What are code 128 barcodes?

Code 128 barcode labels (also known as, ISBT-128, GS1-128, UCC-128, EAN-128 and USS 128) are commonly used in the shipping and packaging industries. They can be used to produce alphanumeric barcodes, or numeric barcodes.

GS1-128 barcodes labels can contain all 128 characters of ASCII and have an additional first character known as an FNC1 character.

Code 128 uses 106 various printed barcode patterns.

To order barcode labels please telephone us on: +44 (0)1902 635 106 or request a call-back.

What are code 128 application identifiers?

Code 128 barcode labels often have special ‘application identifiers’ (numbers in brackets) which precede the barcode characters. Common identifiers include:

• (01) - a GTIN (Global Traded Item Number)
• (10) - a batch number
• (11) - a product date (as YYMMDD)
• (15) – a best before date (as YYMMDD)
• (21) - a serial number
• (400) - a purchase order number
• (422) - a country of origin (ISO code)

What are code 128 barcode labels used for?

Standards exist that determine how code 128 barcode labels should be generated depending on how they will be applied, for example:

• GS1-128 (previously known as UCC-128 and EAN-128) is defined by GS1 and used to create several types of barcode symbols that include Application Identifiers.
• ISBT-128 for printing blood product barcode labels. This system was developed by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) and the Working Party on Automation and Data Processing (WPADP).
• SSCC-18 for serialized shipping labels.

How to order code 128 barcode labels

To order barcode labels please telephone us on: +44 (0)1902 635 106 or request a call-back.