SSCC Pallet Barcodes
GS1-128 Codes
SSCC pallet barcodes are commonly used to identify pallets and other logistics units moving through warehouses and distribution centres to supermarkets. The SSCC allows the receiving retailer, warehouse or distribution centre to uniquely identify and track the pallet as it moves through the supply chain.
If you are not shipping goods on pallets, you may not need an SSCC pallet barcode. For cartons containing multiple retail products, an ITF-14 carton barcode may be more appropriate.
Pallet labels commonly use the GS1-128 barcode symbology to encode logistics and product information.
An SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is a unique 18-digit number assigned to an individual logistics unit, such as a pallet. The SSCC is encoded in a GS1-128 barcode using Application Identifier (00).
Depending on your retailer or logistics provider’s requirements, your pallet label may also need GS1-128 barcodes containing information such as batch or lot number, best-before date, expiry date and quantity of units
Sometimes you may only require a new SSCC number and barcode for each new pallet, while other GS1-128 information remains the same. The images below show examples of GS1-128 pallet barcodes and an SSCC barcode.
How to Order Pallet Barcodes
First, determine how many pallet barcodes you require and purchase the appropriate quantity. Order at the bottom of this page
Then provide us with the information that needs to be encoded, including the relevant GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs). Once we receive the required information, we will create your pallet barcode images and email them to you in PNG, SVG and PDF formats. Additional image formats can be supplied on request.
| Quantity | Price per barcode |
|---|---|
| 1 | £25 |
| 2 | £20 |
| 3 | £15 |
| 4+ | £10 |
GS1 Application Identifiers (AI)
GS1 Application Identifiers, usually abbreviated to AIs, are numeric prefixes that tell a barcode scanner what each piece of encoded information represents. The exact information you need to encode will depend on the requirements of your retailer, distributor or logistics provider. Common Application Identifiers used on pallet and logistics labels include:
(00) – SSCC Identifies the individual pallet or logistics unit.
(02) – GTIN of contained trade items Identifies the product contained within the logistics unit.
(10) – Batch or lot number Identifies the production batch or lot.
(15) – Best-before date Encoded using the YYMMDD date format.
(17) – Expiry date Encoded using the YYMMDD date format.
(37) – Count of trade items Indicates the number of units contained in the logistics unit.
UK Retailer Pallet Barcode Requirements
Large UK retailers and distribution networks may have their own requirements for SSCCs, GS1-128 barcodes, pallet labels and Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs).If you are supplying companies such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, McDonald’s, Amazon UK or other major retailers, check their current supplier and logistics specifications before creating your labels.
Do I Need an SSCC or an ITF-14 Barcode?
These barcodes perform different jobs. An SSCC uniquely identifies an individual logistics unit, such as a particular pallet. Each pallet requiring unique identification receives its own SSCC. An ITF-14 barcode, by contrast, normally identifies a standard shipping carton containing a particular trade item. Multiple cartons of the same configuration can therefore carry the same ITF-14.
If a retailer has asked you for a pallet barcode, SSCC, logistics label or GS1-128 barcode, check their specification carefully to determine exactly which data they require before ordering.
Pallet Barcode Dimensions
Pallet barcode labels must be large enough to scan reliably in warehouse and distribution environments.
A common label size is A6 (105 × 148.5 mm), although larger A5 or A4 labels may also be suitable depending on the application and customer requirements.
The barcode itself must meet the required GS1 dimensions, including the necessary quiet zones on either side. Always check the specific labelling requirements supplied by your retailer, warehouse or distribution partner before printing your labels.
The size of a GS1-128 barcode depends on the data it contains, the width of the narrowest bar (the X-dimension), and how it will be scanned. Below are the key requirements.
Width and Length
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Maximum Length: A GS1-128 barcode must not be longer than 165 mm, including quiet zones.
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Maximum Characters: When combining (concatenating) multiple data elements, the total number of characters must not exceed 48, including the FNC1 separator.
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Quiet Zones: Clear space must appear on both sides of the barcode. This quiet zone must be at least 10 times the X-dimension.
Height
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Automated Scanning (distribution environments): The minimum bar height is 32 mm.
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Other Environments: Bars should be as tall as practical, but never less than 13 mm.
The recommended minimum height is 15% of the barcode’s overall width, or 5 mm, whichever is greater.
X-Dimension (Narrow Bar Width)
The X-dimension determines how large or dense the barcode is.
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Distribution environments: The X-dimension must be between 0.495 mm and 1.02 mm.
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Smaller Items / Other Uses: It can be reduced down to 0.25 mm, provided it still prints well and can be scanned reliably.
Human-Readable Text (HRI)
The text printed below the bars should:
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Use a clear font (OCR-B, or a simple sans-serif such as Arial).
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Have letters at least 2 mm tall.
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Place Application Identifiers (AIs) in parentheses.
Note: The parentheses are not encoded in the bars themselves; they are only for the printed text.
Where Should a Pallet Barcode Label Be Positioned?
For pallets, codes should be placed so they can be easily seen and scanned during handling. Retailers and logistics providers may specify their own label dimensions and positioning requirements, so their individual specifications should always be checked before printing. Where practical:
- Apply labels to at least two adjacent sides of the pallet.
- Keep the barcode away from pallet edges, corners and damaged packaging.
- Position the label at a practical scanning height.
- Make sure the barcode remains flat, visible and unobstructed.
- Do not place barcodes across seams, straps or uneven surfaces.
