Labeling terms, without the jargon
Short, factual explanations of the terms you encounter around labeling, barcodes, and compliance. Written by our specialists.
21 CFR Part 11
The US FDA regulation for electronic records and electronic signatures in regulated industries.
Audit trail
An automatic, immutable log of who did what and when in a system.
Creating an SSCC code
You build an SSCC from an extension digit, your GS1 company prefix, a serial reference and a check digit — 18 digits in total.
Direct thermal vs. thermal transfer printing
The two label printing techniques: directly on heat-sensitive paper, or via a ribbon onto the label.
EAN-13
The 13-digit barcode on consumer products, technically a GTIN-13.
GS1 company prefix
The unique number GS1 assigns to your company, which all your GTINs and SSCCs start with.
GS1 Sunrise 2027
The GS1 initiative to make 2D barcodes (QR codes) scannable at retail checkout worldwide by the end of 2027, alongside the familiar EAN-13.
GS1-128
The barcode standard for logistics labels, combining multiple data fields (GTIN, batch, expiry, SSCC) in one code.
GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
The GS1 item number that uniquely identifies a trade item worldwide, in 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits.
RFID labels
Labels with a built-in chip and antenna that can be read wirelessly and without line of sight.
SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)
An 18-digit GS1 code that identifies one unique logistics unit, such as a pallet or box.
UDI (Unique Device Identification)
The mandatory identification system for medical devices under the EU MDR and US FDA rules.
Variable data printing
Printing labels from one template where fields like batch, date, and serial number are filled automatically per print.