Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC)

One of the most important codes in international trade

In this glossary entry you will learn everything you need to know about the topic!

A Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) is an 18-digit number used by companies to identify a logistics unit.

The SSCC is usually encoded in the GS1-128 barcode, but it can also be encoded in other barcodes or technologies such as an RFID label.

The SSCC is composed of 4 elements:

An extension digit, whose purpose is to extend the capacity of the serial reference.
A GS1 company prefix, which is a unique combination of digits issued to a GS1 member company.
A serial reference, used to identify the logistics unit.
A check digit, used to check for input errors.

These four elements are all composed of numbers, amounting to a total of 18 digits.

In addition to the four elements listed above, the SSCC is preceded by a so-called Application Identifier.

Take the following example:

(00) 0 1984462 834651293 3

In the example above:

The SSCC provides many advantages, including the following:

It can be used throughout the whole supply chain (from the raw materials supplier to the retailer).
It can be used in inter- or intra-company transactions.
It allows product traceability by attributing a unique code to each logistics unit.
Since it allows the tracking of each unit, it makes the entire logistics process more efficient and faster.
It can be encoded in different barcodes and technologies such as a GS1-128 barcode or an RFID label.
When shared electronically, it allows companies who are part of the supply chain to communicate information to each other such as the transit status.