← Back to glossary Category: Tehnologie · Acronym: GTIN GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) Quick answer: Global product identification code — base for EAN-13, UPC, marketplaces. Key takeawaysOn product packaging — barcodeIn the retailer catalogue — as unique keyIn EDI messages (ORDERS line item, DESADV line, INVOIC line)In marketplaces (eMAG, Amazon) — mandatory for listingIn GDSN — shared source of truth with the retailer Definition GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is the GS1 code family uniquely identifying a trade item anywhere worldwide. Variants: GTIN-8 (small, space-constrained products), GTIN-12 (UPC) — US/Canada, GTIN-13 (EAN-13) — European standard, GTIN-14 (DUN-14) — logistics grouping (case, pallet). Where GTIN appears On product packaging — barcode In the retailer catalogue — as unique key In EDI messages (ORDERS line item, DESADV line, INVOIC line) In marketplaces (eMAG, Amazon) — mandatory for listing In GDSN — shared source of truth with the retailer Critical rules One distinct trade item = one distinct GTIN. A change in weight, packaging or formula requires a new GTIN. Never reused. A deactivated GTIN must remain inactive at least 48 months (food) or 30 months (non-food). Color / size variants in fashion require a different GTIN per SKU. Frequently askedAre GTIN and SKU the same?No. SKU is your company's internal code (any format). GTIN is the global standard code, emitted from your GS1 prefix.Can a product have two GTINs?No — one trade unit has exactly one GTIN. It can also have a separate GTIN-14 for grouping (case), but the unit GTIN-13 stays unique. Where Azuvio fitsSoftware EDIMarketplace Connector Related termsGS1 — The global organization managing trade identification standards: GTIN (EAN), GLN, SSCC, EANCOM.GLN (Global Location Number) — 13-digit GS1 code uniquely identifying a location (HQ, warehouse, store, delivery dock).SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) — Unique 18-digit code identifying an individual transport unit — pallet, case, container. Last updated: 2026-07-17