The Complete GS1-128 Guide
More than just a barcode. Master the data structure required for global logistics compliance and regulated supply chain identification. For healthcare GS1-128 labels with drug serialization, try our pharmaceutical barcode generator.
Regulated Data Structure
GS1-128 (formerly UCC/EAN-128) is not a unique symbology itself, but rather a highly specialized, globally recognized application of the Code 128 standard.
It uses a strictly regulated data structure that allows hardware scanners and enterprise software systems (like SAP or Oracle) to instantly distinguish between different types of information—such as product weights, expiration dates, and batch numbers—all within a single physical scan.
GS1-128 Logistics Tool
Use our interactive builder below to create compliant GS1-128 strings. The Logistics Builder automatically formats your GTIN, Batch, and PO numbers with the correct Application Identifiers (AIs) and injects the mandatory FNC1 control characters.
Compliance Preview
(01)09501234567890(10)SHIP-404(37)24(400)100255
Application Identifiers (AIs)
The true power of the GS1-128 format lies entirely in its Application Identifiers. These prefixes, always printed in parentheses beneath the barcode, inform the scanning system about the exact data format and meaning of the characters that follow:
- (01) GTIN: A 14-digit Global Trade Item Number identifying the exact product.
- (10) Batch/Lot: An alphanumeric string up to 20 characters identifying the production run.
- (17) Expiration Date: A 6-digit date formatted as YYMMDD.
- (37) Count: The exact quantity of items contained in the logistics unit.
- (400) Purchase Order: The customer's PO number, vital for receiving and cross-docking.
Concatenation Strategy & FNC1
One of the main benefits of GS1-128 is the ability to concatenate multiple AIs into a single, long barcode. For example, a single label can contain the GTIN, Batch Number, and Expiration Date together. This reduces the total number of barcodes on a package, simplifying the scanning process for warehouse staff and reducing mis-scans. You can generate GS1-128 barcodes with our free online tool.
When dealing with variable-length fields (like a Lot Number which can be anywhere from 1 to 20 characters), the barcode must encode a hidden FNC1 character immediately after the variable data. This tells the scanner where the Lot Number ends and the next Application Identifier begins.