What Is GTIN-14? A Beginner-Friendly Explanation of Case-Level Identifiers

GTIN-14 is a 14-digit identifier from the GS1 family used to uniquely label trade items, especially outer packaging, cases, and multi-unit packs. It belongs to the GTIN family which includes GTIN-8, GTIN-12 (UPC), and GTIN-13 (EAN). For anyone new to barcodes or supply chain identifiers, GTIN-14 is the common standard for identifying how products are grouped and moved in commerce.

How GTIN-14 is structured

The 14 digits in GTIN-14 are organized into meaningful parts. While the exact segmentation can vary depending on the underlying GTIN length, the key elements are:

• Indicator digit: The left-most digit can act as an indicator for packaging level or specific encoding rules.
• GS1 company prefix: A block of digits assigned by your GS1 member organization identifying the company that owns the GTIN.
• Item reference: The digits that the company uses to represent a specific product or packaging configuration.
• Check digit: The final digit calculated using a modulo 10 algorithm to validate the GTIN is entered or scanned correctly.

Relationship to other GTINs and barcodes

GTIN-14 is not a separate numbering system but a representation of a trade item’s GS1 identifier that fits into the 14-digit format. For example, a product that has a GTIN-13 (EAN) can be expressed as a GTIN-14 by adding a leading zero. GTIN-14 is commonly encoded into the ITF-14 barcode symbol, which is designed for printing on corrugated cartons and outer packaging. Note that logistic-level identifiers like SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) and GS1-128 barcodes serve different roles and are used for shipment-level tracking rather than product-level identification.

When you use GTIN-14

GTIN-14 is typically used when you need to identify a trade item at the carton, case, or boxed configuration rather than the single consumer unit. Common scenarios include:

• Case packs sold to retailers (e.g., a 12-pack case of canned soda).
• Outer cartons used for shipping multiple retail units.
• Bulk packs or multipacks where the packaging configuration is a distinct trade item.

How to get GTIN-14

To legitimately issue GTIN-14 identifiers, a company obtains a GS1 company prefix from its local GS1 member organization. With that prefix, the company assigns item references to each trade item and calculates the check digit to produce a valid GTIN. If a product already has a GTIN-12 or GTIN-13, creating a GTIN-14 often means adding a leading digit (commonly zero) to fit the 14-digit format, but assignment rules should follow GS1 guidance to ensure uniqueness.

Encoding GTIN-14 on packaging

The most common barcode symbology for GTIN-14 is ITF-14, which is well-suited for printing on corrugated cardboard. ITF-14 is robust and readable even when printed on rough surfaces. For situations where human-readable text is needed, the GTIN-14 number is printed near the barcode for visual verification.

Practical examples

If a shampoo sells as a single bottle with GTIN-13 1234567890123, the manufacturer might assign GTIN-14 01234567890123 to a 6-pack case. Retailers and warehouses scan the ITF-14 on the carton to automatically register incoming case quantities in their systems. In another case, a frozen food manufacturer could use GTIN-14 to distinguish between a 10-unit case and a 20-unit case of the same SKU.

Common confusions cleared up

• GTIN-14 is not always printed for the consumer unit; the unit may keep GTIN-12/13 while the case uses GTIN-14.
• GTIN-14 identifies the trade item type (the case configuration), not a unique shipment instance—use an SSCC for a unique pallet or carton that is tracked as a shipment.
• Adding a leading zero to create a GTIN-14 is a common practice but must be applied consistently and in line with GS1 rules.

Why it matters

Consistent use of GTIN-14 helps with automated receiving, inventory across multiple packaging levels, electronic data interchange (EDI), and compliance with retailer requirements. It is a foundational element for efficient logistics because it allows systems to distinguish between a single consumer unit and the multi-unit packaging that moves through distribution channels.

For beginners, think of GTIN-14 as the label that says "this carton contains this specific configuration of a product." It’s a simple concept with wide-reaching effects—when used correctly, GTIN-14 smooths data flows, reduces scanning errors, and speeds up receiving and replenishment across the supply chain.