Allocating barcode numbers
Non-retail trade items
Non-retail items are often referred to as 'trade units' (TUN), are those items which are not primarily intended for sale to consumers at a retail level. They can be a single item, a shrink wrapped pack of items, a cardboard case, a tray, a pallet or similar type of package created for the purpose of shipping and handling.
GS1 identification numbers can be assigned to non-retail items in a number of different ways. In certain cases you choose to assign using the method that best suit your needs. Non-retail items can be numbered with GTIN-13
or GTIN-14
identification numbers.
First, you must determine whether your item might also be sold at retail point-of-sale (POS)
. If so you only have one option for numbering such an item.
Allocating a barcode (GTIN) for items to be scanned in both retail and non-retail environments
This item must carry a barcode number (GTIN) in a barcoded format that will scan in both retail and general distribution environments. You must allocate an GTIN-13 identification number and encode it in an EAN-13 barcode. The number is allocated in exactly the same way as you would for any other retail item. Restrictions apply to the magnification factor (size) when printing an EAN-13 barcode that may be scanned in a general distribution environment.
Allocating a barcode (GTIN) for non-retail trade items (not for point of sale)
If the item is not going to be sold at retail point of sale (POS), there are two ways in which you can allocate a barcode (GTIN), both of which require an GTIN-14 identification number.
Important Note:
The numbering options covered here are for items that can be scanned worldwide, with the exception being that they currently cannot be scanned by all retailers in USA and Canada. Items being exported to this part of the world may require GS1 US numbers.
View more information on how to allocate barcodes (GTINs) for these non-retail items.
Allocating an GTIN-14 identification number with an indicator
View more information on allocating a GTIN-14 identification number
