GTIN

The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a standardized identifier managed by GS1, used by retailers and manufacturers worldwide - including Amazon - to uniquely distinguish products across catalogues, systems, and marketplaces.

GTINs include several formats:

• GTIN-14 – typically used for cases or multipacks
• GTIN-13 – standard EAN (used outside the U.S.)
• GTIN-12 – UPC (used primarily in the U.S.)
• GTIN-8 – for very small packages

On Amazon, GTINs are essential for:

• Creating new product listings
• Matching to existing catalog entries
• Enabling accurate product tracking and inventory control
• Ensuring compliance with listing and brand policies

Note: Amazon requires valid GTINs (typically UPCs or EANs) for most new ASIN creation, unless a seller is approved for GTIN exemption.

💡 Example: A product with UPC 012345678905 has a GTIN-12 format, which Amazon uses to identify and link it to the correct ASIN.

In short:
GTIN is a universal product identifier - like a UPC or EAN - required by Amazon to track and manage products accurately across its global catalog.