A "new product" is defined as a product that does not currently exist or has not been available for sale and is an addition to the brand owners portfolio/is new to the market.
Any new product requires the assignment of a GTIN
New GTIN for:
Item
Existing higher-level packaging
Hierarchy level of GTIN assignment
The GTIN is assigned at the retail consumer trade item or base unit level.
A unique GTIN is assigned at every level of the packaging hierarchy above the retail consumer trade item/base unit level.
Example business scenarios that require GTIN change
A product line is to include a flavour or aroma of a product that does not currently exist in the brand owners portfolio, and will be an addition to other flavours or aromas in the portfolio.
A mobile phone producer is adding a model with new features to its product offering.
A product's packaging is in English and a Spanish-language-only version of the same product is created.
A seasonal modification where the consumer/trading partner is expected to be able to uniquely order the product.
A new television model with new functionalities e.g. WiFi and streaming capabilities
A new T-shirt line includes various sizes of a particular style and colour of T-shirt ( S, M, L, XL, etc.). Each style, colour and size variation is considered a unique product and is assigned a unique GTIN.
The vintage (year of production) of a bottle of wine changes such that it is recognised by the consumer as being of different quality than the previous year AND this wine is not handled as flow-through or commodity product, rather as a new and unique product.