01
Company prefix
The first digits identify the company that registered the code with GS1. Every product from one brand owner shares it.
Barcode basics for patients
GTIN number check: what the code on your medicine means
Every serialised medicine pack carries a GTIN, a 14-digit Global Trade Item Number that identifies the exact product. Counterfeiters often get it wrong. Here's how to find it, read it and check it in seconds.
Table of contents8 sections
Quick answer
A GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is the 14-digit product code inside a medicine's barcode and 2D DataMatrix, shown as (01) followed by the number. To check it, scan the code with our 2D code decoder: it validates the check digit automatically. An invalid check digit, or a GTIN that differs between two identical packs, suggests a counterfeit.
- Digits in a GTIN-14
- 14
- Its GS1 identifier
- (01)
- Check digit at the end
- 1
- Same on every identical pack
- 1 per SKU
Understanding the GTIN
One number that identifies product, strength and pack size
The GTIN is assigned by the brand owner through GS1. It identifies what a product is, not which individual pack it is. That's the serial's job. Learn the full code structure in our DataMatrix guide.
02
Item reference
The middle digits identify the specific item: e.g. 500 mg, pack of 20. A different strength gets a different GTIN.
03
Check digit
The final digit is calculated from the others. A typo or invented number almost always breaks it.
04
Same for identical packs
Two boxes of the same product, strength and size should show the same GTIN. Only the serial differs.
05
Inside the 1D barcode too
The linear barcode usually encodes a GTIN-13 (EAN-13). Add a leading 0 and it matches the GTIN-14.
06
Not a registration number
The GTIN is a trade code; DRAP's Reg. No is a regulatory approval. See checking a registration number.
Step by step
How to check a medicine's GTIN
- 1
Find it
Look for GTIN, PC or (01) printed next to the square 2D code, or read the numbers under the linear barcode.
- 2
Scan to validate
Use the 2D code decoder. It reads the GTIN and flags an invalid check digit instantly.
- 3
Compare with the print
The GTIN in the code must match the GTIN printed beside it, and the 1D barcode digits must match too (allowing for the leading 0).
- 4
Compare with a known-genuine pack
If you have a pack from a trusted pharmacy, its GTIN should be identical for the same product, strength and pack size.
How the GTIN check digit works
GS1 check digits use a simple weighted sum. Starting from the right (excluding the check digit), multiply the digits alternately by 3 and 1, add the results, and subtract the total from the next multiple of 10. The answer must equal the final digit.
You don't need to do this by hand. Our decoder and GS1's official calculator do it instantly. But understanding it shows why a counterfeiter who invents or mistypes a GTIN usually gets caught: there's only a 1-in-10 chance a random final digit is right.
- Valid check digit: the number is well-formed (not proof the product is genuine).
- Invalid check digit: the code was mistyped or invented. Treat the pack as suspect.
Why a valid GTIN isn't enough
GTINs are printed openly on every genuine pack, so a counterfeiter can simply copy a real one. A correct GTIN tells you the code is well-formed and identifies a real product; it says nothing about whether this pack came from that manufacturer.
For that you need the pack's unique serial, verified on DRAP's track and trace portal, plus a batch alert check and a careful pack inspection.
GTIN vs other numbers on a medicine pack
Packs carry several numbers. Here's what each one is for.
| Number | Label | Identifies | Changes between packs? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTIN | (01), GTIN, PC | The product, strength and pack size | No (same product) |
| Serial | (21), SN | One individual pack | Yes, always |
| Batch | (10), B.No, Lot | A production run | Between batches |
| Expiry | (17), Exp | Use-by date | Between batches |
| Registration | Reg. No | DRAP's product approval | No |
Important
Two identical boxes, two different GTINs? Stop.
Same product, same strength, same pack size should always share a GTIN. If they don't, one of them may be counterfeit or a grey import. Keep both and report it.
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers about GTIN number check medicine.
What is a GTIN on a medicine?
A Global Trade Item Number: a 14-digit GS1 code identifying the product, strength and pack size, shown as (01) in the 2D code.
How do I check if a GTIN is valid?
Validate the check digit with our 2D code decoder or GS1's check digit calculator.
Can I look up which product a GTIN belongs to?
GS1 offers a lookup service for registered codes, but coverage of pharmaceutical products varies. Comparing with a known-genuine pack is often more practical. See also: Mehfooz Dawa app.
Is the GTIN the same as the barcode number?
Usually yes: the 13-digit barcode number becomes the GTIN-14 with a leading zero.
Does a valid GTIN mean the medicine is genuine?
No. GTINs can be copied. Verify the serial on DRAP's portal and check the batch against alerts.
Sources & references
- GS1: Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) standard
- GS1: Check digit calculator
- DRAP drug track and trace verification portal
- DRAP: Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (official site)
Updated 11 November 2026. DrugTrace.pk is independent and not affiliated with DRAP.
Topic hub
Mehfooz Dawa & Track and Trace
DRAP's official serial verification: Mehfooz Dawa, the portal and 2D codes.
- Mehfooz Dawa app ★
- Mehfooz Dawa check
- Drug track and trace portal
- drugtrace.dra.gov.pk guide
- Mehfooz Dawa & DRAP verification
- Medicine QR code scanner
- GTIN number check (this page)
- 2D DataMatrix codes
- Check medicine barcode
- 2D code decoder tool
Related topics
Related guides
Using codesUnderstanding 2D DataMatrix & QR Codes on Medicine Packs
How serialization works, what the GS1 fields inside the code mean, and how to verify a pack officially.
6 min read
Using codesHow to Check a Medicine Barcode in Pakistan: 1D vs 2D Codes Explained
What the barcode on your medicine can and cannot prove, how to scan the new 2D codes, and how to spot a copied or mismatched code.
6 min read
BasicsHow to Check a Medicine's DRAP Registration Number Online
Find the Reg. No. on your pack, search DRAP's official Registered Drugs Index, and understand what a match does and doesn't prove.
4 min read
More verification resources
Drug Track and Trace Portal →drugtrace.dra.gov.pk →Check Batch Number Online →Medicine QR Code Scanner →Original Medicine Check App →DRAP Helpline Number →Medicine Recall Pakistan →Pharmacy License Check →Counterfeit Drugs in Pakistan →Medicine Storage Temperature →Drug Testing Laboratory Pakistan →How to Read a Medicine Label →Report Side Effects →Smuggled Medicines Pakistan →Mehfooz Dawa →Mehfooz Dawa Check →Dawa Check →