GS1-128 is the barcode on pallet labels, shipping cases and healthcare packaging: Code 128 with GS1 application identifiers, so one barcode can carry the product’s GTIN, a batch number, an expiry date and a weight. Type each field with its identifier in brackets, and we check it, add the separators and test the scan. PNG and JPG are free.
Common application identifiers
| AI | Means | Format |
|---|---|---|
| (00) | SSCC, the pallet or parcel serial | 18 digits |
| (01) | GTIN of the trade item | 14 digits |
| (02) | GTIN of the items inside a case | 14 digits |
| (10) | Batch or lot number | Up to 20 characters |
| (11) | Production date | YYMMDD |
| (15) | Best before date | YYMMDD |
| (17) | Expiry date | YYMMDD |
| (21) | Serial number | Up to 20 characters |
| (30) | Count of items | Up to 8 digits |
| (37) | Count of trade items in a case | Up to 8 digits |
| (310n) | Net weight in kg, n decimals | 6 digits |
| (400) | Customer’s purchase order number | Up to 30 characters |
Tips for GS1-128 labels
- Put fixed-length fields first. GTIN, dates and weights have fixed lengths, so no separator is needed after them. That keeps the barcode shorter.
- Your GTIN comes from GS1. The (01) number is the same GTIN as the product’s retail barcode, padded to 14 digits. Use the number your company licensed.
- Mind the width. Every field adds width. A typical pallet label barcode is 100 to 150 mm wide; keep the narrowest bar at least 0.25 mm for warehouse scanners.
- Human-readable text matters. The text under the bars shows each field in brackets, which is what logistics labels expect.
For the carton barcode with only a GTIN, use ITF-14. For plain labels without GS1 fields, use Code 128.