Document Library: Standards: ISBN-13

ISBN-13: For IT Professionals....

Using a GTIN-14 Data Structure

Organizations making systems changes to accommodate ISBN-13 have been encouraged to allow space to accommodate the full Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) system of product identifiers up to 14 digits long.

The GTIN is a globally unique GS1 System identification number for products and services. A GTIN may be 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits in length, represented as GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, and GTIN-14 respectively.

The ISBN-13 is an GTIN-13 digit number and part of the global GTIN system that is widely used to identify most types of consumer goods.

The Book Industry Study Group, in compliance with the GTIN system, recommends using a GTIN-14 data structure to store, view and exchange any Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) electronicly under the GTIN system.

For more information about the GTIN system, click here.