What is a GTIN?
The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a registered trademark of GS1 and serves as the globally recognized identifier for products. Commonly known as the GS1 barcode number, the GTIN is encoded into a product’s barcode and ensures that each item can be uniquely identified anywhere in the world.
GTINs are fundamental to modern retail and supply chain operations. They enable seamless processes such as point-of-sale (PoS) transactions, inventory management, and distribution. Additionally, GTINs support traceability and product recall efforts, ensuring accuracy and efficiency across all trading partners in the supply chain.
By assigning a GTIN to a product, businesses can operate with greater visibility, reliability, and alignment with global standards.
Why You Need a GTIN?
A GTIN is essential because it provides a globally recognized and standardized way to identify products across the retail supply chain. It is widely used by manufacturers, retailers, logistics providers, e-commerce platforms, and other trading partners to ensure consistency and clarity in product identification.
Unlike internal or proprietary codes that can vary between organizations and lead to confusion, a GTIN is a unique number that cannot be duplicated. This eliminates ambiguity and ensures that every consumer product can be accurately tracked and managed throughout its journey from production to the point of sale.
In today’s interconnected marketplace, having a GTIN is not just beneficial. It is a critical requirement for seamless collaboration and operational efficiency.
Is GS1 the Only Organization That Can Provide Barcode Numbers?
If you need barcode numbers that are unique, accurate, and based on global standards, GS1 is the only organization in the world authorized to issue legitimate GS1 barcode numbers. In Sri Lanka, GS1 Lanka is the sole authorized source for obtaining these numbers.
While some barcode number resellers do exist, they typically acquire numbers from other companies and attempt to resell them. This practice compromises the integrity of the global GS1 system and can lead to confusion and complications within the international supply chain.
To ensure your barcode numbers are valid, recognized, and accepted across all trading partners, we strongly recommend obtaining them directly from GS1 Lanka. This guarantees alignment with global standards and smooth integration within your supply chain operations.
How do I get GTINs for my products?
To get your GTINs, please register online (member portal register link) or contact GS1 Lanka (contact info page)
How many barcodes do I need?
One fundamental rule of GTINs is that each product variant must have its own unique GTIN. This means that if you have multiple products such as different sizes, colors, or packaging types—you will need a separate GTIN for each variant.
As an example: If you have Chilli Powder in 50g and 100g sizes, and Black Pepper Powder in 50g and 100g sizes, you'll need 4 barcode numbers in total.
Can I print my labels in anything other than black and white?
Scanners read barcodes using infrared light sources that identify the contrast between the two colours .So, it is important to use dark bars on a solid, light background. The most reliable colour combination is black bars on a white background. The background may be white, yellow, red & orange.
Why won’t my barcodes scan properly?
Common scanning problems:
- Poor print quality (blurred, smudged, or faded bars)
- Low contrast (insufficient difference between bar and background colors)
- Truncated height (barcode too short)
- Damaged surface (scratched or wrinkled barcode)
- Wrong size (too small or distorted)
- Poor placement (on curved surfaces or seams)
Solutions:
- Use high-quality printing.
- Test scans before mass production.
- Follow GS1 printing guidelines.
- Place codes on flat, smooth areas.