What is GS1-128?
GS1-128 (formerly UCC/EAN-128) is the application-standard version of Code 128 used across retail supply chains. It encodes GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) in parentheses - such as (00) for an SSCC pallet code, (01) for a GTIN and (10) for a batch or lot - so one barcode can carry the carton, batch and expiry data that retailers, distribution centres and 3PLs require. It prints as Code 128 bars preceded by an FNC1 start character and reads on the same scanners.
Common Uses for GS1-128
- SSCC-18 pallet and carton codes for distribution
- GTIN case labels on trade units sent to retailers
- Batch, lot and expiry marking for food and pharma supply chains
- GS1 logistics labels for warehouse and transport partners
GS1-128 vs Code 128
Both print the same Code 128 bars, but GS1-128 adds two things: a leading FNC1 character that tells scanners this is GS1 data, and Application Identifiers that structure the payload. A plain Code 128 of '09501101530003' is just a number; a GS1-128 of '(01)09501101530003' tells the system this is a GTIN. Retailers, grocery and healthcare partners almost always require the GS1-128 form for carton and pallet data.
Common GS1 Application Identifiers
The AIs you will use most: (00) SSCC-18 shipping container code, (01) GTIN trade item number, (10) batch or lot number, (17) expiry date in YYMMDD, (21) serial number, and (37) count. Enter them together in one string - for example (01)09501101530003(10)LOT42 - and the tool inserts the required FNC1 between fields automatically.
GS1-128 Size and Quiet Zone
GS1-128 labels should be sized so the narrowest bar is at least 0.25mm, which at scale 2-3 on a 4x6 label is comfortable for most warehouse scanners. Keep a quiet zone of roughly 10 times the narrow-bar width on each side. If a carton is large, print the barcode taller (height 12 or more) so it scans at a distance on dock doors and conveyors.
Reference