SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)

How to format an SSCC

Format of GS1 standards• All GS1 numbers (UPC, GTIN, SSCC, GLN)

essentially have 3 parts:– Company Prefix = a number assigned and managed by GS1

that uniquely identifies a company from any other company across the globe.

– Reference Number = assigned by the owner of the Company Prefix to identify what is being numbered (e.g. a pallet, a case, an item, a location, etc.)

– Check Digit = an algorithm that serves as a “checks and balances” to ensure preceding digits were entered correctly.

NOTE: All three parts must not be separated in order to maintain uniqueness

GS1 Data Structures

Company PrefixReference NumberCheck Digit

Indicator

Used For

XXX

XXXX

XXX X

XX

XItem/CaseItem LocationPallet

UPC12 digits

GTIN14 digits

SSCC18 digits

GLN13 digits

NOTE: The Company Prefix can vary from 6 digits to 9 digits. As such, the reference # will also vary depending on the size of the Company Prefix.

SSCC (Serial Shipping container code)

• 18 digits long• Each SSCC # is unique• Used for pallet identification only• Each and every pallet has a UNIQUE SSCC to

track that unique pallet throughout its life

SSCC Diagram

18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

1 0 N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N CD

Position 18 = Packaging Type For simplicity sake, recommendation is to use a “1” , which is fully within the expanded list of guidelines issued by GS1.

Position 2 - 16 = Combination of Company Prefix and Serial #

Position 1 = Check Digit

18 DIGITS LONG

Position 17 = 0 showing Company Prefix was assigned in the U.S. or Canada

 IF   Length of Company Prefix    THEN    Length of Serial Number                       ###### = 6 digits                        ##### = 9 digits                       ####### = 7 digits                          ####  = 8 digits                       ######## = 8 digits                          ###   = 7 digits                       ######### = 9 digits                          ##   = 6 digits* It is for this reason that the Company Prefix is said to be “variable-length”.

Example: SSCC encoded in a 128 Barcode

( 01) 1 0714141 555555555 7( 01) 1 0714141 555555555 7

SupplierID

SerialNumber

Lot Number

(10) 19434(10) 19434

Origin Com Var Size Pack Grade Label

Wash Appl Pac R 080 12/3lb xfancy Sierra

(00) 1 0 6 1 4 1 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1

Company Prefix Pallet Reference Number(i.e. Serial Number)

Check Digit