GTIN vs UPC: What’s the Difference between these Codes?

You might’ve heard sellers debate over GTIN vs UPC, especially when setting up product listings. Both product identifiers look very similar to each other but play different roles. And knowing when to use which one can make a difference in how your listings perform.

A small mix-up here can lead to problems with product approval, inventory tracking, or even search visibility on major platforms. That’s why getting this part right matters more than it seems.

In this blog, you’ll learn the exact definitions of both UPC and GTIN product identifiers, including their types, structure, scope, use cases, and examples. We’ll also explain how GTIN and UPC work together.

Understanding GTIN and UPC

Product identifiers like GTIN and UPC play a key role in setting up accurate product feeds. Without them, e-commerce listings can face errors or even get rejected.

Before we look at the difference between GTIN and UPC, let’s first understand what GTIN and UPC actually mean.

What Is GTIN?

GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number. It is a unique code used to identify a product or service in a store or online listing. A GTIN is issued by GS1, a global standards organization. This number tells marketplaces exactly which product you’re selling. It applies to both physical items and digital services.

Retailers, warehouses, and marketplaces use GTINs to track items, manage stock, and avoid listing errors. Every GTIN is tied to one specific product, meaning no two products share the same number.

Types of GTIN

There are four main types of GTINs, each serving a specific use:

• GTIN-12: This format has 12 digits and is mostly used in the U.S. and Canada. It’s the same as a UPC and is scanned at checkout in stores.
• GTIN-13: This has 13 digits and is common outside North America. It matches the EAN barcode, which is used in Europe and many other countries.
• GTIN-8: An 8-digit code used for small packages or products. It’s often seen outside the U.S. and works at point of sale just like the others.
• GTIN-14: This format uses 14 digits and is for bulk packaging, like cases or cartons. It’s not scanned at checkout and is used for internal tracking or shipping.

Structure of a GTIN

As we discussed above, GTINs are available in four digit formats: 8, 12, 13, and 14 digits. Each one fits a specific use, depending on the product size, region, or packaging type. These formats follow GS1 standards and are accepted globally.

The image below shows how each GTIN format looks in barcode form:

How to Get a GTIN Number?

You can get a GTIN number from multiple sources:

• The most trusted and recommended method is through GS1, the official global provider. GS1 gives you a unique company prefix that links the barcode to your business. 
• Other options include authorized resellers or third-party vendors that sell individual GTINs. However, these sources may not always guarantee full ownership or acceptance in the future.

Note: It’s always safer to get your GTINs from GS1 directly to avoid issues like barcode rejection, duplication, or any other type of legal issues.

What is a UPC?

UPC stands for Universal Product Code. It’s a barcode made up of black lines and numbers that help identify a product. The number part of the UPC is actually a GTIN-12, which makes it easy for systems to recognize and track the item.

When scanned at checkout, the UPC tells the system what the item is and what price it should show. For manufacturers and sellers, UPCs help manage inventory, track sales, and even recall faulty products if needed.

Without a UPC, it’s difficult to sell, stock, or ship your products correctly across the supply chain. Most retailers won’t accept products that don’t have a valid UPC.

Types of UPC

There are two main types of UPC barcodes used in retail:

• UPC-A
  This is the standard version used in most retail stores. It has 12 digits and carries a GTIN-12 inside it. This type is scanned at the point of sale and used on most products in the U.S. and Canada.
  
• UPC-E
  This is a smaller version of the UPC-A. It holds 8 digits and is used on items with limited label space—like small cosmetics or packaged snacks. It also encodes GTIN-12 data.
  

Note: You might also see EAN-13 in international markets, which is 13 digits long. While it’s not a UPC, it’s used in a similar way for global product tracking.

Structure of a UPC

Below, we are sharing an image which shows the different types of UPCs and their structure:

Are GTIN and UPC the same?

As we have already discussed above, GTINs aren’t the same as UPCs. GTIN is the overall system used to identify products globally. It includes different formats—GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, and GTIN-14—based on product type and region.

UPC falls under this system as the GTIN-12 format, which is mostly used in the U.S. and Canada. So, every UPC is a GTIN, but not every GTIN is a UPC.

GTIN vs UPC: Key Differences

Below, we’ve highlighted the main difference between GTIN and UPC, including format, usage, and cost:

Category	GTIN	UPC
Full Form	Global Trade Item Number	Universal Product Code
What It Identifies	Products, services, shipments, and more	Individual retail products
Barcode Type	Can be encoded in UPC-A, EAN-13, EAN-8, ITF-14, and others	Encoded in the UPC-A barcode only
Structure and Length	GTIN can be 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits long	UPC is always 12 digits (same as GTIN 12)
The same pricing applies, since UPC is a GTIN 12 under GS1’s system	Used worldwide across all industries	Mainly used in the United States and Canada
Product Coverage	Used for physical goods, digital services, cartons, and multipacks	Used only for identifying individual products at point of sale
Use Cases	Product listings, catalog management, omnichannel selling, inventory tracking	Point-of-sale scanning, price lookup, retail stock management
Ownership and Registration	Issued by GS1 or authorized resellers, tied to brand identity	Same as GTIN—UPC is a GTIN format, managed by GS1 or authorized sources
Cost Through GS1 (Starter Option)	$30 for a single GTIN (lifetime, no renewal fee)	$30 for a single UPC via GS1 (same GTIN 12 format)
Cost Through GS1 (Prefix Option)	Starts at $250 for 10 barcodes, with annual renewal fees	The same pricing applies since UPC is a GTIN 12 under GS1’s system

Note: UPC is a type of GTIN. If you’re buying from GS1, you’ll be getting GTIN 12s to use as UPCs.

How To Obtain GTIN & UPC?

You can easily buy different types of GTINs (including UPC) from GS1—a registered global provider of GTINs and other product identification barcodes. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1.  Visit the GS1 US website.

2.  Next, click on the “Get a Barcode” tab on the top right corner of the screen. You will see the following two options:

• ”Get a Single UPC Barcode” is suitable for businesses seeking less than 10 GTINs/barcodes. It costs $30 each, with no added renewal fee.
• “Get Several UPC Barcodes” is suitable for businesses seeking bulk GTINs/barcodes (>10 in quantity). The price per code will depend on the total quantity of barcodes you need. Apart from this, you will also have to pay an annual renewal fee.

3.  Once you select your ideal option, GS1 will redirect you to a page seeking further details, such as your brand name, the required number of GTINs, etc.

4.  Upon furnishing these details, GS1 will send over your GTINs through email.

Several third-party vendors sell GTINs at a relatively cheaper cost than GS1. However, the problem here is that such codes may or may not exist in GS1’s official database anymore.

If eCommerce platforms like Amazon are unable to locate your GTIN within GS1’s official database, they may remove your Amazon product listing from their site. In severe situations, they may also restrict you from listing new products altogether or suspend your Amazon seller account.

So, it’s best to avoid buying GTINs from unofficial sources.

Also read: How to Buy UPC Codes for Amazon

Importance and Use Cases of UPCs and GTINs in E-commerce

UPCs and GTINs are the backbone of product identification in e-commerce. These codes help systems read, track, and manage products efficiently across multiple platforms, channels, and countries.

Here are the reasons why UPC and GTIN matter in e-commerce today:

Product Listings and Marketplace Rules

Online marketplaces like Amazon, Google Shopping, and Shopify need GTINs to list products. These codes help match your product to the correct item in their system.

A UPC is a type of GTIN used mostly in the U.S. It’s required for many retail and branded items sold online.

Note: If you sell handmade or private-label products, you may not need a GTIN. Some marketplaces allow a GTIN exemption.

Inventory Management and Shipping

GTINs and UPCs make inventory tracking easier. When scanned, they show product details like stock count, price, or location.

This helps sellers avoid running out of stock or sending the wrong items. It also improves returns and makes order fulfillment smoother.

Search Visibility and Product Info

When you use correct GTINs, your product gets better placement in search results. The marketplace pulls in the right title, image, and description.

UPCs help confirm that your listing is real and matches the product buyers are looking for.

Supply Chain Integration

GTINs help keep the entire supply chain connected and efficient. They link systems used for shipping, warehousing, inventory, and retail.

They also work with the GS1 Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN), which helps your product data stay updated across different partners. This ensures that the right product info is always available in real-time, no matter where it’s being used.

Global Trade and Compliance

GTINs are accepted worldwide. They help your products move across borders with fewer issues.

They’re also used for traceability, which is important for industries like food, healthcare, and electronics.

What is the difference between GTIN and UPC vs EAN vs ISBN?

We’ve already explained GTIN and UPC above.

Now, let’s look at how EAN and ISBN differ in their use, structure, and purpose.

We will also analyze how they compare against GTINs and UPCs.

EAN (European Article Number)

EAN, or European Article Number, refers to a barcode format that follows the GTIN-13 structure. It contains 13 digits—12 for product and company data and 1 check digit to validate the code.

EANs are used in global retail, especially outside North America. This barcode format is widely accepted at points of sale, helping retailers and marketplaces identify and track products.

Each EAN-13 barcode includes:

• A GS1 prefix (first 3 digits, linked to the country or GS1 office)
  
• A manufacturer code
  
• A product code
  
• A final check digit for accuracy
  

EAN codes are a key part of supply chain automation. They help retailers sync data, manage listings, and comply with global trading systems.

With GS1 EANs, your products get visibility across GEPIR, DataKart, Verified by GS1, and other trusted networks.

EAN-13 is also being used in smart supply chains, where automation and AI are making barcode-based tracking faster and more accurate.

ISBN (International Standard Book Number)

ISBN is a unique identifier for books and book-like publications. Since 2007, all ISBNs follow a 13-digit structure, aligned with GTIN-13.

Each ISBN is made up of five parts:

• A prefix (978 or 979)
  
• A registration group (for language or country)
  
• A publisher code
  
• A title and edition number
  
• A check digit for validation
  

An ISBN is assigned to each edition and format of a publication—like paperback, hardcover, or digital (PDF, ePub). This makes it easy for publishers, sellers, libraries, and retailers to manage sales, listings, and stock.

ISBNs do not provide copyright protection, but in many countries, using ISBNs is legally required for publishing.

ISBNs are managed globally by the International ISBN Agency, and in each country, a national ISBN body handles the application and distribution process.

Also read: How To Fix GTIN errors on Google Merchant Center & Shopify? MPN – Google Shopping Feed Specification Guide Ecommerce Automation Software

GTIN vs UPC: Which One Should Merchants Use?

Merchants should first consider where they are selling and what they are selling. If your products are sold mainly in the U.S. or Canada, you should use a UPC. This is the standard for most North American retailers and is widely supported by U.S.-based marketplaces.

If you’re selling to international markets, especially in Europe or Asia, an EAN (GTIN-13) is often required instead. Both UPC and EAN are valid GTIN formats, so the choice is more about regional standards than functionality.

No matter which you choose, always source your codes from GS1 to make sure they are unique, verifiable, and linked to your business.

Good luck! 

FAQs

Where is each code used globally?

GTIN is used worldwide in retail, pharmaceuticals, electronics, etc. On the other hand, UPC is only used in North America, primarily in the retail sector.

Can a product have both GTIN and UPC?

As discussed earlier, UPC is comes under GTIN. Therefore, any product that has a UPC inherently also has a GTIN in it. So, yes, a product can have both a GTIN and a UPC at the same time. For instance, products sold in North America have both GTINs and UPCs.

How are GTINs and UPCs structured differently?

GTINs and UPCs have several structural differences, mainly regarding length and composition. For instance, GTINs are 8, 12, 13, or 14-digit long codes, whereas UPCs are strictly 12-digit long. Composition-wise, GTINs have no fixed composition. They are structured as per the specific product/service type being identified. On the other hand, UPCs have a fixed composition that consists of a manufacturer code, product number, and checksum.

What are the business implications of choosing GTIN over UPC or vice versa?

There are both positive and negative business implications to choosing GTIN over UPC. For example, it expands the scope of your market reach and also increases its visibility on eCommerce platforms like Amazon. But on the downside, it also has more complex compliance requirements than a UPC. So, it’s essential that you consider all these factors before choosing one.

How do I convert a UPC to a GTIN if needed?

Converting a UPC code to a GTIN is a pretty straightforward process. For instance, if you want to convert your UPC to GTIN-13, simply add a zero (0) before it. To convert it to GTIN-14, add two zeros (00) before it. Note that you cannot convert your UPC code to GTIN-8. 

How to obtain GTIN and UPCs?

You can obtain GTINs and UPCs through GS1, the global standards organization that issues official product identifiers. GS1 allows you to buy a single GTIN or license a GS1 Company Prefix if you need codes for multiple products. This ensures your codes are unique and traceable to your business.

While some third-party vendors offer barcodes, those may not be accepted by major retailers or marketplaces, which is why GS1 is the recommended source.

Do I need different GTINs for product variations?

Yes, every variation of a product requires its own GTIN. This includes changes in size, color, style, quantity, or packaging. For example, if you sell a shirt in two colors and three sizes, you would need six different GTINs—one for each unique variation.

This ensures each product is accurately identified and tracked throughout the supply chain and across online marketplaces.

What are the consequences of using incorrect GTINs or UPCs?

Using incorrect or shared GTINs and UPCs can lead to several problems. Your product listings may be rejected or taken down by marketplaces. You could face inventory mismatches, duplicate listings, or sales tracking issues. In some cases, your brand may lose trust with retailers or customers.