GS1 barcodes enable the quick and secure transfer of information from physical objects to computers. They are used all over the world to label items such as consumer packaging, cases, and pallets. This information is for those who need to number and barcode variable measure trade items, for example, meat, fish, cheese, fruit, and vegetables.
Consumer packages with varying weights
Consumer packages with varying weights are often sold at a price based on the kilogram. In order to be able to price each package individually, it must be numbered with an RCN (Restricted Circulation Number) and labeled with the barcode EAN-13. The price is calculated using the item’s kilo price and the weight of the package.
Numbering consumer packages
Consumer items with varying weights, for example, meat, fish, and cheese, are numbered with a national RCN and labeled with the barcode EAN-13. For items with varying weights, you need to order both a GS1 Company Prefix and a GS1 Variable Weight Prefix.
Label the consumer package
Once you have created an RCN and numbered your consumer packages, you can mark them with the EAN-13 barcode.
- Select the correct barcode size.
- Show the visual barcode.
- Ensure the location of the barcode.
- Check the quality of the barcode.
Restricted Circulation Number abroad
An RCN is national, which means that a Swedish RCN can only be used in Sweden. If you are going to sell variable measure trade items in another country, you must contact the GS1 member organisation in the country where the items will be sold. They can provide you with an RCN that can be used in the country in question.
Cases with varying weights
Cases containing items with varying weights should be numbered with the GS1 item number GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), and not with an RCN. GTIN, as opposed to an RCN, is a trade item number that is unique throughout the world. You can therefore use the same GTIN on the outer package regardless of which country the item will be sold in.
Number cases
Cases containing items with varying weights should be numbered with the item number GTIN-14. Keep in mind that the first digit in GTIN-14, that is, the logistic variant, should always be 9.
Label the outer packaging
Outer packages containing items with varying weights must be marked with the barcode GS1-128. The barcode can carry additional information and should contain both the GTIN and weight of the outer package, but can also contain batch number and a date, for example, best before date.
- Select the correct barcode size.
- Show the visual barcode.
- Ensure the location of the barcode.
- Check the quality of the barcode.
Items delivered to the deli counter
An item that, for example, is to be delivered to a deli counter and that won’t be read in a checkout point should not be marked with an RCN. These should be labeled in the same way as an outer package containing items with varying weights.
Pallets of varying weight
A pallet containing items with varying weights should be numbered with a GS1 item number — a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). You do this, for example, to be able to distinguish a pallet of sliced entrecote from a pallet of sliced steak in the item database.
Number and barcode label the pallet
The content on each pallet should be numbered with a SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) and marked with a GS1 Pallet label. SSCC is a unique number that allows the content on one pallet to be separated from the contents on other pallets. The pallet label is needed for the pallet to be handled in the warehouse, when the buyer receives the goods and manages stock.
To create an SSCC, your company must be a GS1 customer and subscribe to a GS1 Company prefix.
If your pallet is not the orderable unit
If the pallet is not the orderable unit, it should be numbered with GTIN-13 or GTIN-14. The item number is normally transferred to the buyer in the trade item information, and should not be transferred to the barcode on the pallet label.
Instead the pallet label contains the GTIN of the cases, the total weight of the pallet, the number of cases on the pallet and the contents SSCC, but can also include, for example, the expiry date and batch number.
- Create and number the pallet with GTIN-13 or GTIN-14.
- Mark the pallet with a pallet label.
If your pallet is the orderable unit
If the pallet is the orderable unit, for example, if the pallet is a display unit, it should be numbered with GTIN-14. The item number must begin with the number 9, in the same way as for outer packages containing items with varying weights.
The barcode on the pallet label should, in addition to the pallet GTIN, also contain information about the total weight of the pallet and the contents SSCC, but may also contain, for example, best-before date and batch number.
- Create and number the pallet with GTIN-14.
- Mark the pallet with a pallet label.