What is an ITF-14 barcode?
ITF-14 barcodes, also called case codes or GTIN-14, are used to barcode identical products into one larger case or carton package. Scanning an ITF-14 barcode will display the product barcode number and the number of identical products found in the carton. Examples include a case of beer, a carton of cigarette boxes or a package containing several boxes of tissues. ITF-14 barcodes are primarily used in the product supply chain and inventory management. ITF-14 barcodes can also be scanned at the cashier when purchasing multiple identical products in a single “bundled” package.
Identify a ITF-14 barcode by
At least two thick horizontal bars; one above and one below the barcode image, called Bearer Bars. A thick box border is used when the barcode is printed directly on the corrugated cardboard.
14 digits in the number configuration X-XX-XXXXX-XXXXX-X
Within the supply chain management system, the ITF-14 barcode has also been called a: UPC Shipping Container Symbol ITF-14, ITF14, Case Code, UPC Case Code, EAN/UCC-14, EAN-14, UCC- 14, DUN-14, GTIN-14.
However not all names above are technically accurate. Its important not to confuse retail barcodes of the EAN and UPC variety used at the point of sale, POS with the packaging barcodes used in inventory management and supply. ITF-14 barcodes are generally not scanned at the cashier, and are used instead for the store owner and management to scan products when adding new stock.
If you wish to add batch numbers or dates to the barcode, use a EAN-128 barcode instead. (EAN-128 are also called GS1-128, UP-128 or EAN/UPC-128).
The first digit (highlighted yellow) is an indicator of the level of packaging of the carton. Packages contained mixed products will have an indicator value of zero, 0.
Digits 2 to 13 (highlighted orange) are the product numbers derived from the UPC or EAN code which is exactly the same.
The last digit (highlighted red) is the check digit. The EAN / UPC check digit falls away and a new check digit is generated for the ITF-14 barcode.
Bearer bars
- Assist the scanner to read the barcode correctly
- Aid the printing plate to press an even barcode image onto the packaging.
The Bearer Bars act as boundaries for the barcode image. Scanners held at incorrect angles will not read the barcode correctly. Certain cartons requires the barcode to be stamped onto the packaging, such as corrugated cardboard. The Bearer Bars provide additional “weight” to the outside of the stamp to ensure the inner barcode image is retained.
ITF-14 dimensions
The height of a barcode is measured by the barcode image lines and bars, not including the bearer bars. The height should be 31,75 mm. The height should be in ratio of 1:2.25 to 1:3 of the width. The height of the barcode including the bearer bars is 41,40mm.
- The quiet zone at each end of the barcode, should be at least 10% of the length of the barcode. A recommended length is 10,16 mm
- The length of a printed ITF-14 should be a minimum of 122,43 mm
- The Bearer Bars are 4,83 mm in diameter
Human-readable digits
Digits placed under the barcode must be 5.72 mm high and allow for a 1 mm space under the bearer bar.
Get your ITF-14 barcodes here.
References
We’ve done our best to cross reference popular articles online to ensure you are provided with accurate information. For the most part the content appearing in all the sources are the same. We did find some discrepancies in the suggested dimensions of the barcode for printing purposes. As such, be sure to double-check that the printed size is within the recommended guidelines laid out above.
http://www.makebarcode.com/specs/itf_14.html
Wikipedia. ITF-14. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITF-14
https://www.gtin.info/itf-14-barcodes/
http://xchange.gs1.org/sites/faq/Pages/what-is-the-main-use-of-itf-14-barcodes.aspx
http://www.gs1.se/en/our-standards/Capture/itf-14/
http://www.gs1.se/en/our-standards/Capture/Size-Guide/
