My product has changed, do I need to assign a new barcode number?

What is a product change?

A product change is when an existing product is altered in some way and the new version of the product will replace the version currently available. What the changes are will determine if a new barcode number is required for the replacement product. The GTIN Management Rules define when a change to one or more attributes of an existing product requires a new GTIN. 

If the current version of the product will continue to be sold, then the newer item is not a replacement product but a separate item that requires its own unique barcode number.

Is my product change significant?

Some changes are minor and and do not require a new barcode, while others are of a significance and a new GTIN will be necessary. There are 3 guiding principles that must be considered when deciding if a new barcode is required.

1. The Consumer or Customer - Is a consumer and/or trading partner expected to distinguish the changed or new product from previous/current products?
2. Regulation - Is there a regulatory/liability disclosure requirement to the consumer and/or trading partner?
3. Logistics - Is there a substantial impact to the supply chain (e.g., how the product is shipped, stored, received)?

At least one of the guiding principles must apply for a GTIN change to be required.

GTIN Management Rules

There are 10 GTIN Management rules to consider when a product changes. A short explanation of each rule can be found below. Click any of the rules for more information. 

1. New Product Introduction - A "new product" is defined as a product that does not currently exist or has not been available for sale and is an addition to the brand owner’s portfolio/is new to the marketplace. Any new product requires the assignment of a GTIN
2. Declared Formulation or Functionality - “Functionality” is defined as the particular use or set of uses for which something is designed. “Formulation” is defined as a list of the ingredients or components used to create a trade item. A change to the formulation or functionality that affects the legally-required declared information on the packaging of a product and also where the brand owner expects the consumer or supply chain partner to distinguish the difference requires a new GTIN. Both conditions must be met requiring the assignment of a new GTIN.
3. Declared Net Content - “Net Content” is defined as the amount of the consumable product of the trade item contained in a package, as declared on the label, which may include: net weight, volume, count, units, etc. Any change (increase or decrease) to the legally-required declared net content that is printed on the pack, requires assignment of a new GTIN.
4. 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.
5. Add or Remove Certification Mark - A change to packaging is made to add a new, or remove an existing, certification mark (e.g., kosher, UL or CE) that has significance to regulatory bodies, trading partners or to the end consumer, requires assignment of a new GTIN.
6. Primary Brand - The primary brand is the brand most recognisable by the consumer, as determined by the brand owner, and can be expressed as a logo and/or words. A change to the primary brand that appears on the trade item, requires assignment of a new GTIN.
7. Time Critical or Promotional Product - A change to a product that is being promoted (including packaging changes) for a specific event or date, impacting the required handling in the supply chain to ensure the trade item is available for sale during a specified time period, requires assignment of a new GTIN.
8. Pack/Case Quantity - A change to the number of trade items in a case or a change to the quantity of cases in a pre-defined pallet configuration requires assignment of a new GTIN.
9. Pre-defined Assortment - A pre-defined assortment is defined as a pack of two or more trade items that are combined and sold together as a single trade item (may also be referred to as a bundle). A change, addition or replacement of one or more trade items included in a pre-defined assortment, requires assignment of a new GTIN.
10. Price on Pack - ‘Price on pack’ is defined as when the brand owner includes pre-pricing as part of the package graphics. This is not considered a price marked on a price ticket, sticker, hangtag or anything that could be removed from the package or product. Any addition, change or removal of a price marked directly on the product package (not recommended), requires assignment of a new GTIN.