SSCC vs GTIN: When To Use Each Identifier

Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) An 18-digit GS1 identifier used to uniquely identify a logistic unit such as a pallet, case, or parcel. Understanding how the SSCC differs from other GS1 identifiers such as the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is essential for correct labeling, inventory, and electronic messaging across supply chains.

At a glance: the GTIN identifies a trade item (a SKU, pack, or product) across all instances of that item, while the SSCC uniquely identifies one physical logistic unit for a single shipment or handling event. Both are GS1 identifiers but serve different purposes and are often used together on packing lists, ASNs, and barcode labels.

Primary Differences

• Identification Target: GTIN = product type; SSCC = specific logistic unit (pallet/case/parcel).
• Persistence: GTIN is persistent across time and batches; SSCC is transient for a shipment lifecycle (but retained in records).
• Format: GTINs are 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits depending on type; SSCC is always 18 digits and encoded with AI (00) in GS1-128 barcodes.

When To Use GTIN

Use a GTIN when you need to identify the product being stored, sold, or priced. Typical warehouse and retail use cases include inventory counts by SKU, scanning at point-of-sale, or applying product-level labels for consumer items. GTINs are required by many retailers for catalogue matching, price lookup, and EDI product messages.

When To Use SSCC

Use an SSCC when you need to identify and manage an entire logistic unit: tracking a pallet through transit, matching a pallet to an ASN, or managing pallet-level returns. When the physical grouping (contents, handling instructions, destination) is the primary unit of movement, SSCCs are the correct identifier.

How They Work Together

A pallet may carry multiple GTINs — each GTIN describes the product types on that pallet, while a single SSCC identifies the pallet as a whole. Typical documentation and barcode usage looks like this:

• On Pallet Labels: SSCC in GS1-128 (AI 00) for the pallet; human-readable SSCC printed. Secondary barcodes or text can list GTINs and quantities per GTIN contained on the pallet.
• In ASNs / EDI: The ASN includes line-level GTINs and quantities and attaches the SSCC to each pallet-level grouping to link the physical pallet to the ASN lines.
• In Warehouse Systems: WMS stores GTIN for each SKU location and SSCC for pallet-level moves, enabling putaway, picking, and shipping by either unit of measure.

Practical Example

Imagine you ship 10 cartons of a beverage (GTIN 0123456789012) on two pallets. Each carton uses the same GTIN. You assign one SSCC to each pallet so the receiver can scan each pallet individually. The ASN will show two SSCCs and tie them to the GTIN and carton quantities contained on each pallet. Receiving staff can scan the SSCC and know exactly which GTINs and counts should be on that pallet.

Operational Guidance For Implementation

• Policy: Define when to generate SSCCs (e.g., all outbound pallets, all mixed-case pallets, or only palletized shipments to certain customers).
• Labeling Standard: Use GS1-128 with AI (00) for SSCC and include readable GTIN and quantity breakdown where required by the trading partner.
• Systems Integration: Ensure ERP/WMS can generate SSCCs that incorporate your GS1 company prefix and track SSCC lifecycle states: issued, shipped, in-transit, received, and archived.

In short, the Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) is the tool for uniquely identifying a physical shipment unit; use GTIN to identify the products inside. Correct use of both improves receiving speed, invoicing accuracy, and supply-chain visibility.