What is ITF-14?

ITF-14 is the GS1 System implementation of an Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode that encodes the Global Trade Item Number® (GTIN®) used for standard logistic units such as cartons, cases, and pallets. Trade items marked with ITF-14 symbols are not intended to pass through retail point-of-sale (POS).

Examples of the barcodes are shown below.

ITF-14 symbol with bearer bars on the top and bottom of the symbol, commonly used for general purpose inkjet and thermal transfer printing.

ITF-14 symbol with bearer bars on all four sides of the symbol, commonly used for printing utilizing a printing plate.

How is it used?

ITF-14 symbols are used to uniquely identify logistics units in the supply chain. The symbols are typically printed directly on corrugated fiberboard.

What are the benefits of using this barcode?

ITF-14 symbology is typically used for direct printing on corrugate based on the barcode’s simple construction, and the lower reflectance of corrugated materials. The lines at the top and the bottom of the barcode are called "bearer bars" and are used to prevent something called a "short scan." The bearer bars disrupt the scan and insure that only complete scans will return a valid barcode read. The use of this symbology supports fast and accurate tracking of inventory in the supply chain.

The GS1 System, the world’s most accepted standards system, provides globally unique identification numbers and barcode marking for trade items. Companies in the US must obtain a GS1 Company Prefix from GS1 US to create unique identification numbers for their trade items. The trade item identification number, referred to as the Global Trade Item Number® or GTIN®, forms the foundation needed for electronic commerce including the synchronization of data between trading partners in the Global Data Synchronization Network® (GDSN®)