Glossary Term
GS1-128 Compliance Label
A sophisticated shipping label that meets the strict requirements of major retailers like Walmart and Amazon.
The Professional Standard
A compliance label is more than just a barcode. It’s a full document that follows strict global standards (GS1). Big retailers like Walmart and Amazon use these to automate their entire supply chain. If your label doesn't follow these exact rules, their robots and scanners won't recognize your shipment.
Mandatory Data Points
These labels must include specific zones: the ship-from and ship-to addresses, the carrier info, and the 'SSCC' (Serial Shipping Container Code) barcode at the bottom. This barcode is the 'license plate' of your box, telling the retailer exactly which purchase order this shipment belongs to.
- Follows the GS1-128 barcode format.
- Must be printed on 4x6 inch thermal labels typically.
- Required for all Walmart DSV and Amazon Vendor shipments.
Avoiding Chargebacks
Retailers are very strict. If your GS1-128 label is missing, placed in the wrong spot, or has a blurry barcode, they might fine you. These fines are called 'chargebacks' and can eat into your profits quickly. Using a proper formatting tool ensures your labels are always compliant.
Printing Quality
Since these labels are scanned multiple times in fast-moving warehouses, you need a high-quality print. Thermal transfer printing is preferred here because it doesn't fade. If the SSCC barcode is unscannable, the warehouse might reject the entire pallet.