GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)

GTIN Symbology

The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is used as the unique ID of goods or service throughout the world. An individual item in the supply chain can get its unique identification from 14-digit GTIN field.

There are 4 different data structures of GTIN format as indicated below.

When identifying books, the EAN/UCC-13 or UCC-12 should be attempted prior to choosing ISBN, ISMN, or ISSN.
The EAN.UCC Prefix 978 is always added in fron of the ISBN number.
The EAN.UCC Prefix 979 is always added in fron of the ISMN number.
The EAN.UCC Prefix 977 is always added in fron of the ISSN number.

Two-digit Add-On Symbol

Serial publications can use a 2-digit symbol to help identify its nature of being Dailies, Weeklies, Bi-Weeklies, Monthlies, Quarteries, Annuals or Special intervals. The two-digit symbol is placed to the right of the original GTIN symbol and parallel to it. And the same print quality apply.

Five-digit Add-On Symbol

Books can use a 5-digit symbol to help identify its other information, like pricing. The five-digit symbol is placed to the right of the GTIN symbol and parallel to it. And the same print quality apply.