If you have ever tried to list a product online, you have probably seen the terms GTIN, UPC and EAN used almost interchangeably. They are related, but they are not the same thing — and knowing the difference saves you from listing errors.
What does GTIN actually mean?
GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number. It is the international standard for uniquely identifying a product, and it is the term marketplaces like Amazon and Google Shopping use in their listing requirements.
A GTIN is not a separate barcode you buy — it is the number encoded inside a UPC or EAN barcode. When a form asks for a GTIN, you can usually enter your UPC or EAN number.
UPC vs EAN: the practical difference
A UPC (Universal Product Code) is 12 digits and is used mainly in the United States and Canada. An EAN (European Article Number) is 13 digits and is the global standard used in most of the rest of the world.
In practice, modern retail systems and marketplaces accept both. If you sell internationally, an EAN-13 is the safest universal choice; if you sell mainly in North America, a UPC-A works perfectly.
Which number do you need?
For 95% of online sellers, a single genuine UPC or EAN number per product is all you need to create a listing and pass the GTIN requirement.
You only need something more specialized — like an ITF-14 (cases) or SSCC (pallets) — when you are shipping in bulk to large retailers. For a standard product page, a UPC or EAN is the right answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a GTIN the same as a barcode?
Not exactly. The GTIN is the number; the barcode is the scannable image that encodes that number. You need both to sell, and a barcode image always contains a GTIN.
Can I use a UPC where a GTIN is required?
Yes. A 12-digit UPC is a valid GTIN-12, and most platforms accept it directly in the GTIN field.
Do GTINs work worldwide?
Yes — GTIN is a global standard, so a valid UPC or EAN can be used to list and sell a product in any country.
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