GS1-128

File Format
Name	GS1-128
Ontology	Physical File Formats Bar codes GS1-128

GS1-128 is not actually a distinct bar code symbology, but a usage of the Code 128 symbology for the purpose of tracking shipping cartons of products through the supply chain. It defines a particular set of fields and their meanings within the characters encoded in a bar code. It has formerly also been known as UCC/EAN-128, UCC-128, and EAN-128. A GS1-128 shipping label typically has several bar codes of this format encoding different groups of fields describing different things related to the product and its shipment. GS1 is an association dedicated to creating and implementing standards for supply chains.

Standards

• GS1 standards library
• GS1-128 Symbology Specifications
• GS1-128 Structure and System Requirements

Software

• Bar Code app (iOS)

Developer libraries

• ZBar bar code reader library: cross-platform
• zxing (Zebra Crossing) (barcode library for Java, ported to some other systems)

Utilities

• Encode GS1-128 bar code
• Bar code generator

References

• Wikipedia article: GS1-128
• Wikipedia article: Code 128
• GS1 site
• GS1 US site
• Bar code types used by GS1 members
• Obtaining a GS1 bar code number
• gs1-128.info
• Techy tip for Code 128
• Discussion on decoding GS1-128 UCC/EAN128 with Motorola EMDK 2.6