Dimensions of the package or gross weight
- A change of over 20% to a physical dimension, on any axis (e.g., height, width, depth), or gross weight, requires assignment of a new GTIN. Changes below 20% may require a new GTIN at the discretion of the brand owner.
- This part of the standard only applies to changes to the dimensions and the gross weight of a product. Any change to declared net content is governed by the rule on “Declared Net Content”.
- Frequent cumulative changes, without changing the GTIN, in avoidance of the 20% rule is an unacceptable practice. Trading partners should be notified about all dimensional changes. Cumulative changes might cause problems for trading partners and may obstruct the flow through of product.
- See the GS1 GDSN Package Measurement Rules for a consistent, repeatable process to determine measurements for a given product package
Examples of dimensional or gross weight changes of more than 20%
- The gross weight of a product increases by 50% from 0.34 kg (0.75 lb) to 0.51 kg (1.125 lb) due to a change in the packaging material.
- A case or pallet orientation (there is no change to the trade item count) may be changed such that one or more axis changes.
- In order to reduce the variety of folding box formats, a folding box with the dimensions of 47 x 18 x 127 mm is changed to 62 x 20 x 115 mm.
Examples not considered dimensional or gross weight changes of more than 20%
- The packaging of a product changes from plastic to high-density plastic, increasing the gross weight of a package from 340 grams (12 ounces) to 368 grams (12 ounces)
- The height of a box of changes from 7.6 cm (3 inches) to 8.6 cm (3.5 inches)
- The width of a product increased 5% last year and 10% this year, resulting in a cumulative dimensional change of less than 20 (NOTE: Care should be taken to monitor the product for subsequent changes.