What is the difference between GS1-128 and Code 128?

Code 128 is a general-purpose barcode that can encode any ASCII text. GS1-128 is a specific application of Code 128 that begins with a special FNC1 character and uses GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) to give each data field a defined meaning — such as GTIN, expiration date, or batch number. Scanners use the FNC1 to distinguish GS1-128 from standard Code 128.

What is an SSCC barcode?

An SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is an 18-digit number encoded in a GS1-128 barcode using Application Identifier (00). It uniquely identifies a logistics unit — a pallet, carton, or parcel — throughout the supply chain. Retailers like Walmart and Amazon require SSCC labels on every shipment for receiving and tracking. You can generate SSCC barcodes with this free tool.

What are GS1 Application Identifiers?

Application Identifiers (AIs) are standardized numeric prefixes that define what type of data follows in a GS1-128 barcode. For example, (01) means GTIN, (10) means batch/lot number, (17) means expiration date, and (21) means serial number. AIs allow a single barcode to carry multiple data fields that supply chain systems can parse automatically.

Is GS1-128 the same as EAN-128?

Yes. GS1-128 was formerly called EAN-128 (in Europe) and UCC-128 (in North America). GS1 renamed it in 2005 to unify the terminology worldwide. If you see references to EAN-128 or UCC/EAN-128 in older documentation, they refer to the same barcode standard now known as GS1-128. This generator supports the current GS1-128 specification.

Do I need a GS1 membership to use GS1-128?

If your GS1-128 barcodes encode GTINs or SSCCs for commercial supply chain use, yes — you need a GS1 company prefix to ensure your identifiers are globally unique. GS1 membership provides the prefix. For internal logistics, testing, or prototyping, you can use this free generator with any data to create properly formatted GS1-128 symbols.

Is this GS1-128 generator free?

Yes, this GS1-128 barcode generator is completely free. There are no usage limits, no sign-up, and no watermarks. Generate as many GS1-128 barcodes as you need and download them as SVG, PNG, or PDF files. Everything runs in your browser — your supply chain data is never sent to any server.

Free GS1-128 Barcode Generator | Create EAN-128 Online

What is a GS1-128 Barcode?

GS1-128, formerly known as EAN-128 or UCC-128, is a subset of Code 128 that uses GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) to encode standardized supply chain data. It can contain multiple data fields in a single barcode, including GTINs, expiration dates, batch numbers, serial numbers, and more. GS1-128 is the global standard for logistics unit identification and is widely used on shipping labels, pallets, and cases.

GS1-128 is the backbone of supply chain labeling worldwide. It allows a single barcode to carry a GTIN, batch number, expiration date, weight, and serial number all at once. Major retailers including Walmart, Costco, and Amazon mandate GS1-128 on shipping labels for automated receiving. Because it builds on Code 128 encoding, any standard linear barcode scanner can read it.

GS1-128 is built upon the Code 128 barcode format, adding GS1 Application Identifiers for standardized data encoding. For 2D GS1 codes, see GS1 Data Matrix or GS1 QR Code.

Want to learn more about GS1-128 barcodes? Read our complete guide to GS1-128 for supply chain applications, SSCC labels, and Application Identifier reference.

How to Use This Generator

Creating a GS1-128 barcode requires GS1 Application Identifier knowledge:

Enter your data using GS1 Application Identifier format, e.g., (01)00614141000012(10)ABC123, where (01) is GTIN and (10) is batch/lot number
Click 'Generate Barcode' to create your GS1-128 barcode
Customize bar height and text display in advanced options (optional)
Download your barcode as SVG, PNG (multiple resolutions), or PDF

Technical Specifications

Key technical details for GS1-128:

Data Capacity	Variable length — limited by physical barcode width (practical max ~48 characters of AI data)
Character Set	Full ASCII via Code 128 subsets A, B, and C, plus FNC1 separator
Symbol Size	Variable width; must not exceed 165 mm (6.5 inches) per GS1 specifications
Check Digit	Modulo 103 check character (Code 128 standard)
Error Correction	Single check character — no built-in error correction beyond the Mod 103 checksum
Standard	ISO/IEC 15417 (Code 128) + GS1 General Specifications

Common Use Cases

GS1-128 barcodes are essential for:

Shipping labels and pallet identification in logistics and distribution
Healthcare supply chain for medical products with lot numbers and expiration dates
Food and beverage traceability with batch codes and production dates
SSCC pallet labels for warehouse receiving and cross-docking operations
Fresh food and produce labels with variable weight, price, and sell-by dates

Tips & Best Practices

Get the most out of your GS1-128 barcodes:

Use parentheses around Application Identifiers in the human-readable text (e.g., (01)09501234512345) but do not include them in the encoded data — the FNC1 character separates fields in the barcode itself.
Keep the barcode width under 165 mm as required by GS1 specifications. If your data is too long for a single symbol, split it across two GS1-128 barcodes on the same label.
Place variable-length AIs at the end of the barcode or separate them with FNC1 characters. Fixed-length AIs (like GTIN with AI 01) do not need separators.
Print at a minimum X-dimension of 0.495 mm for shipping labels. Smaller sizes are allowed for retail packaging but may cause scan failures on warehouse conveyor systems.

Test Your Barcode

After generating your GS1-128 barcode, verify it scans correctly and all Application Identifier data is properly encoded before printing on shipping labels. Use our free barcode scanner to test your codes instantly - simply scan with your camera or upload an image to ensure compliance with GS1 standards. Test your barcode with our free scanner.

GS1-128 Barcode Generator (EAN-128)