What is GS1-128?
GS1-128 is an international barcode standard developed by GS1, specifically intended for encoding logistics and product information such as serial numbers, SSCC, LOT, THT, GTIN and more.
GS1-128 is the barcode that makes logistics labels “smart”.
The barcode uses what are known as Application Identifiers (AIs) to indicate exactly which data is contained in the barcode.
🧱 What can you encode in GS1-128?
With GS1-128 you can include the following data in a single barcode, among others:
| AI | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (01) | GTIN (product code) | 08711234567890 |
| (10) | LOT or batch number | BATCH1234 |
| (17) | Expiry date | 260930 (= 30 Sep 2026) |
| (21) | Serial number | SN987654321 |
| (00) | SSCC (shipment code) | 087112345000000001 |
The barcode therefore supports multiple data fields in a single symbol.
🔍 Structural breakdown
A GS1-128 barcode contains:
- The prefix
]C1(symbol ID for GS1-128) - One or more Application Identifiers (AIs)
- Their associated data values
- A modulo 103 check digit
Example of barcode contents:
(00)087112345000000001(17)260930(10)BATCH1234
This barcode contains:
- SSCC = 087112345000000001
- Expiry date = 30 September 2026
- LOT number = BATCH1234
📦 Where do you see GS1-128?
| Application | Example |
|---|---|
| TMS / WMS | Scanning at inbound and outbound processes |
| LIMS / ERP | Linkage to traceable batches |
| SSCC labels | Label on pallet or carton |
| UDI labels | Medical devices (GTIN + LOT + expiry) |
| GMP production | Product release and recall capability |
🖨️ On which labels does GS1-128 appear?
GS1-128 is often printed on:
- Pallet labels in line with the GS1 logistics format
- Case labels for shipments to retail, pharma or industry
- Shipping labels with SSCC
- UDI labels for medical devices
The barcode itself is a 1D barcode, not a 2D code such as QR or DataMatrix.
✅ Benefits of GS1-128
- Standardised and globally recognised
- Multi-data capacity in a single barcode
- Real-time traceability through scanning
- Integrable with all modern IT systems
- Required or recommended in many supply chains (retail, pharma, logistics)
📌 In summary
GS1-128 is a flexible barcode standard that can capture multiple types of information in a single symbol, and is crucial for traceability in logistics, healthcare and industry.