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Month: February 2025

What is an ITF-14 Barcode? GS1 India

Posted on by Heena

ITF-14 is a type of one-dimensional barcode used on higher level packaging units such as corrugated boxes to facilitate product identification throughout the supply chain. While you are likely familiar with using EAN (European Article Number), GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) or UPC (Universal Product Code) codes to identify individual products or SKUs (Stock Keeping Units), the ITF-14 is specifically used to track and manage pallets that carry these products in bulk. This blog will be a guide in understanding and exploring the role of this ITF-14 barcode in the logistics industry, in detail. We will also uncover how this barcode type benefits the supply chain and the role of GS1 India in issuing this barcode. 

What is an ITF-14 Barcode?

Unlike EAN or GTIN which is used specifically on products sold at point-of-sale, ITF-14 barcodes have a more comprehensive role to play. ITF-14 barcodes encode a 14-digit GTIN. The barcode can either be printed on a label or directly on a corrugate.

An ITF-14 barcode is similar to a GTIN-13 in composition with the only difference being the indicator digit (digits ranging from 0 to 9 to identify different packaging levels within the product hierarchy). The minimum size of an ITF-14 barcode is 1.25 inches tall and is applied in general distribution and logistics and can only carry the GTIN. In case, GTIN-12, GTIN-13 or GTIN-8 are to be used to encode in an ITF-14 barcode, filler zeroes (0) need to be added before GTIN.

ITF-14 Barcode Format

Though ITF-14 is like any other 1D barcode, what separates it from others is its thick black borders, called bearer bars. This bearer bar is a prominent identifying feature of an ITF-14 barcode, and as a matter of fact, no other barcodes have thick black borders. One crucial reason behind the presence of these bars is to improve readability and durability even in challenging conditions. Below listed are a few things that you can consider to quickly identify an ITF-14 barcode –

  • Look for the thick borders (bearer bars)
  • Check for a 14-digit number encoded within the barcode.
  • Verify that the barcode is on the outer packaging.
  • The pattern of black and white vertical lines

The presence of bearer bars forms a box-shaped figure outside.

Below provided is a breakdown of GTIN encoded in an ITF-14 barcode –

  • Indicator Digit – You can add an indicator digit to create different GTIN-14s for various groupings of the same product, like cartons or pallets. The digit ‘0’ is reserved for a GTIN-14 applied on a pallet containing products of the same variables; weight or volume (homogenous series). Similarly, digit ‘9’ is reserved for GTIN-14 of pallets containing products of different variables; weight or volume (heterogeneous series).
  • Country Code – It is the code allotted by GS1 Global to the GS1 member organisation. Every GTIN starts with a country code. GS1 India has ‘890’ as its country code and all unique identification keys in India start with this number alone, representing exclusivity and authorisation.
  • Company Code – The company prefix is the unique identification number assigned by the GS1 member organisation to the company registered with it. This company code uniquely identifies the company from others in the market.
  • Product Code – Country code and company code together form to construct GCP (Global Company Prefix). This is followed by a product code which depends on the company’s use and coding needs. It uniquely identifies products or SKUs manufactured by the company.
  • Check Digit – The final component of a GTIN is a check digit which is a mathematically calculated digit. It is used to validate the GTIN composition and ensure the GTIN is correct by all means. This algorithm of mathematically calculating check digit is also referred to as Luhn Algorithm (also known as Modulo 10).

GS1 plays an indispensable role in standardising the usage and implementation of barcodes in India. In the context of the ITF-14 barcode, GS1 has defined standards for the usage of ITF-14, exclusively limiting its usage in the logistics industry. Various other standards of usage are defined by GS1 for products’ unique identification. ITF-14 is restricted for higher levels of packaging as defined by GS1 standards. The blog will cover the reasons and benefits of doing so.

Benefits of ITF-14 Barcodes

ITF-14 barcode plays a crucial role in streamlining supply chain operations. Below are some benefits that the ITF-14 barcode offers in the industry –

  • Improved Supply Chain Visibility: When the ITF-14 barcode is applied on higher level packaging like cartons or pallets, it improves the supply chain visibility of products. Businesses can easily track or trace the shipments if required and different supply chain stakeholders can directly scan cartons/boxes to verify products at each level. This also fosters transparency and strengthens trust between different supply chain levels.
  • Easy Handling of Bulk Shipment: By enabling rapid, unique identification of bulk shipments, ITF-14 barcodes ensure products are easily handled, monitored and supplied throughout the supply chain. Their use also minimises human errors and speeds up the entire process, enhancing overall efficiency.
  • Global Compliance with Trade: The ITF-14 barcode is compatible with international trade as it meets global trade requirements and conforms to regulations. 
  • Streamlined Inventory Management: With ITF-14 barcodes, businesses are able to carry out accurate inventory management. They facilitate easy tracking of products and help businesses avoid situations of overstocking and stockouts.

How to Create an ITF-14 Barcode?

In case businesses want to use ITF-14 barcodes to comply with trade regulations and meet their packaging needs, they will first need to get registered with GS1 India for barcodes. Once your registration is complete (How to get registered for GS1 Barcodes?), you can follow the steps listed below to create an ITF-14 barcode –

Step 1: Add an indicator digit, from 1-8, on a case of individual items.

Step 2: If you want to uniquely identify a pallet of cases comprising individual items, you would have to add indicator digit 2. The series can go for as long as you do not reach 8.

Step 3: Once you have utilised all digits from 1-8, you will have to switch to a new GTIN.

Step 4: As a last step, you can test and verify the ITF-14 barcode to avoid unnecessary trade complications.

Conclusion

ITF-14 barcodes can effectively scale up your operations allowing you the opportunity to supply a variety of products at the same time and at the same location. In India, its use is very limited with the transport industry gradually shifting to 2D barcodes or SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) with their ability to encode more information. With these barcodes’ wide acceptance and usability across the world, they simplify processes and make it easier for people involved in the process to interpret the information coded. With benefits ranging from effective inventory management, track and trace of products, and also better visibility in the operations. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ITF in a barcode?

ITF-14 is a type of one-dimensional barcode which encodes GTIN-14. It is used to identify packaging at higher levels, mostly pallets and corrugated boxes containing multiple products.

2. What is the ITF-14 barcode used for?

ITF-14 barcodes are used to identify higher-level packaging materials throughout the supply chain.

3. How to convert EAN-13 to ITF-14?

To convert EAN-13 into an ITF-14 or GTIN-13 to GTIN-14 you simply would need to add one zero preceding the GTIN number.

4. What is the difference between ITF-14 and 128?

One distinguishing difference between the ITF-14 and GS1-128 barcodes is the presence of thick black borders (the bearer bars) outside the ITF-14 barcode. These bearer bars are not present in the GS1-128 barcode.

5. What does ITF stand for barcode?

ITF stands for Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) which encodes only numeric digits in pairs and has only even numbers. ITF barcode is interleaved which means it encodes two digits simultaneously, reducing the length of the bar.

What is an EAN Number? Understanding European Article Numbers

Posted on by Heena

At each checkpoint, individual products, cartons or containers, are scanned using barcodes to easily interpret product information. Every barcode encodes a unique product identification number. This number is the basis of trade, facilitating a continuous and accurate product information flow throughout the supply chain. This unique product identification number is referred to as GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) or EAN (European Article Number).

In this blog, you will learn about EAN numbers, understand their importance and benefits, uncover the different types of EAN numbers and know the complete process of generating these numbers.

 What is an EAN number?

EAN number is a type of barcode numbering symbology that provides unique identification to stock-keeping units (SKUs), individual products and cartons or cases. Just as no two cars share the same registration numbers, an EAN is also unique for each product or location. EAN no. is synonymously used for GTIN. EAN/GTIN are encoded in barcodes to sell products hassle-free in online and offline marketplaces. Find below the different types of EAN/GTIN barcode symbologies.

Types of EAN Number

EAN/GTIN is of two types; depending on the product packaging or any other requirements, the seller may choose either of them. Mentioned below are the types and usage scenarios of each for easy understanding –

  • EAN-13/GTIN-13: This type consists of a 13-digit unique identification code to identify retail products globally. The 13 digits are divided into four components – Country Code, Company Code (assigned by GS1 India to a company manufacturing the product), Product Code (assigned by the company to its product) and lastly, Check Digit (a mathematically calculated digit which validates the complete GTIN). You may find a GTIN-13/EAN-13 on retail products right below a 1D barcode on retail products. 
  • EAN-8/ GTIN-8: This type consists of an 8-digit unique identification code to identify smaller retail products with limited packaging space. Although it is smaller in comparison to an EAN-13/GTIN-13, it serves the same function. You may find a GTIN-8/EAN-8 on smaller retail products like cosmetics, stationary items, etc. 

How EAN Numbers Work?

In the retail sector, EAN/GTIN works when encoded in either a one-dimensional (1D) or two-dimensional (2D) barcode. Companies subscribe to GS1 barcodes and generate GTINs/EANs for their products through DataKart – the national product data repository. This EAN/GTIN is then encoded in the selected barcode format and the image is downloaded for printing purposes.

When a product with a barcode is scanned using a scanner or a mobile phone (in the case of a 2D barcode) it reads the information encoded and decrypts the number. At retail point-of-sale, the system then cross-references this number with the local product database to retrieve product information associated with that number.

This complete barcode process eliminates any information discrepancies and ensures every supply chain stakeholder – retailer, manufacturer, wholesaler or consumer, benefits from accurate and detailed product information. This provides multiple other benefits such as inventory management, track & trace, pricing accuracy, supply chain management and others which we will discuss later in detail in this blog.

Steps to Create Your Own EAN

If you are a business owner who wishes to sell products on offline and online marketplaces, you need to first subscribe to GS1 barcodes. They are the only authorised, interoperable, structured and standardised barcodes that conform to global supply chain standards and meet the regulatory requirements.

Below provided are the steps to create your own EAN/GTIN –

  1. Visit our barcode registration page or simply follow this link – https://www.gs1india.org/content/register-for-barcodes/
  2. Fill the complete barcode registration form by providing complete and accurate information about your business.
  3. Attach necessary documents wherever required.
  4. Pay the barcode registration fee and submit the form.
  5. Within 7-10 working days you will receive your barcode allotment letter along with your Global Company Prefix (GCP).
  6. You can use your GCP which is a combination of Country Code and Company Code to log into your DataKart account and generate your products’ GTINs/EANs.

 

Please note, that only DataKart can be used to generate EAN/GTIN for your products, no other tool or service provider available in India can issue authorised barcodes to sellers.

How to Verify an EAN Number?

In an attempt to safeguard retailers’ interests, GS1 India provides GTIN Validation service. On the website page of ‘GTIN Validation’ retailers need to provide the complete GTIN/EAN code of the product they want to verify. The system then verifies the GTIN against the GS1 database and reflects the linked product data. In case sellers want to validate GTINs/EANs in bulk they can send us an e-mail directly on the provided email address – implementation@gs1india.org 

Consumer interest has been jeopardised for ages by means of adulteration, counterfeiting, or contamination. To empower them, we have developed the ‘Smart Consumer’ app. The app allows consumers to make informed purchase decisions by providing them with authentic and accurate product information at one place. The app sources product data directly from the national product data repository – DataKart.

Why Barcodes Are Important for Businesses

Barcodes play an important role in simplifying supply chain processes and in helping businesses achieve operational excellence. Below are some important benefits that GS1 barcodes help businesses achieve –

  • Inventory Management – Barcodes help retailers avoid situations of stockouts and overstocking. They further reduce errors caused due to manual stock-taking. This results in more reliable inventory levels. 
  • Targeted Product Recall – Barcodes enable efficient targeted product recalls in cases of contamination or adulteration within the supply chain. Scanning barcodes allows businesses to trace and recall the targeted products.
  • Global Visibility – With GS1 barcodes being the global language of business, they are globally acceptable, providing global visibility to your products.
  • Faster Product Listing – GTINs are used to list products in various online marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart. Entering product GTIN automatically fetches all the product details connected with it.  
  • Product Data Management – With our product data management platform, DataKart, businesses can store, manage, share and upload product information in one place.
  • Quick Scanning at Point-of-Sale – GS1 barcodes enable fast and efficient scanning at the point of sale, enhancing the checkout experience and boosting customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

While it is important to note the importance and impact of EAN/GTIN in the supply chains, it is also crucial to ensure you are getting barcodes from authorised sellers only. GS1 India is the only authorised seller in India to issue barcodes to businesses. Only GS1 barcodes are structured and meet the required global standards of the supply chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the full form of EAN?

EAN stands for European Article Number

2. Is EAN a 13 digit number?

EAN can be either 13-digits or 8-digits depending on the product type. 

3. Who provides EAN code?

Companies obtain GCP (Global Company Prefix) from GS1 India which can then be used to log into DataKart to generate EAN/GTIN codes.

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