Trade Item - TX

Trade Item defintion

A trade item refers to any product or group of products packaged together and made available for sale, distribution, or consumption. Trade items are identifiable through their distinct Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), which facilitates tracking and data management across supply chains. Trade items can be nested or combined into larger units such as cartons or pallets, reflecting different levels of packaging and distribution.

Key Elements of a Trade Item:

• Product(s): The core item(s) intended for use or consumption, classified into:
  • Durables: Long-lasting items, e.g., electronics, furniture.
  • Consumables: Items consumed upon use, e.g., food, printer ink.
  • Disposables: Items used once or a few times before disposal, e.g., paper plates, wipes.

Products are the main object that consumers want or need, such as a television, which might include other necessary components like a remote control or cables.

• Packaging Components: Materials added to protect, distribute, store, or enhance the usability of products, ranging from simple plastic wraps to elaborate boxes with custom inserts.

Nested Trade Items:

Trade items can be nested within larger units for efficient handling and shipping. For example:

A Consumer Product Trade Item like a mobile phone in its retail packaging. A carton containing 12 such phones, considered a larger Trade Item. Multiple cartons might then be grouped onto a pallet, forming a Pallet Trade Item for distribution.

Digital Twin Site (DTS) and Data Carriers

• DTS: Each trade item can have a DTS, a digital representation providing detailed, up-to-date information. On the product level, only durables are eligible for a DTS as consumables do not maintain a distinct presence once consumed.
• Data Carriers: The DTS can be linked to a trade item, a durable product, or even a packaging component through various data carriers like QR codes, RFID tags, or digital watermarks (Digital Watermarks Initiative).

Relevance to Sustainability and Regulations: Detailed data about products and packaging is essential under regulations like the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). These aim to enhance transparency and encourage recycling, promoting a shift towards a circular economy.

Importance: Proper understanding and management of the distinctions and relationships between products and trade items, as well as their associated data, are crucial for compliance with environmental regulations and efficiency in the supply chain. This ensures all components of a trade item are managed effectively throughout their lifecycle, aligning with sustainability goals.