Every carton has its own serial number. SSCC enables logistics units to be uniquely identified at every stage of transport, transfer, and receipt, and is a foundational identifier for supply chain visibility.
The image above shows the SSCC'scarrier symbol (GS1-128, containing AI 00)generated in real time according to the standard. The SSCC itself is not printed as a standalone symbol.
SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is part of the GS1 system,identifying each logistics unit (box, pallet, container)as an 18-digit serial number. Its purpose is to give each logistics unit a unique identity throughout transportation, and it can be used together with GLN (party) and GTIN (product) for positioning.
Waybills, handovers and receipts are recorded by logistics unit serial number
Inbound, putaway and inventory counting by logistics unit
Together with GLN and GTIN, it enables three-level positioning of party-product-unit
The 18 digits of the SSCC give each logistics unit a unique identity; its form is not a standalone barcode, but AI(00) data carried in GS1-128.
| Composition | Number of digits | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Extension digit | 1 digit | Assigned by the company itself to distinguish packaging type or business purpose |
| Company prefix + serial reference | 16 digits | The company code segment assigned by the member organization + the serial number compiled by the company itself |
| Check digit | 1 digit | Calculated using the GS1 mod10 algorithm (odd-numbered positions from the right ×3) |
| Carrier | GS1-128 · AI 00 | SSCC is not printed as an independent symbol form, but is carried as AI(00) data in the GS1-128 symbol |
SSCC identifies "this box/this pallet"; the same commodity can have many different SSCCs.
The extension digit is used to identify the packaging type, and the serial reference is compiled by the company itself.
SSCC itself is not printed as an independent symbol form, but is carried as AI(00) data in the GS1-128 symbol.
A barcode is not something that is done once and then finished — when company information changes, when the right to use the codes needs to be maintained, or when the business is transferred, the corresponding procedures must be handled.
Logistics unit scale (estimated annual number of boxes shipped / number of pallets) and existing serial number compilation rules
Prepare according to the registration documents of the location of the applying entity; see the checklist on the right
Submit the application to the GS1 member organization and wait for the company prefix to be assigned
After obtaining the company identification code segment, compile a unique SSCC for each logistics unit and print it with GS1-128
The following situations require a change:
A change certificate issued by the local registration authority must be provided
The company prefix remains unchanged; only the enterprise information in the system is updated
Already printed packaging can usually continue to be used, with no need to reprint the barcode graphic
Member organizations differ in how they maintain code usage rights (annual membership fee system or validity period renewal system), subject to the current policy of that member organization. If not maintained on time, the code may be suspended or reclaimed, and the normal circulation of goods in channels will be affected.
Customers who have already processed through Bangma International can register for expiry reminders free of charge.
During mergers and acquisitions, brand transfers, or business restructuring, the company prefix can be transferred as an asset together with the business. The transfer requires a joint application by both parties and completion of changes to entity information and ownership.
The total fee usually includes: the barcode service fee charged by the member organization (based on tier and number of years) + agency service fee. Factors affecting the fee:
Once all documents are complete, the review and allocation process begins; timelines vary by country
No new code allocation is involved, so the process is relatively simple
Involves ownership confirmation; the timeline depends on how prepared both parties' materials are
The above is a description of the process sequence and does not fabricate specific numbers of days. The actual timeline is subject to the accepting organization's current announcements and processing progress, and we will keep you updated at every stage during the process.
