SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)
An SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is an 18-digit GS1 number that uniquely identifies a logistics unit such as a pallet or carton. It is encoded in the GS1-128 shipping label and referenced in the EDI 856 advance ship notice, so a receiver can scan one label and know every item inside.
How the SSCC works
An SSCC is a GS1 company prefix, a serial reference, and a check digit, 18 digits in total. Each pallet or carton gets its own SSCC, used only once. The advance ship notice links that SSCC to its contents, so scanning the label at the dock confirms receipt without anyone opening the unit.
Why retailers require SSCC labels
Walmart, Target, and Amazon mandate SSCC-18 labels on cartons and pallets. A missing, duplicate, or malformed SSCC is a leading cause of ASN chargebacks because it breaks scan-based receiving. The number on the label must match the SSCC in the 856 exactly or the shipment fails verification.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
SSCC stands for Serial Shipping Container Code. It is the GS1 standard for uniquely identifying a logistics unit such as a carton or pallet.
An SSCC is 18 digits, including a single check digit at the end that validates the rest of the number.
The SSCC is printed in the GS1-128 barcode on the shipping label and carried in the EDI 856 advance ship notice, which links the label to the items inside the unit.
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