Product Label

The second level of compliance is the labeling of containers. Once a container has been packed with a quantity of products sharing a common U.P.C. or part number, the carton or pallet is then labeled to identify the contents. Here are two examples.

The Container Label identifies a multi-pack of a single U.P.C. product. The Interleaved 2 of 5 bar code uses the same value as the U.P.C. with only two differences.

The packaging type identifies the type of container used or the number of consumer units. Each configuration is assigned a different number.

An additional zero is inserted after the packaging type. This extra digit performs two functions. It fills out the U.P.C. to match the EAN (European Article Number) for overseas shipments. Also, the entire bar code must contain an even number of digits whether using interleaved 2 of 5 or UCC/EAN-128. The extra zero creates a total of 14 characters.

When shipping to manufacturers, the container label must encode information relevant to the distribution and use of the content as well as its identification and manufacturer.

General Motors introduced the 1724a label to the automotive industry in 1999. The uses a PDF-417 symbol to encode the part number, quantity, carton weight, and shipment information; as well as a serialized, container license number. Unlike the SCC-14, the license number makes each carton unique, and can be traced back to the production line. The label details not only carton content, but also distribution and handling data.