Inside the box is EAN-13, outside the box is ITF-14. The outer box code writes "how many individual items are in one box" and "which batch this box belongs to" into 14 digits, enabling warehouse, sorting, and logistics systems to identify the entire box.
The above image follows the ITF Interleaved 2 of 5 rulesBy unit widthGenerated in real time (wide-to-narrow ratio 1:2), not equal-width bars. The actual number is assigned by the coding association.
What ITF-14 carries is GTIN-14(14 digits), used to identifylogistics units such as outer boxes and pallets, and packaging containing multiple items, and is not used for retail individual item checkout. Its symbol form isInterleaved 2 of 5, which is completely different from the symbol structure of EAN-13.
Whole-box inbound, picking, and outbound scanning, without unpacking item by item
Cargo volume is recorded in box units on waybills and handover documents
Supply specifications usually require outer boxes to have a scannable box code
ITF-14 carries a 14-digit GTIN-14, which has one more digit (the packaging indicator) than a retail code, and its symbol structure also changes from the EAN series to Interleaved 2 of 5.
| Composition | Number of digits | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging indicator | 1 digit | Indicates the packaging level (such as a single carton, a full pallet, etc.), assigned by the enterprise according to internal rules |
| Company prefix + item reference | 12 digits | A combination of the company code segment allocated by the member organization and the case product code |
| Check digit | 1 digit | Calculated using the mod10 algorithm, used for machine-readable verification |
| Symbol form | Interleaved 2 of 5 | Digits are encoded in interleaved pairs of bars and spaces, with specified requirements for the wide-to-narrow ratio and magnification factor |
ITF-14 identifies packaging units containing multiple items, while individual items still use EAN-13/UPC-A.
The first digit, the packaging indicator, indicates the packaging level and can distinguish a single carton, a full pallet, etc.
Printed according to the unit width; the wide-to-narrow ratio and dimensions have specified requirements, see the diagram scope below for details.
A barcode is not something that is done once and then finished — when company information changes, when the right to use the codes needs to be maintained, or when the business is transferred, the corresponding procedures must be handled.
Case product category, packaging level (single carton / full pallet), estimated number of case SKUs
Prepare according to the registration documents of the location of the applying entity; see the checklist on the right
Submit the application to the GS1 member organization and wait for the company prefix to be assigned
After obtaining the code segment, assign a GTIN-14 to each case product according to the packaging indicator rules
The following situations require a change:
A change certificate issued by the local registration authority must be provided
The company prefix remains unchanged; only the enterprise information in the system is updated
Already printed packaging can usually continue to be used, with no need to reprint the barcode graphic
Member organizations differ in how they maintain code usage rights (annual membership fee system or validity period renewal system), subject to the current policy of that member organization. If not maintained on time, the code may be suspended or reclaimed, and the normal circulation of goods in channels will be affected.
Customers who have already processed through Bangma International can register for expiry reminders free of charge.
During mergers and acquisitions, brand transfers, or business restructuring, the company prefix can be transferred as an asset together with the business. The transfer requires a joint application by both parties and completion of changes to entity information and ownership.
The total fee usually includes: the barcode service fee charged by the member organization (based on tier and number of years) + agency service fee. Factors affecting the fee:
Once all documents are complete, the review and allocation process begins; timelines vary by country
No new code allocation is involved, so the process is relatively simple
Involves ownership confirmation; the timeline depends on how prepared both parties' materials are
The above is a description of the process sequence and does not fabricate specific numbers of days. The actual timeline is subject to the accepting organization's current announcements and processing progress, and we will keep you updated at every stage during the process.
