For businesses engaged in Online Selling, ensuring product authenticity and seamless integration across global marketplaces is paramount. A crucial element in achieving this is utilizing a globally recognized and unique product identifier. This is where GS1 GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) come into play, offering a verifiable and permanent solution within the GS1 system, used by over two million companies worldwide.
Why GS1 GTINs are Essential for Online Selling Platforms
GS1, the official source for GTINs, guarantees the uniqueness of each number issued within its system. This means when you obtain a GS1 GTIN directly from GS1, it is exclusive to your product and your company. GS1 maintains a strict policy against issuing the same GTIN twice, and importantly, they do not permit the transfer or resale of these critical product identifiers.
This commitment to uniqueness is vital for online selling. Marketplaces and retailers rely on GS1 GTINs to accurately identify products, manage inventory, and ensure product information is correctly displayed. To facilitate this verification process, GS1 provides a publicly accessible database, Verified by GS1. Many major online selling platforms utilize this database to confirm that your GS1 GTIN is legitimately linked to your business and your product details. This verification step is increasingly becoming a standard requirement for sellers on prominent e-commerce sites.
The Risks of Unofficial GTINs in Online Retail
Purchasing GTINs from unauthorized third-party vendors poses significant risks for businesses involved in online selling. These numbers, often sold at discounted rates, can fall into two categories, both problematic for sellers:
- Non-GS1 System Numbers: These are simply number sequences that are not recognized within the GS1 system. Consequently, they lack global verification and are often rejected by major online selling platforms that require GS1-validated identifiers.
- Resold or Transferred GS1 GTINs: While these numbers were initially issued by GS1, they have been transferred or resold against GS1’s explicit guidelines. These resold GTINs will either not be found in the GS1 verification database, or, crucially, they will be registered under the details of the original licensee, not your business. This discrepancy creates significant issues with product ownership and brand authenticity on online selling marketplaces.
The use of unofficial GTINs can lead to confusion and complications, particularly if these numbers inadvertently overlap with legitimate GS1 GTINs. If online selling platforms reject products due to invalid or unverifiable GTINs obtained from unofficial sources, GS1 cannot be held responsible. Your product listings may be suppressed, or your selling account could face penalties, directly impacting your online selling success.
Securing Official GS1 GTINs for Reliable Online Selling
To ensure you are obtaining genuine GS1 GTINs and safeguarding your online selling operations, it is essential to procure them directly from an authorized GS1 Member Organization. Some unauthorized entities may misleadingly use the GS1 logo and branding to sell illegitimate numbers.
The only guaranteed method to acquire valid GS1 GTINs is to visit the official GS1 website, GS1.org, and locate your local GS1 Member Organization through their web page: GS1 Member Organisation. Only these licensed organizations are authorized to provide you with GS1 GTINs and ensure their guaranteed uniqueness and verifiability within the GS1 global database. By obtaining your GTINs through official channels, you establish a solid foundation for product authenticity and seamless integration into the world of online selling.
