Creating a GTIN from Existing Barcodes

The full 14-digit GTIN is achieved on a data carrier (UPCs, etc.) of shorter length by padding thenumber with left-justified zeros out to 14 digits.  If you need to create a bar code symbol, you will need to become a member of the Uniform Code Council, Inc. (UCC). Your company will then be assigned an identification number (your Company Prefix). You will need this number to create your own UPCs.

The UPC is not going away and nothing has really changed in terms of the bar codes that will be used. GTIN is new terminology, not a new standard. GTIN is the term referring to how the data is stored, i.e., padding the item number with zeroes to a uniform length. Most scanners in use will already scan any bar code within the GTIN family.