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GTIN Management Rules

Dimensional or gross weight change

A change to a physical dimension, on any axis, or gross weight over 20%, requires assignment of a new GTIN.

Hierarchy level of GTIN assignment

  • The GTIN change occurs at the retail consumer trade item or base unit level.
  • A unique GTIN is assigned at every existing level of packaging hierarchy above the retail consumer trade item/base unit level.

Example business scenarios that require GTIN change

  • The gross weight of a product increases by 50% from 0.34 kg (0.75 lb) to 0.68 kg (1.5 lb) due to a change in the packaging material from plastic to glass.
  • The height of a box of laundry detergent changes by 40% from 7.6 cm (3 in) to 10.64 cm (4.2 in).
  • A case or pallet orientation (there is no change to the item inside) may be changed such that one or more axis changes.

Additional information

  • 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 Package and Product Measurement Standard for a consistent, repeatable process to determine measurements for a given product package
  • Local, national or regional regulations may require more frequent GTIN changes. Such regulations have precedence over the rules provided within the GTIN Management Standard.

Relevant guiding principles

More about guiding principles