Use leading digits to differentiate product change?

[JTubby]

We may need to differentiate between an existing item and the same item but with an ingredient change. I know a new GTIN isn't necessary given GS1 rules however our co-packer may require this due to their system requirements.  (In fact they created their own new GTIN which is another issue I'm wrestling with...)  We can create a new item number and create a new GTIN, but is it also possible to keep the existing GTIN-14 and change only the leading digit (and by default the check digit)?  Or is a change in the leading digit only reserved for hierarchy definitions? Or, can we use the GTIN the co-packer created and also have that in our 1WorldSync item catalog - we would have two GTINs for the same item?  I see issues but wanted to ask.  Thank you.

[alien]

Hello, @JTubby and welcome to the customer community.  Thanks for reaching out.

Indeed according to the GTIN Allocation Rules GS1 has that would not require a new GTIN.   You can look at their expanded list of rules https://www.gs1.org/1/gtinrules//en/ but at most what you are trying to do is a minor change to an existing product.

My advice would be to talk with the recipient(s) the item is currently published to and see which option they would accept as creating a completely new GTIN or using the base UPC to create a new GTIN variation might or might not work with them.

If you have any further questions please let me know. Thank you and have a great day.

[JTubby]

Thank you!  

So I think our main issue now is that our co-packer created a new GTIN without our knowledge, because they needed to differentiate between the items in their facility.  I'm waiting to find out if this is actually appearing on outer cases yet or not.  If it is, and if we can't work out another option, is it acceptable to two different GTINs for the same item in 1WorldSync?  I do see many issues with this down the line so hoping we can find a different solution.

[CommunityLord_]

Hi @JTubby 

Our Item Management platform will let you create the same item under a new GTIN. 

Whether this is acceptable for your buyer or compliant with GS1 GTIN management rules, these two have to be verified outside 1WorldSync, with your buyer and confirmed with GS1 by reading their GTIN management rules articles or contacting them directly:

https://www.gs1.org/1/gtinrules/en/

https://www.gs1.org/locations/united-states

Please let me know if you have additional questions around this matter.

Thanks!

[JTubby]

Thank you for your help, I appreciate it.  We will check with buyers and GS1 as well and hopefully this will work for all.