Although the ISBN-13 transition is a transition from a 10- to a 13-digit product identification number, BISG has recommended that all product identifier field lengths be increased to at least 14-digits if database reconfiguration is necessary.

This recommendation accommodates the future use of GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) format - rather than ISBN-13 format - as the foundation for uniquely identifying trade items (products and services) sold, delivered, warehoused, and billed throughout the retail and commercial distribution channels in the future.

GTIN is actually a family of identifiers that include:

• UPC - Used by general retailing in the U.S.

• EAN - Used by retailing globally

• ISBN-13 - Becoming the standard for books

At this time, "GTIN Format" means expressing any of these identifiers in 14 digits by prefixing them with zeros. This number is correctly called "GTIN-14" but is widely referred to simply as "The GTIN".

Without going into too much detail, fully adopting the 14-digit GTIN standard will become an issue for the book industry in the future. It will align us with national and global supply chain practices as well as equip us with the tools to specify packaging level (i.e., unit, case, pallet) when ordering books.

Bottom Line:

BISG endorses a 14-digit field length for electronic communications.
BISG recommends a product identifier field of at least 14 digits in all databases.

To gain a greater understanding of GTIN and its future use within the book industry, please review the links below.

For more information:

GTIN Quick Facts

A Concise Guide to Book Industry Product Identifiers

Books and GTIN: Introduction to Global Trade Item Number

GTIN Implementation Guide

For IT Professionals: www.bisg.org/isbn-13/EAN.UCC.html

For Retailers: www.bisg.org/isbn-13/retailers.GTIN.html

For Publishers: www.bisg.org/isbn-13/publishers.GTIN.html