GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
GS1 SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)
A warehouse operative scans a pallet at goods-out – the 18-digit number encoded in the GS1-128 barcode is the SSCC, the Serial Shipping Container Code.
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Source: https://www.gs1.org/standards/id-keys/sscc
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Definition & Explanation
A warehouse operative scans a pallet at goods-out – the 18-digit number encoded in the GS1-128 barcode is the SSCC, the Serial Shipping Container Code. It uniquely identifies that specific physical shipping unit and remains unchanged throughout the entire supply chain, regardless of ownership changes or returns. The SSCC is constructed according to a GS1-defined scheme combining a company prefix and a serial reference, enabling end-to-end scanning and automated traceability from production to final delivery. Key distinction: the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) identifies a product type – every box of a given article – whereas the SSCC identifies the concrete logistics unit, such as this pallet or this carton.
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