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The Global Trade Item Number – GTIN can have different number of characters, depending on the encodation used. Most bar code symbologies require a number shorter than the full 14-digit number. GS1 recommends that GTIN is always stored as a 14-digit number in the data bases. Shorter formats should be filled in with leading zeroes up to 14 characters – see below:

In GS1 XML, the data type of GTIN is defined as 14 numeric characters (see here). Thus, the full 14 digits must be transmitted. Shorter formats MUST be filled in with leading zeroes up to 14 digits.

Note: Due to differences in syntax, the format of GTIN in both GS1 EDI standards: EANCOM® and GS1 XML are different.

• In GS1 XML the format is defined as exactly 14 digits, which means that any GTIN that is originally shorter than 14 digits needs to be filled up to 14 characters by adding the leading zeroes
• In GS1 EANCOM^® the format is numeric, which means that the non-significant leading zeroes must be removed, since its data type is defined as numeric up to 14 digits (n..14). EDIFACT syntax does not allow transmitting non-significant leading zeros for numeric fields.

However, all these formats still convey the same GTIN identifier. GS1 recommends that GTIN should be stored in a 14-digit format. It can be transmitted in GS1 EDI messages or encoded in bar codes in a format that suites the syntax rules or bar code symbology.