What is the difference between GS1-128 and Code 128?

GS1-128 is a subset of Code 128 whose use is licensed exclusively to GS1. It carries data with GS1 application identifiers, such as (00) for the SSCC, so any GS1 system reads it the same way.

What size is a GS1 logistic label?

GS1 suggests A6 (105 × 148 mm) when little more than the SSCC is encoded, A5 (148 × 210 mm) for more data, or 4 × 6 and 6 × 8 inch where inch sizes are used.

Which application identifiers go on a pallet label?

Only the SSCC with AI (00) is mandatory. Common additions are (02) for the GTIN of the cases, (37) for their count, (10) for the batch and (15) for the best-before date.

Term

GS1-128 logistic label

A GS1-128 logistic label is the standard shipping label on a pallet or carton: human-readable text plus GS1-128 barcodes, a subset of Code 128 licensed exclusively to GS1. Its one mandatory element is the SSCC, encoded with application identifier (00) in the lowest barcode on the label; other identifiers add the GTIN, count, batch and dates.

Also called GS1-128, GS1 logistic label, SSCC label, pallet label, UCC-128, EAN-128Updated 14 October 2026

Common application identifiers

AI	Meaning	Format
(00)	Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC)	18 digits
(02)	GTIN of the trade items contained	14 digits
(37)	Count of trade items in the logistic unit	Up to 8 digits
(10)	Batch or lot number	Up to 20 characters
(15)	Best before date	YYMMDD

GS1 Application Identifiers

Layout and size

A label has up to three segments, generally from top to bottom: carrier, customer and supplier. The GS1-128 barcode carrying the SSCC must sit in the lowest portion of the label. GS1 suggests A6 (105 × 148 mm) when only the SSCC, or the SSCC and limited extra data, is encoded, and A5 (148 × 210 mm) for more; where inch sizes are used, 4 × 6 and 6 × 8. The General Specifications, release 26.0 (January 2026), set a minimum X-dimension of 0.495 mm and a minimum bar height of 31.75 mm for GS1-128 on logistic labels.

Worked example: a pallet of 12 cases

Upper barcode: (02)10614141000019 (15)261231 (37)12 → 12 cases of GTIN 10614141000019, best before 31 December 2026 · lowest barcode: (00)306141411234567891 → the pallet's SSCC, alone

GS1's logistic label guideline uses the example of 12 cases described with AI (02) and AI (37). The numbers are illustrative, with valid check digits; GS1 says the SSCC must not be concatenated with other data on A6 labels.

The mistake people make

Relabelling a pallet with a new SSCC. GS1 says that when a segment is added or replaced, an SSCC already present must never be replaced or changed — the advance shipping notice and the receiver's records are keyed to it. Responsibility for everything on the label is assumed to rest with the shipper.

FAQ