GTIN — Global Trade Item Number
The product identifier the Digital Product Passport is built on
A GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is the globally unique GS1 number that identifies one trade item — a specific product in a specific pack and size. It is the number behind the barcode that checkouts have read for decades.
For the Digital Product Passport, the GTIN takes on a new role. The European standard EN 18219 on unique identifiers converges on the GS1 stack, and GS1 Digital Link turns that same number into a web address that resolves to the product passport.
In short
It identifies the product, not the company
A GTIN answers "which product is this". Identifying the economic operator is a separate class — in EN 18219 those are the EOID and the FID.
Three levels of granularity
The GS1 application standard for DPP maps the three levels to identifiers: model "/01/{GTIN}", batch "/01/{GTIN}/10/{batch}" and item "/01/{GTIN}/21/{serial}".
Fourteen digits
Since version 1.4.0 of the GS1 Digital Link syntax the number is written as fourteen digits, with shorter GTIN-8, GTIN-12 and GTIN-13 padded with leading zeroes.
QR is the primary carrier
EN 18220 sets QR Code and Data Matrix as primary data carriers, with NFC and RAIN RFID secondary. The GTIN is what the carrier encodes.
GTIN — Global Trade Item Number
Frequently asked questions
Yes, where they are sold as distinct trade items. GS1 rules require a new GTIN whenever a change is one the buyer distinguishes when ordering.
No. The GTIN identifies the product. The registration identifier for the economic operator is generated by the registry itself and is a separate thing.
Related solutions
Solutions
DPP for Manufacturers
Manufacturers create and maintain DPP, prove compliance and sustainability, earn trust and improve their processes.
DPP for Importers
Importers ensure a valid DPP for every product and provide EU market access without risk of sanctions and delays.
DPP for Retailers and Service Centres
DPP simplifies warranties, repairs and product tracking. Retailers and service centres receive accurate information for higher quality service.
