Is GS1-128 the same as Code 128?

The symbology is identical. GS1-128 is Code 128 carrying GS1 application identifiers and a function-1 character, which is what makes the data machine-interpretable across trading partners.

What are application identifiers?

Short numeric prefixes that label the data that follows. (01) marks a GTIN, (10) a batch number, (17) an expiry date in YYMMDD, (00) an SSCC. They appear in brackets in the human-readable text.

How do I write the data string?

Concatenate AI and value pairs, for example (01)09501101020917(10)ABC123. Brackets are printed under the bars but are not encoded as data.

Will my trading partner accept this label?

The symbol is a valid Code 128 encoding of your string, but retailers and 3PLs often specify label layout, bar height, and AI sequence. Check their labelling guide before a production run.

What is an SSCC and which AI carries it?

A Serial Shipping Container Code, the unique 18-digit identifier for a logistics unit, carried under AI (00).

Do I need FNC1 characters between elements?

Only after variable-length AIs when another element follows. Fixed-length AIs are self-delimiting.

Is GS1-128 the same as EAN-128 or UCC-128?

Yes. GS1-128 is the current name for what older documents call EAN-128 or UCC-128.

Can GS1-128 be scanned at retail checkout?

No. It is a logistics symbol; the consumer unit still carries a UPC-A or EAN-13.

How many application identifiers can one symbol carry?

As many as fit within the practical 48-character limit, though most logistics labels use between two and four.

Barcode generator / GS1-128

GS1-128 Barcode Generator

Create GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128) barcodes free online with application identifiers for batch, expiry and SSCC data. Download PNG or SVG, no watermark.

Barcode data

Enter your data with application identifiers in brackets, e.g. (01)GTIN(10)batch.

Bar height80px

Show number under barcode

PNG resolution Pro

Preview

No watermark, no signup, unlimited PNG downloads. Rendered in your browser — the value you type never leaves your device. Vector SVG and high-resolution PNG are included with Pro.

What is GS1-128 used for?

GS1-128, historically called UCC/EAN-128, is Code 128 used with GS1 application identifiers. Each AI is a two- to four-digit code in brackets that tells the receiving system what the following data means: (01) is a GTIN, (10) a batch or lot number, (17) an expiry date, (00) an SSCC pallet licence plate.

That structure is what makes GS1-128 the standard on logistics and pharmaceutical labels: one symbol can carry product, batch, quantity, and date in a form every trading partner parses the same way. Enter your bracketed AI string and this generator renders the Code 128 symbol that encodes it.

Logistics and SSCC pallet labels
Pharmaceutical batch and expiry
Food traceability labelling

GS1-128 specification

Base symbology	Code 128 with a leading FNC1
Data structure	GS1 application identifiers, e.g. (01) GTIN, (10) batch, (17) expiry
Character set	Full ASCII, subset switching handled automatically
Practical limit	48 encoded characters per symbol
Quiet zone	10 modules either side
Typical bar height	13 mm minimum on logistics labels, 32 mm on SSCC labels
Best for	Pallet, case and traceability labels between trading partners

How to generate a GS1-128 barcode

1
Write the data string as AI and value pairs, for example (01)09501101020917(10)ABC123.
2
Order the AIs the way your trading partner's labelling guide specifies.
3
Use fixed-length AIs where possible; variable-length elements need a separator when concatenated.
4
Set bar height to your partner's minimum, then download SVG for the label template.
5
Send a printed proof through their verification process before a production run.

Troubleshooting scan failures

Partner's system does not recognise the data

Confirm the AI sequence and value lengths match their guide exactly. A GTIN under (01) must be 14 digits, zero-padded if necessary.

Brackets appear in the scanned data

Brackets are print-only. If they reach your database, the scanner or middleware is passing the human-readable text rather than the decoded payload.

Symbol is too wide for the label

Split the data across two symbols along partner-approved lines, or drop optional AIs.

Expiry date rejected

AI (17) is YYMMDD. Use 00 for the day when only the month matters.

Need hundreds of codes at once?

Upload a CSV and get every barcode or QR code back in one download — plus editable dynamic QR codes with scan analytics, and an API for programmatic generation.

Try bulk generator See pricing