GS1 and GTIN standards
Consistent product and logistics identifiers, from the order to the dock
Retailers and distributors match every order line, label and ship notice to their records by identifier. GS1 provides a common framework for identifying products and logistics units, and ECOM helps you keep those identifiers consistent across orders, labels, shipments and business systems, with validation against applicable GS1 standards and each trading partner's requirements.
At a glance
- GTIN validation
- Packaging-level identification
- Item cross-references
- SSCC management
- Barcode data formatting
- Additional product attributes
What is a GTIN?
A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) identifies a trade item, meaning a product or pack that is priced, ordered or invoiced. A Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) identifies an individual logistics unit, such as a carton or pallet. The two identifiers serve different purposes and work together in shipping and receiving. Companies obtain them through a GS1 company prefix licensed from a GS1 member organization.
Outcomes
What you can expect
Better product identification
Orders, labels and ship notices carry identifiers partners recognize, so fewer documents stop on an unknown or mismatched item.
Traceability
Lot numbers, serial numbers and expiration dates travel with the identifiers where partners or regulations require them.
Consistent data across systems
The same identifiers are used across ERP, warehouse, EDI, labels and connected customer systems.
Approach
How ECOM delivers it
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GTIN validation
Check identifier length, numeric structure, and check digits before product data is used in transactions.
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Packaging-level identification
Maintain the appropriate product identifiers for individual items, cases, and other applicable packaging levels.
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Item cross-references
Connect internal SKUs, customer item numbers, vendor item numbers, and GTINs to reduce identification mismatches.
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SSCC management
Generate and track logistics-unit identifiers using the organization's authorized GS1 numbering resources and applicable allocation rules.
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Barcode data formatting
Structure identification data for the required GS1 barcode format and trading partner specifications.
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Additional product attributes
Include lot numbers, serial numbers, expiration dates, and other required attributes where applicable.
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Consistent master data
Use aligned identifiers across ERP, warehouse, EDI, labels, and connected customer systems.
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Exception handling
Flag missing, malformed, or conflicting identifiers for correction.
Learn the basics
GTIN formats and where each is used
This is general GS1 practice. Each partner's implementation guide states which formats it expects in each document and at which packaging level.
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GTIN-12 (UPC)
The 12-digit identifier used on most consumer products sold in the United States and Canada, encoded in the UPC-A barcode.
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GTIN-13 (EAN)
The 13-digit identifier used on consumer products in most other countries. North American scanners also read it.
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GTIN-14
A 14-digit identifier for cases and other packaging levels that are not sold at the register, often printed as an ITF-14 barcode.
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GTIN-8
An 8-digit identifier reserved for very small packages where a full barcode does not fit.
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The check digit
The last digit of every GTIN and SSCC is calculated from the others. A wrong check digit means the number was typed or stored incorrectly.
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The SSCC
An 18-digit identifier for one carton or pallet, printed on its GS1-128 label and reported in the ship notice. Each SSCC is used once.
In your documents
Where identifiers appear in EDI
The same item and the same shipping unit have to be identified consistently across every document in the order cycle.
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Catalogs and item setup
Price and sales catalogs (832) and item setup tell the partner which GTINs, descriptions and packs you sell.
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Orders and acknowledgments
Purchase orders (850) and acknowledgments (855) name each line by GTIN, the partner's item number or both.
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Ship notices and labels
The 856 names each carton or pallet by SSCC and its contents by GTIN, matching the labels on the shipping units.
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Invoices and inventory reports
Invoices (810), inventory inquiries (846) and product activity reports (852) are matched to items by identifier.
Scenarios
Common scenarios
Onboarding a new retailer
Align GTINs, retailer item numbers and pack quantities with the retailer's records before the first test order.
New product launches
Add new items and packaging levels so orders, labels and ship notices identify them correctly from the first shipment.
Lot and date tracking
Carry lot numbers and expiration dates for food, health and other products where partners or regulations require them.
Frequently asked questions
Is ECOM a GS1 member organization, or does it certify GS1 compliance?
No. ECOM is not GS1 and does not issue identifiers or certify compliance. ECOM supports accurate identification and validation against applicable GS1 standards and your trading partners' requirements.
Can ECOM provide GTINs or SSCCs for our products?
No. Your organization obtains its GS1 company prefix from its GS1 member organization, such as GS1 US. ECOM generates and tracks SSCCs using your authorized GS1 numbering resources.
What is the difference between a GTIN and an SSCC?
A GTIN identifies a product or pack type, so every case of the same product shares it. An SSCC identifies one physical carton or pallet, and no two shipping units share it.
Which functions will we have?
Available functions depend on the configured solution, connected data sources, and trading partner requirements. ECOM confirms the scope with you during discovery.
Check your item data against a partner's requirements
Tell us which partners you trade with and the documents involved. An ECOM specialist will review how your identifiers line up with their requirements.