SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)
18-digit unique identifier for pallets and logistics units. Encoded in GS1-128, required by major retailers and Amazon FBA.
SSCC is typically required when:
- Shipping pallets to major retailers
- Sending goods into automated distribution centres
- Supplying Amazon FBA pallets (LTL/FTL)
- Using EDI / ASN (Advanced Shipping Notice) systems
Each pallet must have a unique SSCC. Never reuse numbers.
An SSCC has 18 digits: extension digit (1) + GS1 company prefix + serial reference + check digit. You allocate unique serial references from your GS1 prefix — never duplicate.
For print dimensions, SSCC uses GS1-128 symbology. See the GS1-128 size guide for recommended label dimensions (typically 100×32 mm or wider for long data).
Do all retailers require SSCC?
No. SSCC is typically required by large supermarket chains, automated distribution centres, and Amazon FBA pallet shipments. Smaller independents usually do not require it.
Can one pallet have multiple SSCC labels?
No. Each logistics unit must have one unique SSCC. You typically apply the same label on at least two sides of a pallet so it can be scanned from multiple angles.
Label generation supports GS1-128 with SSCC encoding. Barcodes tie directly to your SKU data for carton and pallet labels.