We talk a lot about barcode print quality, but it is equally important to confirm that your GS1 number assignments are correct. The GS1 GTIN Management Standard spells it all out, but it can be confusing. Add to that basic confusion a corporate merger or acquisition and it can be vexing. Let us clear it up.

What is a GTIN

The GTIN identifies any trade item that is priced, ordered or invoiced in an open supply chain. If you operate a closed loop system, you do not need to conform to the GS1 standard. The GTIN uniquely identifies items, which helps to assure their regulatory compliance. A GTIN has two major components. The first component, starting on the left side of the linear barcode or the beginning portion of a 2D symbol is a string of numbers that identify the brand owner. This component includes a GS1 prefix and the company number. It can be from 6 to 10 digits in length, depending upon how many items you will need to uniquely identify.

The entire GTIN is 14 digits long, so depending upon how many digits are in the assigned GS1 prefix and company number, you may have from 3 to 7 digits available to assign uniquely to each of your products. The 14th digit is a mandatory check digit, calculated from the previous 13 digits.

How to Assign Item Numbers

What numbers to assign to your products seems like an important decision. Be careful not to overthink this. Using the numbering system to “classify” your products causes unnecessary complications.  The GTIN is just a dumb number used for database lookup. Spend the time pondering how to avoid accidentally assigning the same number to different products. That beautiful grid of product types and quantities is a futile attempt to predict an unpredictable future. Just roll with it.

Medical Device or Kit

Do not worry about distinguishing your medical devices from kits. The numbers do not do that—the database does. Besides, what you think is a medical device your trading partner might think is a kit. They can call it whatever they want—the good news is they want to buy it.

What happens when your company buys another company who has their own Company Prefix? First, read the fine print in the purchase contract: make sure the seller did not retain these assets. If you are sure you bought them, the next thing to do is to make sure the GS1 licenses are current. Legacy licenses were perpetual; newer licenses renew annually. Check Member Services at your GS1 Member Organization.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Contact GS1 US:

Assigning product identification numbers also requires careful consideration. New products require assignment of a new GTIN. Changes to an existing product can also require assignment of a new GTIN, with a few exceptions:

  • Minor changes to product size or weight
  • Addition of secondary language text (primary language remains the same)

When is a New GTIN Required

Effective December 31, 2018, GTINS from a retired product SHALL NOT be reassigned. Discontinued GTINS should be marked as retired in all databases or removed. Exceptions include:

  • Items that were GTIN identified but never produced and released in the marketplace
  • Items that were withdrawn from the market and then re-introduced without modifications or changes that would require a new GTIN

GTIN assignment and management can be confusing, but the overall logic is as follows: if there is any need to distinguish the item from other items for marketing, tracking , usage or recall purposes, the item must bear a unique GTIN.

A wealth of information on barcode quality and compliance is available here.

Still feeling uncertain? Let us help. Contact us here.

 

 

 

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3db Barcode Testimonial

Our company (an advanced software company) recently worked with Barcode Test to source a barcode verifier.  Not long ago, we were awarded a contract requiring products to be marked with IUIDs in accordance with MIL-STD-130.  For that standard, marking labels must pass a verification test that evaluates many variables (contrast, size, clarity, syntax, modularity, and more).  After a thorough search, we reduced our options to a select few.

In our search for a verifier, the Axicon line caught our attention.  Barcode Test is our regional reseller for this product.   From the beginning, they were very prompt with their responses.  We ended up having a quick call with John Nachtrieb to go over our needs.  John was extremely easy to work with and provided a lot of great information.  He was very knowledgeable on the matter and was quick to offer up a demo unit (free of charge).

Upon receiving the demo verifier and testing it, a few questions arose.  John joined a call with us and answered all our questions.  Ultimately, the Axicon verifier wasn’t the best fit for us, so we shipped the demo back.  John was completely understanding.  A few weeks later, Barcode Test reached back out with another possible verifier for us to try.  While they didn’t sell that brand, they just wanted to help us find the best option that met our needs. They even offered to send us the unit that they have in-house to see if it worked to our liking. 

Barcode Test is truly a great company to work with.  Their service and willingness to help the customer are far beyond what you typically get from other companies.  They are experts in barcode quality assurance and seem willing to help in any way they can (even if that means not getting a sale and recommending another option that better fits the customer’s needs).  If anyone is in the market for barcode verification/scanning services or products, I would highly recommend giving Barcode Test a call.

Regards,

Production Manager