Beginning August 1, 2026, Pattern will process inbound shipments using Auto Container Receive (ACR), an automated receiving system that identifies and receives inventory by scanning barcode labels applied to the exterior of cartons.
Each carton must have a compliant barcode on the outside, and that barcode must be unique to the case pack. It cannot be the same barcode used for any inner pack or individual product.
To ensure shipments can be received efficiently and accurately, all cartons shipped to Pattern must meet the requirements outlined in this article.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in receiving delays or additional manual processing.
Accepted Barcode Types
Each carton must have at least one compliant barcode displayed on the outside. The case pack barcode must be completely unique and cannot match the barcode used for an inner pack or an individual item.
1D Barcodes
ITF-14
- Encoded with a GTIN-14
- Typically used for single-SKU cartons
GS1-128
- Encoded with a GTIN-14 or SSCC-18
- Supports additional information such as:
- Lot number
- Best before date
- Expiration date
- Item count
2D Barcodes
GS1 DataMatrix
- Encoded with a GTIN-14 or SSCC-18
GS1 QR Code
- Encoded with a GTIN-14 or SSCC-18
Carton Requirements
Retail Casepacks
If the outer carton is intended to be sold as a single retail unit:
- The carton must display a case-level UPC or EAN.
- The case-level UPC/EAN must be different from the UPC/EAN assigned to the individual items inside the carton.
Transit Cartons (Master Cases)
If the carton is intended to be opened before products are sold individually:
- The carton must display either:
- GTIN-14
- SSCC-18
Retail Casepack and Transit Carton
If a carton serves both purposes:
- Display the casepack UPC/EAN.
- Display a GTIN-14 or SSCC-18 barcode.
Mixed Carton Requirements
A mixed carton contains two or more unique SKUs.
Mixed cartons must:
- Display a "Mixed Carton" label on the exterior of the carton.
- Not display individual product UPCs on the exterior.
- Not display a GTIN-14 case-pack barcode.
- Use an SSCC-18 barcode when carton-level identification is required.
Technical Specifications
General 1D Barcode Requirements
The following requirements apply to both ITF-14 and GS1-128 barcodes.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Preferred Label Surface | White label |
| Direct Carton Printing | Permitted if all specifications are met |
| Magnification (Label) | 48.7% - 100% |
| Magnification (Corrugated Carton) | 62.5% - 100% |
| Minimum Bar Height | 32 mm |
| X-Dimension (Minimum Bar Width) | 0.495 mm - 1.016 mm |
| Quiet Zone | Minimum 10X the X-Dimension |
ITF-14 Requirements
ITF-14 Label Example
The label below shows a compliant ITF-14 label including human-readable text fields (product name, qty, expiration date, lot #) above the barcode.
Data to Encode
GTIN-14 (Master Carton Code)
Barcode Specifications
| Magnification | Min Bar Width (X) | Barcode Width | Bar Height | Quiet Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48.7% | 0.50 mm | 59.62 mm | 32.0 mm | 4.95 mm |
| 62.5% | 0.64 mm | 76.52 mm | 32.0 mm | 6.35 mm |
| 100% | 1.02 mm | 122.43 mm | 32.0 mm | 10.16 mm |
Bearer Bar Requirements
Labels
- Required on the top and bottom edges only.
- Minimum width: 2X the X-Dimension.
Direct Carton Printing
- Must completely surround the barcode and quiet zones.
- Minimum width: 4.8 mm.
Recommended Human-Readable Information
Pattern recommends including:
- Product name
- Quantity per carton
- Lot/Batch number
- Best before date
- Expiration date
GS1-128 Requirements
GS1 Logistic Label Example (SSCC-18)
When using SSCC-18 (AI “00”), the label should follow the GS1 Logistic La
Barcode Width
136.14 mm at 100% magnification
Maximum Data Length
- Maximum 48 characters
- Includes FNC1 separators
- Excludes auxiliary characters
Bearer Bars
Not required.
Required Application Identifiers (Choose One)
| AI | Description |
|---|---|
| 00 | SSCC-18 |
| 01 | GTIN-14 |
Optional Application Identifiers
| AI | Description | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Lot/Batch Number | Variable |
| 15 | Best Before Date | YYMMDD |
| 17 | Expiration Date | YYMMDD |
| 37 | Item Count | Numeric |
Additional Requirements for SSCC-18
If using SSCC-18:
- EDI integration through SPS Commerce is required.
- Advance Shipping Notices (ASNs) must be submitted prior to shipment arrival.
- ASNs must reference the corresponding SSCC-18 barcode.
- Lot, best before, and expiration information should be included when applicable.
GS1-128 Specifications
| Magnification | Min Bar Width (X) | Barcode Width | Bar Height | Quiet Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48.7% | 0.50 mm | 66.30 mm | 32.0 mm | 4.95 mm |
| 62.5% | 0.64 mm | 85.09 mm | 32.0 mm | 6.35 mm |
| 100% | 1.02 mm | 136.14 mm | 32.0 mm | 10.16 mm |
Compliance Reminder
Non-compliant cartons may experience receiving delays and require manual processing.
If you have questions about your current setup or need assistance becoming compliant, please contact your Pattern Brand Manager.