GS1 Barcode & SSCC Labels for EDI-compliant shipments
In short: GS1 barcodes and SSCC labels identify products (GTIN) and logistics units (SSCC) so that dispatch advices sent by EDI can be matched automatically to the physical pallets and cartons arriving at a retailer's warehouse.
Key capabilities
- GTIN identifies the product: Every item shipped must carry a GS1 GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) that matches the product code registered with the retailer, so purchase order lines resolve correctly.
- SSCC identifies the logistics unit: The SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) uniquely identifies each pallet or carton and is what links a physical shipment to its electronic dispatch advice.
- GS1-128 label format: SSCC and related data are encoded on a standardized GS1-128 barcode label physically attached to each pallet or carton before it leaves the warehouse.
- Matched automatically to DESADV/856: EDIconnect generates the dispatch advice with the same SSCC and GTIN data printed on the labels, so the retailer's warehouse can scan and reconcile the delivery automatically.
Why GTIN and SSCC are the backbone of retail EDI
Every retail EDI relationship depends on both parties agreeing on how to identify things: what product is being ordered, and what physical unit it's packed in. GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) solves the first problem — it's the standardized barcode number that appears on a purchase order line, so the retailer's system and the supplier's system agree on exactly which item is being ordered, regardless of how each company names it internally.
SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) solves the second problem, at the logistics-unit level. When a supplier ships a pallet containing several cartons of different products, that pallet gets a unique SSCC. The dispatch advice sent electronically describes exactly what's inside that SSCC — which GTINs, in what quantities. When the pallet arrives at the retailer's warehouse, the worker scans the SSCC barcode on the physical label, and the warehouse system pulls up the matching electronic dispatch advice instantly, without anyone needing to manually count or verify the contents.
Getting GTIN and SSCC right in your EDI setup
The most common cause of failed or delayed EDI shipments isn't the message format — it's a mismatch between the GTIN or SSCC data in the electronic document and what's actually printed on the physical labels. If a product's GTIN changes (for example, after a packaging redesign) and the retailer's master data isn't updated at the same time, purchase orders referencing the old GTIN will fail to match, and shipments using the new GTIN on the label won't reconcile with an order still referencing the old code.
EDIconnect's Web EDI portal keeps GTIN mapping synchronized with the dispatch advices it generates, and supports SSCC-based pack hierarchies so the DESADV or 856 message accurately reflects what's on each pallet and carton label. This alignment between the physical label and the electronic document is what allows automated receiving at the retailer's warehouse, avoiding the delays and chargebacks that come with manual reconciliation.
Frequently asked questions
What is an SSCC and why does it matter for EDI?
SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is an 18-digit GS1 identifier assigned to a single logistics unit — a pallet or carton. It's included in the EDI dispatch advice (DESADV or 856) and printed on a barcode label on the physical unit, so the retailer's warehouse can scan the label and match it instantly to the expected electronic shipment data.
What is the difference between GTIN and SSCC?
GTIN identifies a product (what it is), while SSCC identifies a specific logistics unit (which physical pallet or carton it's packed in). A single SSCC-labeled pallet can contain multiple GTINs, and the dispatch advice lists both, showing the full pack hierarchy.
Do I need SSCC labels if I only send small parcels?
Most retailers still require SSCC labeling at the carton level even for smaller shipments, since it's what enables automated receiving at the distribution center regardless of shipment size.
What happens if my SSCC labels don't match the dispatch advice?
The retailer's warehouse scanner won't be able to reconcile the physical delivery with the electronic advice, which typically causes manual intervention, delays in receiving, and can trigger a chargeback for non-compliant labeling.
Does EDIconnect generate SSCC numbers automatically?
EDIconnect's Web EDI portal generates the dispatch advice (DESADV/856) using the SSCC and GTIN data for your shipment, keeping the electronic document consistent with the physical labels applied to your pallets and cartons.
Is GS1 registration required to get GTIN and SSCC numbers?
Yes. GTIN and the company prefix used to build SSCC codes are issued through GS1 membership, which is a prerequisite for compliant retailer EDI regardless of which EDI platform is used.