What Is an SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)?
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Talk to our experts- SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)
- An SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is the 18-digit GS1 Identification Key used to identify a logistic unit: any combination of trade items packaged together for storage or transport, such as a case, pallet or parcel. GS1 US describes it as a license plate that identifies and tracks shipments through the supply chain.
Also called: Serial Shipping Container Code, SSCC-18
How it works
An SSCC is an 18-digit identifier assigned to a logistics unit, the shipping number that GS1 US says is typically encoded into a GS1-128 barcode and included on a GS1 Logistics Label, sometimes called an SSCC label.
- Not a product number: GS1 US says the SSCC is different from the GTIN. The SSCC tracks a shipment of logistics units, while the GTIN uniquely identifies trade items. A pallet can be both a trade item and a logistic unit, so both a GTIN and an SSCC may be used.
- Who assigns it: in the SSCC, the GS1 Company Prefix identifies the entity responsible for assigning the SSCC.
- Where it comes from: GS1 US says the SSCC is typically generated out of the logistic management system, for example the warehouse management system.
- How it is read: SSCCs are scanned with a barcode scanner when included in a GS1-128 barcode, and in other 2D barcodes such as the GS1 DataMatrix or GS1 QR Code.
- How it travels: when the number is shared electronically, companies can understand the status of logistic units in transit and know when the unit will arrive. GS1 US says SSCCs and GTINs are compatible with retailers' and logistics companies' EDI and Advance Ship Notice (ASN) systems.
What it contains
GS1 US lists the components of an SSCC:
- Application Identifier (AI): two digits that identify the type of data encoded into the SSCC barcode or GS1-128 SSCC.
- Extension digit: a number between 0 and 9 that differentiates multiple SSCCs assigned by the same manufacturer.
- GS1 Company Prefix: a 4 to 12 digit number that appears on your GS1 Prefix Certificate.
- Serial reference: a unique number assigned to each shipping container.
- Check digit: a digit that mathematically validates the accuracy of the SSCC.
The longer the Company Prefix, the fewer digits are left for serial references. GS1 US says a 7-digit Company Prefix can assign up to 10 billion SSCCs, and a 9-digit Company Prefix up to 100 million.
Example
GS1 gives a three-step method for calculating the SSCC check digit from the first 17 digits. Take an illustrative SSCC (not a real assignment) with extension digit 0, a 7-digit Company Prefix 1234567 and serial reference 000000001: the 17 digits are 0 1234567 000000001.
- Step 1: multiply each digit by 3 and 1 in turn, starting with 3: 0x3, 1x1, 2x3, 3x1, 4x3, 5x1, 6x3, 7x1, then eight zeros, then 1x3.
- Step 2: add the results: 0 + 1 + 6 + 3 + 12 + 5 + 18 + 7 + 0 + 3 = 55.
- Step 3: subtract the sum from the nearest equal or higher multiple of ten: 60 - 55 = 5.
The check digit is 5, so the full 18-digit SSCC is 012345670000000015.
On Shopify
Shopify's product barcodes serve a different job. Shopify says barcodes are used as identifiers for products and variants, for scanning purposes and for product identification in online marketplaces, and a barcode can be provided by a global registry, such as a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) of 8, 12, 13 or 14 digits.
An SSCC identifies the case, pallet or parcel a shipment travels in, not the product. GS1 US says it is typically generated out of the logistic management system, such as the warehouse management system. For a distributor that sells on Shopify, the SSCC typically comes from the warehouse system that handles the cartons and pallets, while the barcodes on each Shopify product and variant identify what is inside them.
How Uncap helps
Uncap's guide to Shopify EDI integration describes the 856 Advance Ship Notice as "Sent when your order ships. Contains carrier information, tracking, packaging details, and line-item specifics."
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of SSCC?
SSCC stands for Serial Shipping Container Code. It is the GS1 number used to identify a logistic unit, such as a case, pallet or parcel, as it moves through storage and transport.
What is an SSCC code?
An SSCC code is an 18-digit identifier assigned to a logistics unit, such as cases and pallets packaged together for transportation. GS1 US says it acts as a license plate to identify and track shipments through the supply chain, and it is typically encoded into a GS1-128 barcode.
How do I create an SSCC?
An SSCC is built from an extension digit, your GS1 Company Prefix, a serial reference you assign to each shipping container, and a check digit. GS1 US says the SSCC is typically generated out of the logistic management system, such as the warehouse management system.
How do I get a SSCC number?
As of October 28, 2026, GS1 US says you need a GS1 Company Prefix to create SSCCs: if you have only licensed single GS1 US GTINs, you will need to license a GS1 Company Prefix to meet SSCC requirements. It also says you cannot create the SSCC in your GS1 US account. The SSCC is typically generated out of the logistic management system, such as the warehouse management system.
