GTIN
Colloquially, many know GTIN as a barcode, but technically, GTIN is the number found beneath the barcode symbol itself, and can therefore also be used for other technologies such as 2D barcodes and RFID tags.
Colloquially, many know GTIN as a barcode, but technically, GTIN is the number found beneath the barcode symbol itself, and can therefore also be used for other technologies such as 2D barcodes and RFID tags.
The annual master document for GS1 standards, the GS1 General Specifications, has been released in a new and updated edition, as is tradition. This document describes how GS1 barcodes and identification keys should be used.
As always, the GS1 General Specifications is not a light read, so we have reviewed the changes for you and summarised the most important ones here. This year, there are significant updates within healthcare, as well as changes that impact logistics and general data standardisation.
Previous versions of the specifications contained an incorrect reference to the use of GTIN-8 with Application Identifier (AI) (03). This error has now been corrected, and it has been clarified that GTIN-8 cannot be used with AI (03).
To harmonise the identification of prescription drugs in Italy, a new Application Identifier (AI) (716) has been introduced. This AI is designed to incorporate elements from the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) in connection with the National Healthcare Reimbursement Number (NHRN).
Clarifications have been made regarding the permitted scenarios for encoding the Global Model Number (GMN) in a data carrier. These updates ensure consistent and correct application of the GMN.
The specifications now include an updated 2D verification report. This report contains improved guidelines and methods for verifying 2D barcodes, ensuring higher accuracy and reliability in data capture processes.
The definition of medical devices within the GS1 system has been clarified to also cover the use of the Global Model Number. This update helps manufacturers and distributors correctly identify and classify medical devices in accordance with GS1 standards.
The Service Relationships Application Standard has been updated with new GS1 Application Identifiers to enable the inclusion of demographic data from electronic health records in GS1 barcodes. This improves the accuracy and efficiency of patient data exchange in the healthcare sector.
A new Application Identifier (AI) (7041) has been introduced to allow logistics providers to identify the freight unit type of a logistics unit on the logistics label.
A new AIDC Application Standard, called Master UDI-DI, has been introduced for the registration of certain types of medical devices in the EUDAMED database. This standardization facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements and improves the traceability of medical devices throughout Europe.
For a complete understanding of all changes and their implications, we recommend reviewing the full version of the GS1 General Specifications 2025. Implementing these updates will ensure that companies operate in accordance with the latest standards and best practices within their respective industries.
Find all of this year's updates in the GS1 General Specifications
GS1Trade Image provides professional marketing and planogram images that meet retailers' requirements and imaging guidelines.
If you want to create your own product photos, we can also help you get certified.
GS1Trade Sync is a data pool for product data exchange that your trading partners can access.
GS1Trade Sync streamlines data exchange between trading partners because data only needs to be entered in one place. This increases the quality of product data and creates value for you - and the entire value chain.
GS1Trade Packaging is a packaging data system that gathers your packaging data in one place. The system ensures efficient collection, structuring, and declaration of packaging data, and makes it easy to exchange packaging data with other companies.
GS1Trade Exact ensures the quality of your product data. All physical products are checked against the data registered in GS1Trade Sync.
With this service, you get verified and quality-assured data that benefits the entire supply chain.
GS1Trade Transact handles the digital receipt of orders and the sending of documents to your customers. You can choose whether to integrate it with your financial system or access it online.
GTIN (also known as EAN) stands for “Global Trade Item Number” and is the number sequence shown beneath a barcode symbol.
GTIN (EAN) is a global standard used to uniquely identify digital and physical products, allowing the barcode to be scanned anywhere in the world throughout the supply chain.
A GLN (also known as EAN) allows you to uniquely identify physical, functional, legal, or digital entities. This can include the sender, receiver, buyer, seller, supplier, manufacturer, delivery location, billing location, store, or internal departments.
