When to Use DUN-14 / ITF-14: Timing and Triggers in Everyday Logistics

Introduction

Knowing when to use DUN-14 / ITF-14 is as important as knowing what it is. This practical guide explains the moments in the product lifecycle and supply chain when a GTIN-14 in ITF-14 barcode format should be created, printed and scanned. The tone is beginner-friendly and focused on common operational triggers.

When to assign a GTIN-14

A GTIN-14 should be assigned when a distinct trade item exists at the carton or case level. Common triggers include:

• New packaging configuration: If you change the number of units per carton or create a new bundle (for example a 6-pack vs 12-pack), assign a GTIN-14 for that configuration.
• Distribution-only units: When you create a distribution unit that is not sold directly at retail (e.g., shipping cartons, multipacks), a GTIN-14 helps identify that logistic item.
• Retailer requirements: Some retailers require carton-level GTINs for receiving and ASN matching. Assign GTIN-14s before shipping to those retailers.

When to print and apply ITF-14 labels

Applying ITF-14 labels typically occurs at these operational moments:

• At case packing: Print and apply ITF-14 during or immediately after the case packing operation so each carton leaves the packing line correctly labeled.
• Before palletization: Ensure all cases on a pallet carry their ITF-14; some operations also include a pallet-level SSCC label for pallet tracking.
• When re-boxing or repacking: If a distribution center repacks or breaks down larger cartons into new cartons, new ITF-14s may be needed for the new configuration.

When to scan ITF-14 barcodes

Scanning ITF-14s enhances accuracy and automation. Typical scanning events include:

• Receiving: Scan ITF-14 to automatically register incoming case counts, match to ASN or purchase order and speed up putaway.
• Shipping and loading: Scan cartons as they are staged and loaded onto trucks to confirm quantities and prepare shipping documentation.
• Cross-docking: Scan cases moving straight from receiving to outbound staging to verify they match outbound orders.
• Inventory audits: Use ITF-14 scans during cycle counts of case-level inventory to reconcile records quickly.

When to include GTIN-14 in electronic documents

Use GTIN-14 in your digital communications and documents during these occasions:

• Advance Ship Notice (ASN): Include GTIN-14 in ASNs so the receiver can match what’s arriving digitally to what’s physically scanned.
• EDI transactions and purchase orders: When trading partners use EDI, they may require GTIN-14 to identify shipped carton types in the documents.
• Product data synchronization: When sharing product master data with trading partners, include GTIN-14 for carton-level items to avoid mismatches.

When not to use ITF-14

There are times when ITF-14 is not appropriate and other identifiers should be used instead:

• Point-of-sale scanning: For retail checkout, use UPC/EAN on consumer units rather than ITF-14 on cartons.
• When encoding additional data: If you need to carry batch, serial or expiry data in the same barcode, GS1-128 may be a better option than ITF-14.
• When cartons are not a trade item: If the carton is only a shipping container and not a defined trade item, you may rely on pallet SSCCs or shipment-level IDs instead.

Timing considerations and operational flow

Think about the lifecycle of an order to decide when to involve ITF-14:

1. Product design and packaging: Decide packaging configurations and assign GTIN-14s early—during product development or before the first production run.
2. Packing and labeling: Apply ITF-14 at the final stage of the packing process so cartons leave the plant ready for scanning.
3. Electronic notices: Include GTIN-14 in shipping notices sent to customers so they can prepare to receive and scan.
4. Receiving and onward flow: Scan on receipt to trigger WMS workflows—putaway, replenishment, or cross-dock.

Practical examples

• A snack manufacturer assigns GTIN-14s to 12-count and 24-count cases. They print ITF-14 labels on the packing line and include GTIN-14s in ASNs to retailers.
• A 3PL repacks inventory into promotional bundles. Because the carton configuration changed, new GTIN-14s are created and applied before the bundles are shipped.

Conclusion



In short, use DUN-14 / ITF-14 when you have a distinct carton-level trade item and at the moments the carton becomes a meaningful unit in the supply chain—packing, shipping, receiving, and when included in electronic documents. Planning where and when to apply and scan ITF-14s reduces errors, speeds handling, and keeps your supply chain data aligned. For beginners, the simplest rule is: if the carton is traded or tracked as a distinct item, give it a GTIN-14 and label it in ITF-14.