UCC modifies serialized shipping container code

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 5/1/2000

The Uniform Code Council, Inc. (UCC), leaders in facilitating efficient international business, has modified the meaning of the first digit in the 18-digit Serialized Shipping Container Code (SSCC). The code identifies pallets, cartons, and other shipment units.

The first digit, formally known as the packaging type, has always assigned a meaning to each possible number used. With the change, information about a shipment unit will no longer have its meaning or description imbedded into the first-digit number.

Under this modification, the first digit will now be known as the extension digit. This number will serve as an identification number that will be linked to the information in databases. After January 2001, this number will be non-significant and assigned at the discretion of the company managing the SSCC.

"The modification will bring the SSCC in line with the global standards of the EAN/UCC system, which is based on the principle of non-significance. The global uniqueness of an EAN/UCC identification number can be guaranteed only when the standard number is taken as a whole and processed in its entirety.

"By taking the meaning out of the first number, we will see SSCC numbers that eliminate duplication, reduce errors, and allow further global harmonization of the EAN/UCC system," says Chris Cummings, vice president of the UCC's process development group.

The modification is intended to make number management simpler and easier. The change, initiated by the UCC, is also expected to produce a more efficient global harmonization with the EAN/UCC item tracking system.

Existing numbers and number assignment systems will not be required to change.

The UCC advises companies that use edits based on the packaging type to remove or disregard them by January 2001. Users of packaging type number four, which is used for closed, internal systems, will be encouraged to move toward the assignment and use of a world-wide unique SSCC.

For more information, call 937-435-3870 or visit www.uc-council.org .