Quick verdict
If you sell individual products to consumers on Amazon or in retail, you need GTIN-12. If you ship bulk cartons to distribution centers or retail chain warehouses (like Costco or Target), you use GTIN-14 on the outer box.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | GTIN-12 (UPC-A) | GTIN-14 (ITF-14) |
|---|---|---|
| Digits | 12 digits | 14 digits |
| Application | Individual retail item | Master shipping case / pallet |
| Print location | Product label or consumer box | Outer corrugated shipping carton |
| Scan environment | POS retail checkout & FBA | Warehouse & distribution scanning |
How GTIN-14 codes relate to GTIN-12
A GTIN-14 is created by adding an indicator digit (1-8) to the front of your 12-digit UPC-A item code, followed by a recalculated check digit. This allows warehouse scanners to immediately recognize that a box contains 12 or 24 units of your specific UPC item.
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