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Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) Labels

Need to label your pallets for distribution? SSCC Labels (Serial Shipping Container Codes) are essential for all pallets, cartons, and other logistic units used in supply chains across New Zealand and globally..

Here’s what you need to know about using SSCCs on pallet labels..

 

What is a Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC)?

A Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) is a globally recognised, 18-digit number that uniquely identifies an individual logistic unit, such as a pallet, carton, or air freight container, from the point of dispatch through to the end recipient.

Think of it like a number plate for your pallet. It allows every movement to be tracked across the supply chain, ensuring full traceability and helping trading partners process shipments efficiently.

SSCC labels are vital for automating and streamlining the receiving process. When a pallet arrives at a distribution centre, retailers and logistics partners scan the SSCC on the pallet label to instantly identify the shipment and its contents, eliminating the need for manual data entry or guesswork.

Key features of an SSCC

  • 18-digit unique code, encoded as a GS1-128 barcode
  • Globally recognised under GS1 Standards
  • Assigned to a single logistic unit and never reused
  • Enables full track-and-trace capabilities
  • Links to electronic shipping documents, like Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs)
  • Used across multiple industries for freight, warehousing, retail, and export

Benefits of using SSCC labels

Using SSCCs on your pallet labels helps streamline operations across your entire supply chain from dispatch to delivery.

  • Faster receiving at distribution centres, with quicker turnaround times for retailers
  • Improved pallet traceability, enabling easier product recalls and shipment tracking
  • Greater data accuracy, especially for fields like quantity, batch and use-by dates
  • Better stock rotation, ensuring goods are used or sold in the correct order
  • Efficient to implement, with label formats easily printable using most warehouse printers
  • Enables automation, including cross-docking, shipment routing, and automated receiving processes
  • Meets retailer requirements, ideal for shipments to major supermarket chains like Woolworths, New World, and other retail outlets

 

Understanding SSCC specifications

SSCC Numerical Fields

Each SSCC is made up of several components, each serving a specific purpose:

  • Application Identifier (00): Indicates that the following data is an SSCC
  • Extension Digit (1 digit): Expands the capacity of the serial reference; assigned by the company issuing the SSCC
  • GS1 Company Prefix: A unique number issued by GS1 (e.g. GS1 New Zealand) to identify the organisation assigning the SSCC
  • Serial Reference: The unique number used to identify each individual logistic unit
  • Check Digit: Automatically calculated digit used to ensure the integrity of the full SSCC

SSCC Barcode Format

  • Typically encoded as a GS1-128 barcode, which includes the Application Identifier
  • GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 QR Code formats may also be used, with limitations
  • Can be embedded in RFID tags, using the Electronic Product Code (EPC) standard

Common scenarios for using SSCC Labels

  • Transporting pallets to retailers
  • Internal pallet transfers
  • Deliveries to major retailer distribution centres
Transporting pallets to retailers

Already using barcodes on your products? When shipping those products on pallets to supermarkets or retail distribution centres, you’ll also need to apply an SSCC label to each pallet. The SSCC allows the retailer to scan and automatically match each pallet to the Advance Shipping Notice (ASN) or Despatch Advice, streamlining goods-in processing and updating their inventory system in real time.

Internal pallet transfers

SSCCs aren’t just for external shipping. They can also be used to identify pallets and units being moved within your own warehouse or between different internal sites, enabling better stock tracking and inventory control.

 

Deliveries to major retailer distribution centres

All inbound deliveries to major retail DCs – such as those supplying Woolworths, or Foodstuffs – require SSCC pallet labels. With high volumes and automated systems, it’s essential that SSCC labels are:

  • Correctly formatted
  • Clearly printed
  • Placed in the right location on each pallet

Accurate SSCC labelling ensures compliance, reduces the risk of delivery rejections, and keeps your products flowing smoothly through the supply chain.

SSCC Implementation Checklist

  • Generate your SSCC number
    • Each pallet must have a globally unique SSCC number.
    • Do not reuse SSCC numbers for at least 12 months.
  • Include date fields
    • Date codes are mandatory and must be shown in YYMMDD format within the barcode.
  • Use Application Identifiers correctly
    • AI (37) is required when GTIN (02) is encoded, and only for homogeneous logistic units.
    • Maintain clear light margins – no text or logos should infringe on them.
  • Add Human Readable Interpretation (HRI)
    • The human-readable text below the barcode must be:
      • At least 3 mm high
      • Clear and legible
      • Located directly beneath the barcode symbol
  • Format your barcodes accurately
    • SSCC barcodes should use the GS1-128 format
      • Magnification: 50–100%
      • Height: Minimum 32 mm
    •  
    • Product information barcodes (if included)
      • Magnification: 25–100%
  • Verify your SSCC labels
    • Both labels on the pallet must match each other exactly
    • Ensure labels match the product data and are legible
    • Labels must be free from wrinkles, damage, or print defects
    • Test that both barcodes scan reliably
  • Place your SSCC labels correctly on the pallet
    • Apply labels to each fork-entry side of the pallet
    • Position labels:
      • Between 400–800 mm from the ground
      • Indented 50–100 mm from the right-hand pallet edge
    • Apply only one pair of SSCC labels per pallet, unless it contains mixed SKUs
 

FAQs

What does the abbreviation SSCC mean?

SSCC stands for Serial Shipping Container Code. It’s a unique identifier assigned to logistic units such as pallets or cartons.

Who is responsible for creating the SSCC number?

The business that assembles the logistic unit is responsible for generating the SSCC, for example, the manufacturer or supplier. The standards for SSCCs in New Zealand are aligned with global GS1 guidelines, managed by GS1 NZ.

Which date format should be used on an SSCC label?

Dates must follow the international standard format: YYMMDD. This ensures global consistency across supply chains.

Is it possible to reuse SSCC numbers?

Yes — but not immediately. Each SSCC must remain unique and cannot be reused within 12 months of when it was first issued and used in a shipment.

How is an SSCC different from a logistics label?

The SSCC is the unique code itself. A logistics label (or SSCC label) is the physical label affixed to the pallet or carton, which includes the SSCC along with other shipment details.

What barcode formats are valid for SSCC encoding?

SSCCs are most commonly encoded in a GS1-128 barcode using Application Identifier (00). Other formats like GS1 DataMatrix or GS1 QR Codes may be used with restrictions, depending on your trading partner’s specifications.

How can I create an SSCC number and generate a label?

SSCCs are built using three key components:

  • An Extension Digit
  • Your GS1 Company Prefix
  • A unique Serial Reference number
What label size should I use for SSCCs?

The standard label sizes are:

  • A5 (148mm × 210mm)
  • A6 (105mm × 148mm)

Choose the size based on your pallet label printer and available space on the unit.

Is portrait or landscape better for SSCC labels?

Both portrait and landscape layouts are acceptable.

  • Portrait layout typically results in ladder-style barcodes
  • Landscape layout prints barcodes in picket fence orientation

Choose based on your packaging shape and printer capabilities.

Where should the shipper barcode go in relation to the SSCC label?

Always position the shipper barcode above or below the SSCC label – never inline horizontally. This helps prevent accidental mis-scanning in automated distribution centres.

What is the required Quiet Zone for SSCC barcodes?

Maintain a minimum 10mm Quiet Zone (clear space) on both sides of your barcode. Encroaching on this space can cause scanning errors by disrupting the barcode’s start and stop detection.

Do I need different labels if I use a 3PL provider?

Yes. If you ship through a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, you may also need to apply transport or 3PL-specific labels.

Make sure these are placed:

  • Above 800mm from the ground
  • On the left-hand side of the pallet

This placement prevents interference with DC scanning systems and ensures smooth delivery into retail networks.