If you sell products online, you’ve probably seen the term GTIN pop up when creating listings on Amazon, eBay, or Google Shopping. It can be confusing — is it the same as a UPC? An EAN? Where do you even get one? This complete guide explains exactly what a GTIN is and how to get GTIN codes for your products in 2026.
What Is a GTIN?
GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number. It’s the umbrella term for the unique numeric identifiers used to identify products in global trade. A GTIN isn’t a separate barcode you buy instead of a UPC — rather, UPC, EAN, ISBN, and JAN are all types of GTIN:
- GTIN-12 (UPC) — 12 digits, standard in the US and Canada
- GTIN-13 (EAN) — 13 digits, the global standard
- GTIN-14 — 14 digits, used for cases and cartons
- ISBN — used specifically for books
So when a marketplace asks for a “GTIN,” a standard UPC or EAN will satisfy the requirement.
Why You Need a GTIN
GTINs are the backbone of modern commerce. They allow marketplaces and retailers to:
- Match your product to the correct catalog entry
- Prevent duplicate or conflicting listings
- Track inventory accurately across channels
- Enable product discovery in Google Shopping and marketplace search
On Amazon and eBay, a valid GTIN is required to create listings in most categories.
Where to Get GTIN Codes
1. The Official Registry (Direct Registration)
The official registry is the international organization that issues and governs GTINs. Registering directly gives you a company prefix from which you can generate GTINs. It’s officially recognized everywhere, but comes with an initial fee and annual renewals — practical mainly for large catalogs.
2. Resellers
For sellers who need a limited number of codes, resellers like GoodUPC provide valid GTINs (in UPC/EAN format) at a fraction of the registry’s cost, with no recurring subscription. GoodUPC codes can be used on all major marketplaces.
3. Manufacturers & Data Providers
If you resell branded products, the manufacturer often already has GTINs assigned — you simply use the existing code. For large catalogs, specialized data providers can help you locate the correct GTINs.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your GTIN
- Count your products and variants. Each unique variant needs its own GTIN.
- Choose your source. Direct registration for large brands; a reseller like GoodUPC for small to medium sellers.
- Purchase or generate the codes. With GoodUPC, codes are prepared by our team and emailed after payment confirmation.
- Assign and record each GTIN. Map every product/variant to its code in a spreadsheet.
- Enter the GTIN on your listings. Use the barcode/GTIN field on each marketplace.
Make Sure Your GTINs Are Valid
Marketplaces check that a GTIN is valid and not already attached to a different product. Invalid or duplicate codes can cause listing suppression, so make sure every code is valid and unique to your product, whether it comes from the issuing authority or from a reseller.
Conclusion
A GTIN is simply the global identifier for your product, and a standard UPC or EAN fulfills that role. Decide how many codes you need, pick the source that fits your scale, and make sure every code is valid. That’s all it takes to get listing-ready GTINs for any major marketplace.
Ready to Get Your Barcode?
GoodUPC sells UPC and EAN barcode numbers as a one-time purchase, with no annual fees. Our team prepares and emails your barcode numbers after payment confirmation, during published support hours. Codes are accepted on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Walmart, and Shopify.