Technical Specifications
- Standard
- ISO/IEC 16390 / GS1 General Specifications
- Character Set
- Numeric digits only (0–9)
- Payload Length
- 13 data digits + 1 Mod-10 check digit (14 digits total)
- Bearer Bars
- Top and bottom bars or full surrounding frame (typically 4.8mm thick)
- Aspect Ratio
- Wide linear ratio (typically 3:1 to 4:1)
Standard Industry Use Cases
- Corrugated cardboard outer shipping cartons and master cases
- Wholesale pallet distribution and receiving scanning
- Cross-docking logistics tracking in automated distribution centers
Key Benefits of ITF-14
Engineered for Rough Corrugated Boxes
Large bar widths and high tolerances allow reliable scanning directly on brown cardboard.
Thick Protective Bearer Bars
Surrounding black bearer bars equalize plate pressure and prevent partial scanner slice misreads.
Long-Range Forklift Scanning
Warehouse operators can scan ITF-14 barcodes from several meters away without dismounting.
What Code Do I Need for My Product? (Customer Decision Guide)
Choosing the right barcode format depends on where your product is sold, the packaging substrate, and scanner infrastructure:
Packing master cartons containing multiple retail units?
ITF-14 is the global standard barcode printed on outer shipping cases containing 6, 12, or 24 individual retail products.
Can ITF-14 be scanned at point-of-sale retail checkouts?
No. ITF-14 is strictly for non-retail logistics, wholesale distribution, and warehouse cross-docking.
How does ITF-14 link to the retail item inside?
The 14-digit number incorporates an Packaging Indicator digit (1–8) followed by the 12-digit GTIN of the enclosed retail unit and a final check digit.
ITF-14 Printing Standards & Bearer Bar Guidelines
- Always include bearer bars (minimum 4.8mm thick) when printing directly onto corrugated cartons to prevent uneven flexographic plate impression.
- Ensure the barcode is placed at least 32mm from the bottom edge of the box and at least 19mm from vertical edges to prevent corner folding distortion.
- The final 14th digit is a mandatory GS1 Modulo-10 checksum calculated across the first 13 digits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does an ITF-14 barcode have thick bearer bars?
Bearer bars equalize printing plate pressure when printing directly onto rough, undulating corrugated cardboard, and prevent barcode laser scanners from misreading a partial slice of the code.
Can an ITF-14 barcode be scanned at retail cash registers?
No. ITF-14 barcodes are strictly meant for master cases and wholesale shipping cartons, not consumer-facing retail checkouts.