EAN.UCC codes (GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers))
EAN.UCC codes, now known as GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers), are part of the GS1 system, which provides a standardized method for identifying products and services across the globe. This system was once known as the EAN (European Article Number) and UCC (Uniform Code Council) system before being unified under GS1.
EAN.UCC codes help businesses to manage their supply chains more efficiently by uniquely identifying products. These codes support several functions, such as scanning items at the point of sale, managing inventory, and facilitating international trade.
GTINs can come in different lengths, such as GTIN-12 (UPC) used primarily in North America, GTIN-13 (EAN) used internationally, and GTIN-14 for cases or pallets. Each code is part of a global language of business that enables the movement of products and information through the supply chain efficiently.
EAN.UCC-13 Code
The EAN.UCC-13 is very similar to the UCC-12, in that it uniquely identifies a trade item at its lowest level; it also uses the same barcode symbology. Administered by EAN International, the EAN.UCC-13 is a fixed length 13-digit number composed of the following:
- Company prefix – assigned by one of the EAN International numbering organizations. The first 2 or 3 digits identifies the EAN numbering organization that defined the company prefix.
- Serial identification – assigned by the supplier
- A modulo-10 check character.
EAN.UCC-14 Code
The EAN.UCC-14 is a unique trade item identification number, applied at package, case and pallet level to identify units where attributes such as product description, size and weight are fixed. Packaging indicators may be added when specific attributes vary from unit to unit. The EAN.UCC-14 is used to mark items that will be scanned at point-of-use or in a distribution environment. For technical information regarding the EAN.UCC-14, consult the Application Standard for Shipping Container Codes, available from the UCC.
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