SSCC

The SSCC is a globally standardised 18-digit GS1 barcode used across international supply chains.
For Amazon, SSCC labels are essential for accurate, efficient, and traceable inbound processing, especially for Vendor Central shipments sent via LTL, FTL, or cross-dock.

When vendors send shipments to Amazon, each carton or pallet must carry a GS1-128 barcode containing the SSCC.
This ensures Amazon can:

• match inbound units to the correct ASN (Advance Shipment Notice),
• prevent receiving errors,
• maintain inventory accuracy,
• and automate the Secure Receive Process (SRP).

What SSCC Identifies:

• The individual carton or pallet, not the product inside.
• The shipment’s traceability across transportation and receiving stages.
• A unique code for each physical unit, generated by the vendor.

Structure of an SSCC (18 digits):

1. Extension digit
2. Company prefix (GS1)
3. Serial reference
4. Check digit

Example format:
 0 1234567 890123456 5

Where SSCC Is Used in Amazon Workflows:

• Vendor Central inbound shipments
• EDI communication (e.g., DESADV / ASN messages)
• Receiving at fulfilment centres
• Carton-level routing (SIPP, PFP, SIOC inbound flows)
• IXD and cross-dock shipments

Benefits for Amazon:

• Accurate carton-level tracking across receiving and stowing.
• Reduced inbound defects: helps prevent PQV, PIBDR, and mismatch errors.
• Automation: speeds up the scanning and validation process.
• Compliance assurance: links each carton to its ASN.

Benefits for Vendors:

• Minimises routing issues and chargebacks.
• Ensures smoother check-in and reduces delays at Amazon FCs.
• Helps maintain compliance with Amazon’s packaging and EDI standards.
• Improves visibility in case of disputes about quantities or damages.

Common Issues When SSCC Is Missing or Incorrect:

• Cartons rejected or delayed at receiving.
• Increased inbound defects or misrouted inventory.
• Chargebacks for non-compliance.
• ASN reconciliation failures (POCA, PO, PQV issues).

Example:
A vendor ships 120 cartons of cosmetics to an Amazon fulfilment centre via LTL.
Each carton has its own SSCC label, and the SSCC list is transmitted via EDI with the ASN.
At the FC, Amazon scans each SSCC, verifies quantities, and quickly checks the shipment into inventory.

Why It Matters:
SSCCs ensure end-to-end traceability, reduce receiving errors, and support Amazon’s highly automated inbound systems.
They are a mandatory component of Vendor Central compliance for many shipment types.

In short:
SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is a unique GS1 barcode used to identify each carton or pallet shipped to Amazon, enabling accurate inbound tracking through EDI and fulfilment centre scanning.