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GS1-128 Pallet Label Field Template

A GS1-128 logistics label identifies a pallet or carton with an SSCC and other application identifiers so the receiver can scan it and match it to the electronic ASN. This template lets you define the label's data content in a clear spec to share with the customer, the warehouse and your label printing vendor.

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GS1-128 Pallet Label Field Template

GS1-128 Logistics Label Specification

Supplier: Acme Precision Ltd Label size: 4 x 6 inch

Ship from: Plant 2, 14 Industrial Road, Dayton OH 45401

Ship to: Contoso Retail DC 12, 800 Logistics Way, Columbus OH 43215

Barcode data (human readable)

AIElementValueFormat
(00)SSCC006141411234567892n18, fixed length
(02)GTIN of contained trade items10614141000415n14, fixed length
(37)Count of trade items480n..8, variable, FNC1 after
(10)Batch or lot numberLOT26A104an..20, variable, FNC1 after
(11)Production date261015n6 YYMMDD, fixed length
(15)Best before date281015n6 YYMMDD, fixed length
(400)Customer purchase order number4500219876an..30, variable
(420)Ship-to postal code43215an..20, variable

Encoded string

(00)006141411234567892(02)10614141000415(37)480[FNC1](10)LOT26A104[FNC1](11)261015(15)281015(400)4500219876[FNC1](420)43215

FNC1 marks the end of a variable-length element when another element follows. Parentheses are for human reading only and are not encoded.

Print and approval

Prepared by / Date
Customer compliance reviewer / Date
Warehouse approval / Date

This is a field specification for discussion with the trading partner and label printing vendor, not a certified barcode. The SSCC check digit (last digit) must be calculated with the GS1 modulo 10 method, and GTIN check digits likewise. Required AIs, label size and placement come from the partner's routing or label guide and the GS1 General Specifications.

Align labels and ASNs from one source

Optional: we can review how SSCC, label and ASN data could come from a single ERP or WMS record.

Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.

How to use the template

Enter the shipper, destination and the application identifier values your customer requires. The SSCC in AI 00 is the key: it uniquely identifies the logistic unit and must be the same number you send in the 856 or DESADV so the receiver can link the scan to the shipment. Generate the document as a PDF or Word file and attach it to the partner onboarding pack. Your label software then encodes the string shown in the encoded line.

  • SSCC is 18 digits: extension digit, GS1 company prefix, serial reference, check digit
  • Never reuse an SSCC for another logistic unit
  • Match every SSCC on a label to one HL level in the ASN
  • Print human readable text under the symbol

Application identifiers and FNC1

Application identifiers are the numeric prefixes that tell a scanner what data follows. Some have fixed length, such as 00 (18 digits), 02 (14 digits) and the date fields 11 and 15 (6 digits), while others are variable length, such as 10 for batch, 37 for count and 400 for the customer PO. After a variable-length value, an FNC1 separator is needed if another element follows. Putting fixed-length elements first in the string reduces the number of separators, which keeps the symbol shorter.

Common mistakes

Frequent problems include a wrong check digit in the SSCC, labels printed with a different SSCC from the one in the ASN, missing FNC1 after variable-length elements, low print contrast, and labels placed in the wrong location on the pallet. Many retailers charge compliance fees for these errors. Verify print quality with a barcode verifier and scan test labels with the receiver's scanner type before production runs, and keep the SSCC serial sequence managed in your ERP or WMS so numbers are never duplicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an SSCC?

SSCC stands for Serial Shipping Container Code. It is an 18-digit GS1 identifier, used with application identifier 00, that uniquely identifies a logistic unit such as a pallet or carton, and is the link between the physical label and the electronic ship notice.

What is the difference between GS1-128 and Code 128?

GS1-128 is a subset of Code 128 that uses FNC1 in the first position and application identifiers to structure data. A plain Code 128 barcode can hold any characters, while GS1-128 follows the GS1 rules so data can be parsed universally.

Do I need a GS1 company prefix?

To create globally unique SSCCs and GTINs you need a GS1 company prefix issued by your local GS1 member organization. Some partners may issue their own identifiers in specific closed supply chains, so check the routing guide.

Which AIs are mandatory?

Only the SSCC is typically mandatory on a logistics label. Other AIs such as GTIN, batch, dates, quantity and PO depend on the customer or industry guide. Always follow the partner's label specification.

If label data and ASN data are produced separately today, we can help generate both from the same ERP shipment record so they always match.

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