Promotion
Products are often promoted (including packaging changes) for a specific event or date, impacting the required handling in the supply chain to ensure that the trade item is available for sale during a specified time period.
Additional information: In the case that a bonus amount of product is included and the declared net content if the original item is changed, the Declared Net Content rule applies and a GTIN change is required.
Examples of time-critical promotion changes
- Free item(s) attached
- A free trial item (not identified with its own GTIN) is attached to an existing item for a promotional period, the declared net content of the original item is unchanged and packaging dimensions or the gross weight of the product are NOT changed by more than 20%.
- Modified for season
- For a limited time, holiday images are portrayed on a product. Holiday trees are added to a box of tissues.
- A unique product package is introduced for the “Back to School Season”.
- World Cup logos are added to product packaging for a limited time.
- On pack coupon with expiration date
- For a period of time, a manufacturer attaches a off coupon to a “Giant” size bottle of laundry detergent. The coupon is intended for redemption at time of purchase.
- Promotion printed on pack
- A promotional version of a product is launched with "Special offer" printed on the packaging.
Examples not considered time-critical promotion changes
- A price-off coupon is included on a package and the coupon does not have an expiration date.
- A free item is included inside the product (e.g. a toy inside a cereal box)