DATA_VALIDATION: The item's barcode is an unsupported format
This guide provides troubleshooting steps to resolve the Target+ integration error related to unsupported barcode formats and includes a utility to verify the integrity of your Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) using Microsoft Excel.
Part 1: Resolving the Target+ Barcode Format Error
The DATA_VALIDATION: The item's barcode is an unsupported format error occurs when the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) or barcode value submitted for a product in your Target+ feed does not meet the required GS1 format specifications (e.g., UPC, EAN, or ISBN).
Why am I seeing this error?
The error is primarily caused by an incorrectly formatted GTIN or barcode value in your product data. This usually means:
Non-numeric characters: The GTIN contains letters, symbols, or spaces (e.g., "123-4567890"). GTINs must consist only of numerals.
Scientific notation formatting (Excel error):
When opened in Excel, long GTINs may automatically convert to scientific notation (e.g., “1.23457E+11”) or lose leading zeros.
• Example: A correct GTIN like “012345678912” may appear as “1.23457E+11” or “12345678912” after Excel formatting.
• To prevent this, format the column as Text before entering or importing GTINs.
Incorrect Length: GTINs have specific, standardized lengths, typically 12, 13, or 14 digits.
Failed Check Digit Validation: The last digit of the barcode number does not correctly validate the preceding digits, suggesting a typo.
Using an internal identifier: You may be submitting a non-standard internal product code instead of the official manufacturer-assigned GTIN.
How to Fix the Issue
Follow these four steps to correct and resubmit your product data:
Step | Action | Detail |
1. Identify Affected Products | Locate the Target+ Error Log or Product Feed Report. | Filter the report to find all products with the |
2. Verify the Correct GTIN | Find the official manufacturer-assigned GTIN (UPC, EAN, etc.). | Ensure the value is 100% numeric. Remove any dashes, spaces, or letters. Confirm it is the correct length (12, 13, or 14 digits). |
3. Update Data in Acenda | Correct the product attribute in your Acenda catalog/data source. | For the identified products, update the field that feeds the barcode or GTIN with the corrected numeric value. Save your changes. |
4. Resubmit to Target+ | Acenda will automatically generate a new feed sync. | Allow time for Target+ to process the updated feed. |
Part 2: Excel Formula for Confirming Check Digit
To help you quickly verify if a potential GTIN value has the correct check digit (the last digit), you can use the following Microsoft Excel formula based on the standard GS1 Modulus 10 algorithm. This helps catch typos before you resubmit your feed.
This formula assumes the full GTIN (including the final check digit) is in cell A2.
GTIN Length | Cell Reference (Example) | Excel Formula (Array Formula) |
12-digit UPC |
|
|
13-digit EAN |
|
|
How to Apply the Formula
Enter the GTIN you want to check (e.g.,
5012345678904) into cell A2.Paste the corresponding formula into cell B2.
Crucial Step for Array Formulas: If using an older version of Excel, you must press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to enter the formula (Excel will automatically add curly braces
{...}around it). In modern versions (Microsoft 365), a simple Enter is usually sufficient.Cell B2 will display either "Valid Check Digit" or "Invalid Check Digit".
Best Practice & Escalation
Always ensure your product data ingestion process includes validation steps that check for:
Numeric-only input in the GTIN field.
Correct length (8, 12, 13, or 14 digits).
Manufacturer-assigned GTINs, not internal SKUs.
Escalation: If you have diligently checked and corrected the GTINs using the steps above, confirmed the check digit validity, and still feel that the error is invalid after resubmitting the feed, we recommend opening a case with Target+ directly. Provide them with the affected SKUs and the verified GTINs for their investigation into potential system-side validation issues.