FAQs answered for you.

SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is an 18-digit GS1 identifier used to uniquely identify logistics units such as cases and pallets.

SSCCs are essential for aggregation - linking individual product units (SGTINs) to their shipping containers.

Example: SSCC: 006141411234567890

Pallet-level serialization assigns a unique SSCC to each pallet. Through hierarchical aggregation:

• Pallet SSCC links to Case SSCCs
• Case SSCCs link to Unit SGTINs

This creates a complete parent-child relationship enabling efficient logistics.

GLN (Global Location Number) is a 13-digit GS1 identifier used to identify physical locations (warehouses, factories) and legal entities (companies).

GLNs are used in EPCIS events to specify where events occurred (readPoint and bizLocation).

The DSCSA is a US federal law establishing requirements for pharmaceutical product tracing. Key requirements include:

• Product identification with unique identifiers
• Product tracing through transaction information
• Verification of product authenticity
• Detection and response to suspect/illegitimate products

Full enforcement began in November 2023.

The EU FMD is European Union legislation to prevent falsified medicines from entering the legal supply chain. Key requirements:

• Unique identifier on each pack (2D DataMatrix)
• Anti-tampering devices on packaging
• Verification through connected European databases (EMVS)

Active since February 2019.

A serialization solution provider offers software and systems to implement pharmaceutical track and trace, including:

• Serial number generation and management
• Line-level systems for printing and verification
• Enterprise software for aggregation and reporting
• Connectivity to regulatory portals

Examples include TraceLink, SAP, Antares Vision, and Optel.

GS1 is a global non-profit organization that develops and maintains supply chain standards. Key GS1 standards for pharmaceuticals include:

• GTIN - Product identification
• GLN - Location identification
• SSCC - Logistics unit identification
• GS1 DataMatrix - 2D barcode
• EPCIS - Event sharing

Visit gs1.org for more information.

Application Identifiers (AIs) are GS1 prefixes that define the meaning and format of data elements in barcodes. Common pharmaceutical AIs:

• AI 01: GTIN (14 digits)
• AI 10: Batch/Lot number
• AI 17: Expiry date (YYMMDD)
• AI 21: Serial number

Example: (01)00614141123452(17)251231(10)ABC123(21)12345

GTIN-14 is a 14-digit Global Trade Item Number used in pharmaceutical serialization. It consists of:

• Indicator digit (packaging level)
• GS1 Company Prefix
• Item reference
• Check digit

Example: 00614141123452

SGTIN (Serialized GTIN) is the combination of a GTIN and a unique serial number that identifies a specific individual product unit.

Format: GTIN + Serial Number

Example: GTIN 00614141123452 + Serial 12345ABC = SGTIN

SGTINs are used in EPCIS events to track individual products.

A GS1 Company Prefix is a unique number assigned to your company by GS1. It forms the basis for creating:

• GTINs for your products
• SSCCs for your logistics units
• GLNs for your locations

Contact your local GS1 Member Organization to obtain a prefix.

The GTIN check digit is calculated using the Modulo 10 algorithm:

1. Multiply alternate digits by 3 and 1 (starting from right)
2. Sum all results
3. Check digit = (10 - (sum mod 10)) mod 10

Use our Barcode Decoder to verify check digits automatically.

A batch/lot number identifies products manufactured under the same conditions. In GS1 barcodes:

• Encoded with AI 10
• Variable length (up to 20 alphanumeric characters)
• Critical for recalls and quality control

Example: (10)BATCH123

Expiry date is encoded using AI 17 in YYMMDD format:

• YY = Year (00-99)
• MM = Month (01-12)
• DD = Day (01-31, or 00 for end of month)

Example: (17)251231 = December 31, 2025

GS1-128 (formerly UCC/EAN-128) is a linear barcode symbology used primarily for:

• Shipping labels
• Case and pallet identification
• Encoding multiple data elements

It uses Application Identifiers and is commonly seen on logistics labels alongside 2D DataMatrix codes.

Different GTIN lengths serve different purposes:

• GTIN-8: Small items (rare in pharma)
• GTIN-12: North American retail (UPC)
• GTIN-13: International retail (EAN)
• GTIN-14: Trade items and cases (standard for pharma serialization)

All can be converted to GTIN-14 by adding leading zeros.

GS1 Digital Link is a web URI structure that combines product identification with web addresses. It enables:

• QR codes that link to product information
• Consumer engagement through smartphone scanning
• Multiple data sources from one scan

Format: https://id.gs1.org/01/00614141123452

A GS1 Member Organization (MO) is a local GS1 office that:

• Issues GS1 Company Prefixes
• Provides training and support
• Offers local implementation guidance

MENA MOs include: GS1 UAE, GS1 Saudi Arabia, GS1 Egypt, GS1 Jordan, GS1 Bahrain.

FNC1 (Function Code 1) is a special character in GS1 barcodes that:

• Indicates the barcode follows GS1 standards
• Acts as a separator between variable-length data elements

In human-readable text, FNC1 appears as GS (Group Separator, ASCII 29) or is shown as parentheses around AIs.

GRAI (Global Returnable Asset Identifier) is used to identify reusable assets like:

• Pallets
• Containers
• Crates
• Totes

GRAI helps track returnable assets through the supply chain.