SSCC-18
Published by the QRinsec Editorial Team — practical documentation about QR codes, barcode standards, and QRinsec’s client-side tools. Content is reviewed against product testing and published technical documentation from sources such as GS1, Denso Wave, and ISO standards where applicable.
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The SSCC-18 (Serial Shipping Container Code) is an 18-digit code that uniquely identifies an individual logistics unit such as a pallet or carton.
Important Notice
SSCC-18 numbers must never be reused for different shipments — each logistics unit requires a permanently unique SSCC.
Important Notice
Only GS1-issued company prefixes guarantee global uniqueness. Do not self-generate SSCC-18 numbers without a valid GS1 prefix.
Key Facts
- Digits
- 18
- Encoded Via
- GS1-128 with AI (00)
- Check Digit
- Modulo 10
- Identifies
- Specific logistics unit (pallet/case)
- Standard
- GS1 General Specifications
What is an SSCC-18 barcode?
SSCC-18 (Serial Shipping Container Code, 18 digits) is the GS1 standard identifier for logistics units — pallets, cases, and other shipping containers. Unlike GTINs which identify product types, an SSCC-18 uniquely identifies a specific physical container instance, enabling end-to-end traceability through the supply chain. SSCC-18 is encoded as a GS1-128 barcode using Application Identifier (00), and is mandatory on pallet labels for major retailers (Walmart, Target, Amazon) and required in Advance Ship Notice (ASN) EDI transactions.
The 18 digits explained
An SSCC-18 has the following structure:
- Digit 1: Extension digit (0–9, assigned by the company to expand the serial reference space).
- Digits 2–8: GS1 Company Prefix (same prefix used on GTINs).
- Digits 9–17: Serial reference (assigned sequentially or randomly by the company; must be unique per container).
- Digit 18: Modulo 10 check digit.
The full 18-digit SSCC-18 is encoded in GS1-128 using AI (00): e.g., (00)003600292000000021.
Check digit (Modulo 10)
The SSCC-18 check digit uses the same Modulo 10 algorithm as GTIN-14:
- Multiply odd-position digits (1,3,5…17) by 3.
- Multiply even-position digits (2,4,6…16) by 1.
- Sum all products.
- Check digit = (10 − (sum mod 10)) mod 10.
The check digit is always recalculated from the first 17 digits. Barcode generators calculate it automatically.
SSCC-18 vs. GTIN-14 vs. license plate
GTIN-14 identifies a product type (e.g., a case of 12 bottles); SSCC-18 identifies a specific logistics unit instance (e.g., pallet number 21 containing those cases). Every pallet shipped gets a unique SSCC-18 that is never reused within the same company prefix. Some companies use proprietary 'license plate' numbers — SSCC-18 is the GS1-standardised equivalent that works across trading partner systems without custom mapping.
When to use SSCC-18
SSCC-18 is required or strongly recommended for:
- Pallet labels submitted with Walmart, Target, Amazon, and other retailer ASN requirements.
- GS1-compliant warehouse management and 3PL systems.
- Cold-chain and pharmaceutical logistics requiring end-to-end container traceability.
- Any EDI 856 (Ship Notice) transaction that references a physical logistics unit.
Printing requirements
SSCC-18 is encoded as a GS1-128 barcode using AI (00). GS1-128 specifications apply: minimum X-dimension 0.495 mm, minimum bar height 32 mm, maximum symbol width 165 mm, quiet zones 10× X-dimension each side. The human-readable text must show '(00)' followed by the 18-digit SSCC. Pallet labels typically also include AI (02) GTIN content and other AIs — confirm each trading partner's label specification.
Common scanning failures
Pallet label SSCC-18 barcodes fail most often due to physical damage during warehouse handling — torn labels, moisture, and forklift impact. Print SSCC-18 labels on durable label stock (at minimum 4-inch thermal transfer) and apply to a flat, undamaged pallet surface. Always verify barcode quality with a GS1-compliant verifier before the pallet leaves the dock.
Comparison
| Feature | SSCC-18 | GTIN-14 | GTIN-13 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digits | 18 | 14 | 13 |
| Identifies | Specific logistics unit | Product case/outer | Consumer product |
| Reusable? | No (permanent) | Yes (product type) | Yes (product type) |
| Encoded Via | GS1-128 AI (00) | ITF-14 or GS1-128 | EAN-13 or GS1-128 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SSCC-18 and GTIN?
GTIN identifies a product type (what is in the container). SSCC-18 identifies a specific logistics unit instance (the container itself). A pallet of product has one GTIN for the product and a unique SSCC-18 for that specific pallet.
Can I reuse an SSCC-18 number?
No. GS1 specifications prohibit reuse of SSCC-18 numbers for at least 12 months after the logistics unit was last in the supply chain. Best practice is permanent non-reuse.
How do I generate an SSCC-18?
Use your GS1 Company Prefix, choose an extension digit (0–9), and assign a sequential or random serial reference. Calculate the Modulo 10 check digit. Most WMS and ERP systems have built-in SSCC-18 generators.
What Application Identifier is used for SSCC-18?
AI (00) is used exclusively for SSCC-18 in GS1-128 barcodes. The human-readable text shows (00) followed by the 18-digit number.
Is SSCC-18 required on every pallet?
GS1 recommends it for all logistics units in a GS1-compliant supply chain. Major retailers (Walmart, Amazon, Target) typically mandate it for all inbound shipments with ASN.
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