GTIN -13 Numbers
The majority of products intended for retail sale are encoded with the 13-digit Global Trade Item Number, known as GTIN-13, which follows the product throughout its journey in the supply chain — from production to its availability to the end consumer.
What information does a GTIN-13 product code contain?
GTIN-13 codes used for product identification are non-significant, meaning they do not contain any embedded information. However, they serve as a key for searching in databases that hold all the relevant information about the corresponding products.
GTIN-13 numbers are global identifiers and are not linked to the country of origin or distribution of a product. Under GS1 system principles, the prefix of a GS1 code or barcode does not indicate where the product was manufactured, but rather the country where the code was issued to the company by the national GS1 organization. In Greece, GS1 Association Greece is the exclusive body authorized to assign GS1 company prefixes starting with the prefixes 520 and 521.
See which GS1 prefix is managed by each national organization
Special GTIN-13 coding structures have also been defined for:
GTIN-13 structure
|
GS1 Company Prefix |
Product Reference Code |
Check Digit |
GS1 Company Prefix
The GS1 Company Prefix is assigned to one and only one company worldwide for its exclusive use and can be between 7 and 11 digits long. The length of the prefix determines the range of individual GTINs that can be generated from it:
| 7 digit | (GCP-7) | = | 100.000 | GTIN |
| 8 digit | (GCP-8) | = | 10.000 | GTIN |
| 9 digit | (GCP-9) | = | 1.000 | GTIN |
| 10 digit | (GCP-10) | = | 100 | GTIN |
| 11 digit | (GCP-11) | = | 10 | GTIN |
The GS1 Company Prefix begins with the Country Prefix and is followed by the Company Identifier. However, it is always the combination of these fields as assigned to a company by GS1—that constitutes the full Company Prefix.
Product Reference Number
Next comes the Product Reference Number, which can be between 2 and 5 digits long and uniquely identifies each product. It is a non-significant number, meaning its digits are not related to any classification and do not convey specific information. The simplest way to assign product reference numbers is sequentially, such as 00000, 00001, 00002, and so on.
Check Digit
The Check Digit is the last digit on the right side of the GTIN. It is always calculated based on the preceding digits using a specific algorithm and ensures that the code is correctly structured.
Example
A 7-digit GS1 Company Prefix, such as 5201234, provides a range of 100,000 GTINs for products, starting with 5201234 00000 and ending with 5201234 99999.If we include the check digit— which for the first code is 1 the complete GTIN-13 will be: 5201234 00000 1.
GTIN codes and GS1 Company Prefixes are licensed by GS1 to a specific company internationally. That company is not allowed to transfer the use of GS1 codes to third parties, with or without compensation, share them with others, or modify them in any way.
GTIN-13 assignment
GTIN codes are managed by you through the Member Area of GS1 Association-Greece. To assign a GTIN to your product, simply log in to the Member Area, and the next available code will be displayed for you to enter the product details you wish to associate with it.
Once your products are officially registered, they become visible worldwide and searchable through the Verified by GS1 service.
Labelling
GTIN-13 identifiers are encoded into EAN-13 barcodes, a standard GS1 data carrier used for scanning at the point of sale.
How many GTINs i need?
The number of GTINs you need depends on the number of products and variations you want to encode (e.g., color, size, scent, flavor, packaging). We recommend multiplying the number of product types you have by the number of their variations, considering a 3-year planning horizon.
Example:
If your product is olive oil and you offer a single 500ml package, you need 1 GTIN. However, if you have 2 types,pure virgin olive oil and herb-infused olive oil each available in 3 different packages (100ml glass bottle, 100ml plastic bottle, and 500ml plastic bottle), then you will need 6 GTINs (2 product types × 3 variations each).
The annual subscription for a GS1 Company Prefix allows you to generate up to 100,000 GTIN-13 codes. These identifiers are assigned gradually, according to your business needs, to ensure efficient management and cost-effective use of the GS1 system.
You may start by requesting only the number of GTINs you currently anticipate needing. If additional codes are required in the future, you can submit a written request, and an additional GS1 Company Prefix will be promptly issued to your company.
FAQs
You complete and submit the membership application along with the required supporting documents, while also paying the corresponding registration fee and annual subscription.
