Lot identification labels

What the label identifies

In GS1, a GTIN identifies the trade item. GTIN plus batch/lot identifies a batch, GTIN plus serial identifies an instance, and SSCC identifies a logistic unit such as a pallet. GS1 System Architecture, version 12.0.0, October 2024, table 4-1

For a GS1 logistic label specifically, the guideline permits only one batch number on the label and says not to show a batch number when the highest identified packaging level contains different batches. Use the agreed shipment data and lower-level identification to preserve that detail. This rule applies to GS1 logistic labels. GS1 Logistic Label Guideline, rule 4-24

A lot code need not explain its own production history. GS1's non-significance principle allows internally meaningful codes without expecting outside partners to decode embedded shift, date or line information. Keep the agreed identifier intact and retrieve its meaning from controlled records. A label alone is therefore insufficient evidence of material specification, inspection acceptance or origin. GS1 System Architecture, identification principles

Separate the identifiers

Application identifiers (AIs) define the meaning and format of the following data. AI (10) is associated with an item identity, such as AI (01) or the contained-item AI (02); it does not replace it. Two pallets containing identical products can have different SSCCs. Customer part numbers are another field, rather than an alternative interpretation of a lot number. GS1 Denmark, application identifier overview

Before choosing a label template, agree which identity belongs at each level: individual part, inner bag, carton and pallet. For example, serialized parts may share a production lot while their cartons have separate shipping identities. That arrangement should be explicit in the receiving system, rather than inferred from repeated text.

Human-readable and machine-readable data

A barcode's appearance does not establish its data structure. GS1-128 uses the Code 128 symbology with the GS1 identification convention, including the FNC1 character and application identifiers. An arbitrary Code 128 symbol containing a shop's lot string is not automatically GS1-128. Select the carrier and fields that the receiving partner can interpret; include readable identification so people can resolve exceptions. GS1 US, GS1-128

For GS1 logistic labels, human-readable interpretation belongs below the barcode. Parentheses around application identifiers appear in that readable text but are not encoded as data. Use compliant generation software to handle field lengths and separators; copying a printed example into a generic barcode generator is an unreliable implementation method. GS1 Logistic Label Guideline, release 1.3, July 2019, section 6.5

The following is an original internal-label example, not a GS1 encoding specification or a mandatory field set:

ITEM: P-1042       REV: C
LOT: LOT-26-1101-A
QUANTITY: 40 EA
PACKED: 2026-11-01
CARTON: C-000183

Here, the revision describes the item configuration, the lot groups the goods, and the carton identifier distinguishes this container. The packed date is not presented as a manufacture date. A customer might additionally require its purchase order, supplier code, certificate reference or particular barcode. Define the meaning of each field before generating symbols, and agree the label format with that customer. GS1 US similarly recommends coordinating GS1-128 use with trading partners. GS1 US, implementation considerations

Preserve identity through packing and repacking

Traceability depends on links between incoming materials, internal transformations and outgoing goods. GS1's June 2021 compliance criteria cover identification procedures, information requirements and links between inputs and outputs. A printing system should use the same controlled item and lot data as the corresponding receipt, production and shipment records. Preserve leading zeros and meaningful characters; do not let spreadsheet conversions or manually shortened text create another identifier. GS1 Global Traceability Compliance Criteria Standard, release 4.1, sections 2.4–2.7

In an illustrative packing reconciliation, 100 pieces of item P-1042, lot A, are packed into cartons of 40, 40 and 20 pieces. The three container records should total 100 pieces and retain the common item/lot relationship. If the 20-piece carton is later combined with 10 pieces of lot B, record both lots and their quantities; a newly printed label must not silently turn all 30 pieces into lot A. Reprinting also needs a disposition for the displaced label so that two conflicting identities do not remain on the container.

Choose the label as a complete material system

Specify the surface, application conditions, exposure and required readable life before buying stock. Adhesive, face material and printing combination matter together. Include abrasion, cleaning chemicals, condensation, outdoor exposure and the possibility that a carton is discarded before its contents are consumed in the application review.

A bounded manufacturer example is Brady B-423: its technical data sheet, effective 10/05/2022 as printed, describes a glossy white polyester thermal-transfer material with permanent acrylic adhesive. The sheet names recommended and alternative print ribbons; its performance testing used R6000HF and R6200 printing on labels applied to aluminum with a 24-hour dwell. Those conditions matter when interpreting results. Brady B-423 technical data sheet, pages 1–2

The same sheet reports no visible effect after specified 30-day exposures at 110 °C and −70 °C, and a five-minute exposure at 180 °C. These are test observations for that construction, not a general continuous-service rating for all labels, adhesives, packages or printed codes. Its UL 969 component recognition also names particular ribbon combinations; it does not certify a completed shipment's traceability system. Qualify the chosen construction on the actual packaging and through its expected handling cycle. Brady B-423 technical data sheet, pages 1–2

Check correctness as well as readability

A successful scan proves neither that the correct lot was printed nor that the label was applied to the correct goods. GS1's logistic-label guidance separates visual checks, data-content checks and technical barcode verification. Check decoded values against the packing record and verify barcode quality using the applicable method; one handheld reader is insufficient. GS1 Logistic Label Guideline, section 8 and appendix A

For an engineering specification or purchase request, state the identification level, required fields, encoding convention, readable text, placement, material construction, exposure conditions and customer acceptance criteria. Keep label replacement and repacking within the traceability procedure. These decisions make the label useful at receiving, during inventory handling and when a specific lot must later be located.

Related reference

Serialized part labels · Delivery guides