Shipping Container Code

All merchandise must have a 14 digit shipping container code (SCC-14). The bar code must be readable by Iowa ABD warehouse scanning equipment.

Application Standard for Shipping Container Codes

• Minimum print quality grade is 1.5(C)   
• Measurement aperture is 0.01” (0.254 mm)
• Inspection wavelength is 670 nm+ 10 nm

NOTE: The minimally acceptable grade of 1.5/10/670 applies to the final symbol at its point of use. It is appropriate to strive for a higher symbol grade at the point of printing to allow for process variations and possible degradation from packaging, storage, shipping and handling. Wherever practical, it is recommended that the symbol grade as printed should equal or exceed 2.5/10/670.

SCC Content

A SCC-14 number consists of 14 digits started with an indicator digit and ended with a check digit. The check digit is calculated according to the UCC/EAN algorithm (same as UPC/EAN check digit).



A SCC-14 number contains the following information:

• Digit 1: Package indicator (PI)
• Digits 2-3: UPC numbering system/EAN country prefix
• Digits 4-8: Manufacturer Code
• Digits 9-13: Item identification number
• Digit 14: Check digit

The first digit, Package Indicator (PI), indicates package variants. For example, you package the same product into two different cases with 1 case contains 10 items and the another contains 12. You assign 1 for the first case and 2 for the second. However, there is no standard mandating that how many items should be placed in the case for PI=1. The quantity is checked against the database.

In two cases you may assign PI=0. One case is to indicate the item number identifying a container is different from the item number on the units inside the container. The other case is when the container contains 1 unit of the item. When stored in the database, a 12-digit UPC or 13-digit EAN code are stored into a 14-digit numeric format. The 14-digit is identical to the SCC-14 with PI=0.

Print Contrast and Tolerances

These two concepts have been used historically to evaluate the quality of printed bar code symbols. Printers may wish to continue using print contrast or tolerances in setting up their processes, although neither of these measures is explicitly part of this standard.

Symbol contrast using the ANSI X3.182 method will typically be somewhat more lenient than the reflectance and PCS requirements give the ANSI/USS-3, U.P.C. Shipping Container Code and Symbol Specification Manual, which has been replaced by this document.

Similarly, decodability will always be more lenient that the previously published tolerances. Bar and space dimensions of Interleaved 2-of-5 are not as critical as had been believed when the old specifications were established.

Symbol Location

All bar codes (UPC, EAN, SCC-14 and other Als & Data) shall be printed and placed in a vertical bar configuration (Picket fence). Placement of bar codes is independent of print technology and symbology employed.

Transport Packages Less than 39 Inches (1M)

For transport packages 39 inches (1m) or less in height including cases, placement of the symbol shall comply with the following specifications:

• The bottom edge of the bar code that contains the SCC-14 or the SSCC-18 should be located 1.25” + 0.125 inch from the container’s natural bottom. It shall appear on a minimum of one side and should appear on two adjacent sides. Symbol location requirements vary by industry and throughout the supply chain. Adjacent side placement resolves these requirements. Therefore, one-side placement should be chosen cautiously, and only with a complete understanding of all supply chain trading partner requirements.
• The outer edge of the quiet zone shall be no closer than 0.75” to the edge of the vertical face. It is recommended that the outermost bar (excluding the bearer bar) be no closer than 1.25" to the edge of the vertical face.
• It is important to maintain these locations to assure scanning in automated environments and to prevent damage of the bar code due to edge crush. Placement specifications are independent of print technology and symbology.

Avoid Red Ink
Avoid using red ink for the SCC. Black generally provides the greatest contrast.

Insure White Space
If the SCC is enclosed within a border, insure that there is at least _” of white space between the border and the first and last vertical bars of the SCC.

Maximum Contrast
Maximum contrast between the SCC and the background will produce maximum readability.

SCC Placement
Do not place the SCC to the immediate right or left of the UPC as the scanner may read only the UPC or try to read both.

Notification
Notify Iowa ABD in advance of any changes to UPC or SCC.