SSCC vs GTIN and Other Identifiers: When To Use Each

SSCC Serial Shipping Container Code, a GS1 identifier used to uniquely identify a logistic unit such as a carton or pallet. The SSCC sits alongside other GS1 identifiers — GTIN, GLN, batch/lot numbers — but serves a distinct purpose: identifying the physical transport unit, not the product inside.

Choosing the correct identifier matters because each plays a different role in supply-chain operations. Using the wrong code causes confusion in electronic messages, receiving, and inventory systems. This article compares the SSCC with commonly used identifiers and explains practical scenarios for each.

SSCC Compared To GTIN

The GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) identifies a trade item — a product or service that is priced, ordered, or invoiced. In contrast, the SSCC identifies the logistic unit that contains trade items. Use GTINs to describe what is inside and SSCCs to describe the container that moves through the chain.

• GTIN: Identifies product type (e.g., SKU 12345). Used on cartons, retail units, and in inventory records.
• SSCC: Identifies the pallet, carton, or transport unit. Used in ASNs, receiving, and transport events.

SSCC Compared To GLN And Company Identifiers

The GLN (Global Location Number) identifies a legal entity or physical location — a warehouse, company, or store. GLNs appear in logistics messages to say where a shipment originates or where it’s destined. The SSCC tells you which logistic unit is moving between those locations.

• GLN: Identifies ship-from, ship-to, or billing locations.
• SSCC: Identifies the unique pallet or transport unit between those locations.

SSCC Versus Batch/Lot And Serial Numbers

Batch or lot numbers and product serial numbers identify batches or individual items for traceability and warranty. They are crucial in pharma, food recall, and electronics. The SSCC complements these by identifying the container that carries units with those batch/lot details. In recalls, you might trace affected GTINs and lot numbers and then identify which SSCCs carried those items in recent shipments.

When To Use SSCC Alone Versus Together With Other Identifiers

Most practical shipping scenarios require multiple identifiers in the same document or barcode scheme:

• SSCC + GTIN: Use when you need to show the pallet identity and also reference product SKUs inside (commonly included in ASN detail).
• SSCC + Lot Number: Use when goods require traceability and you need to map lot numbers to a specific pallet.
• SSCC + GLN: Combine in EDI messages so recipients know who shipped the pallet and where it’s going.

Labeling And Barcode Choices

When printing pallet labels, the SSCC should be encoded as AI (00) in a GS1-128 barcode. If you need to include GTINs or lot numbers on the same label, use their respective AIs (for example, (01) for GTIN, (10) for batch/lot). Keep label layout predictable for receiving staff and scanning systems.

Practical Examples

Example 1 — Retail replenishment: A DC packs 10 pallets of SKU A and 5 pallets of SKU B. Each pallet gets its own SSCC. The ASN lists SSCCs and details of SKUs and quantities on each SSCC so the retailer can scan each pallet on arrival and match it to the ASN lines by SSCC.

Example 2 — Food recall: Manufacturer identifies a contaminated lot number for GTIN X. Using shipping records, the manufacturer and trading partners identify SSCCs that carried that lot during a given period, enabling targeted recalls of affected pallets rather than a full production run.

Common Pitfalls And How To Avoid Them

Confusing SSCCs with product or location identifiers leads to electronic mismatches and receiving delays. To avoid that:

• Document The Purpose: Have a clear naming convention and separate fields in your WMS/ERP for SSCC, GTIN, GLN, and lot/serial numbers.
• Use The Right AI Codes: When encoding barcodes, use GS1 application identifiers so partner systems parse the data correctly.
• Train Receiving Teams: Ensure staff know that scanning the SSCC references the pallet identity and not a product SKU.

In short, the SSCC is the standard tool for identifying physical transport units and should be used in combination with product and location identifiers (GTIN, GLN, lot/serial) to achieve end-to-end traceability, accurate receiving, and reliable electronic data interchange.