the US and Australia. SalesChef checks the codes you already have.
Can I create my own GTIN?
A real GTIN comes from GS1. Google says never to guess or make one up for a product feed.
What is a check digit?
The last digit of a GTIN, worked out from the digits before it. If a digit is mistyped, the sum fails and the number is rejected.
Does every size need its own GTIN?
GS1 US says every variation, like a different size or flavor, gets its own item number. A case or set pack carries its own GTIN-14.
How does SalesChef help with GTINs?
SalesChef checks every code and check digit in your file, matches each row to the maker, keeps pack sizes apart and merges duplicates. Your team approves every change.
A wall of products already finished. Each one turns from what the supplier sent into a finished product, ready for online, in store, sales and campaigns.
Your whole catalog.
In minutes, not months.
In minutes, not months.