Identifier checker
Check the SSCC before it reaches the carton label and ASN
A single mistyped digit can make the barcode and shipment message describe different logistics units.
Direct answer
Direct answer
An SSCC is an 18-digit GS1 identifier for a logistics unit. The final digit is a calculated check digit. Amazon’s public shipment-confirmation guidance says the SSCC must be unique, not reused within 365 days, and represented on both the physical barcode label and shipment confirmation. It also describes adding the GS1 Application Identifier 00 when implementing GS1-128.
Check an SSCC
Enter 17 digits to calculate the check digit, or 18 digits to validate it. A leading AI 00 is accepted.
18 digits versus the (00) application identifier
The SSCC data value is 18 digits. In human-readable GS1 notation, `(00)` identifies the following element string as an SSCC; the parentheses are not encoded as data. Amazon’s current tutorial also tells GS1-128 implementers to add `00` at the beginning of the SSCC within the confirmation.
Shipment Sentry accepts an 18-digit value or a 20-digit numeric value beginning with 00, normalizes it to the underlying SSCC, and validates the final check digit. Your account guide controls the exact EDI representation.
How the check digit is calculated
Starting from the left of the 17-digit body, multiply alternating positions by three and one, add the products, and choose the digit that brings the total to the next multiple of ten. The checker implements this deterministic GS1 calculation.
A valid check digit proves only that the number is well formed. It does not prove that the company prefix is assigned to your organization, the serial is unique, or the barcode was printed and scanned correctly.
The operational checks around an SSCC
- Use a serial allocation process that prevents reuse for at least the required period.
- Compare the encoded label value with MAN02 or the API container identifier.
- Ensure each pallet or carton has the right identifier for its hierarchy level.
- Scan a printed label as part of the dispatch gate instead of trusting the print record alone.
Questions
Common implementation questions
Is (00) part of the 18-digit SSCC?
No. 00 is the GS1 Application Identifier. The SSCC element string itself contains 18 digits, including its check digit.
Does a correct check digit make the SSCC valid for use?
It makes the number mathematically well formed. Prefix ownership, uniqueness, assignment and label quality require separate checks.
Primary sources
Public sources cannot establish every account-specific EDI rule. Current Vendor Central documentation and your trading-partner agreement remain controlling.