Why does Pattern require a barcode on each carton?
Pattern's warehouse uses an automated receiving system called Auto Container Receive (ACR) that reads exterior carton barcodes to identify and receive shipment contents without opening the box. This eliminates manual touchpoints, reduces receiving errors, and gets your inventory to marketplaces faster. Without a compliant barcode, cartons cannot be processed automatically and may experience delays.
When do the new carton barcode requirements take effect?
The updated carton barcode requirements are effective August 1, 2026. Shipments arriving after this date without a compliant exterior barcode will be subject to receiving delays or manual processing fees. We encourage partners to update their labeling before this date to avoid any disruption.
What barcode types does Pattern accept?
Each carton must have at least one of the following on its exterior:
1D Barcodes
- ITF-14 (encoded with a GTIN-14)
- GS1-128 (encoded with a GTIN-14 or SSCC-18)
2D Barcodes
- GS1 DataMatrix (encoded with a GTIN-14 or SSCC-18)
- GS1 QR Code (encoded with a GTIN-14 or SSCC-18)
A standard UPC or FNSKU on the individual unit does not satisfy the carton barcode requirement.
What is the difference between GTIN-14 and SSCC-18? Which one do I need?
- GTIN-14 identifies a trade item grouping, such as a case pack of a single SKU. It is the simpler option and does not require EDI integration.
- SSCC-18 (Serialized Shipping Container Code) uniquely identifies an individual carton. It is required for mixed cartons (cartons containing two or more unique SKUs) and for shipments where EDI/ASN integration is in place via SPS Commerce.
If you ship single-SKU cartons and do not have an EDI setup, GTIN-14 via an ITF-14 or GS1-128 barcode is the straightforward path. If you ship mixed cartons or want serialized tracking per carton, you will need SSCC-18.
Do I need a GS1 Company Prefix to get started?
Yes. All GS1 barcodes (ITF-14, GS1-128, GS1 DataMatrix, GS1 QR Code) are built on a GS1 Company Prefix. If you do not already have one, register at gs1us.org. Allow 1 to 3 business days for activation.
If your 3PL or ERP vendor manages barcoding on your behalf, confirm they have your prefix on file before proceeding.
What are the placement and size requirements for the barcode label?
Key requirements:
- Label surface: Printing on a white label is preferred. Printing directly on corrugated cardboard is acceptable if all specs are met.
- Minimum bar height: 32 mm at all magnifications.
- Quiet zone: A clear, unprinted margin of at least 10x the X-dimension must surround the barcode on all sides. At 100% magnification this is 10.16 mm.
- Placement: The barcode must be on the exterior of the carton and fully scannable. Do not place labels over the seam or fold of the box, as creasing makes barcodes unscannable.
See the full Pattern Carton Labeling Requirements document for complete dimension tables by magnification.
Can I print the barcode directly on the cardboard instead of using a label?
Yes, direct printing on corrugated cardboard is acceptable as long as it meets Pattern's barcode specifications, including minimum magnification (62.5% for cardboard vs. 48.7% for labels), bar height, quiet zone, and print quality requirements. A barcode verifier grade check is strongly recommended before going live, especially for direct printing.
What are the rules for mixed cartons?
A mixed carton contains two or more unique SKUs. The following rules apply:
- The exterior must display a "Mixed Carton" label.
- Do not place a case pack GTIN-14 or any individual product UPC on the outside of a mixed carton.
- SSCC-18 via a GS1-128 barcode is required if you want the carton tracked at the serialized level. The SSCC-18 must reference all SKUs in the carton.
Mixed carton shipments sent without compliant labeling may be subject to manual processing and delays.
If I use SSCC-18, do I need to send an Advance Shipping Notice (ASN)?
Yes. SSCC-18 requires EDI integration with Pattern's EDI partner, SPS Commerce, and you must send an Advance Shipping Notice (ASN) before your shipment arrives. Each ASN must be tied to the SSCC-18 number on the corresponding carton and should include lot number, best before date, and expiration date where applicable.
If you are not currently set up with SPS Commerce and want to use SSCC-18, contact your Pattern Ecommerce Manager to begin the integration process well ahead of the August 1 deadline.
My carton already has a UPC on the outside. Is that enough?
It depends. A standard product UPC (or EAN) on a transit carton (a master case meant to be opened to stock individual items) is not sufficient. Transit cartons must carry a GTIN-14 or SSCC-18. If your carton is a retail case pack (designed to be sold as a unit directly off the shelf), it should carry a UPC specific to that case pack, which must be different from the individual item UPC. If the carton functions as both a retail case pack and a transit carton, it should carry both.
Do I need both an FNSKU label and an FBA carton label on the box?
These serve different purposes. The FBA carton label (the shipment label Amazon generates in Seller Central) is required on every carton and is what Pattern uses during the Middle Mile receiving process. The FNSKU is a unit-level identifier that Amazon may require on the individual product inside the box, depending on how the ASIN is configured in Seller Central.
From Pattern's side, we only need the FBA carton label on the exterior of each carton. Whether you also need FNSKU labels on individual units is determined by your Amazon ASIN setup. If Amazon's Seller Central workflow is prompting you to print FNSKU labels, that is an Amazon requirement for how that product is configured, not a Pattern requirement. When both labels are present on a carton, that is fine. If you are unsure how your ASIN is set up, reach out to your Pattern Ecommerce Manager.
Amazon is still prompting me to apply FNSKU labels even after I set up my shipment. What should I do?
This is an Amazon Seller Central configuration, not a Pattern requirement. Amazon prompts for FNSKU labels when the ASIN is set up to require manufacturer barcode labeling or when the product category requires it. Completing your shipment setup in Seller Central (through Step 2 and beyond) will clarify exactly what Amazon requires at the unit level. Your products and cartons should be fully prepped and labeled before submitting through the Middle Mile portal. If you are getting stuck in the setup flow, contact your Pattern Ecommerce Manager for a walkthrough.
What happens if my cartons arrive without a compliant barcode?
Cartons that cannot be read by Pattern's automated receiving system will be pulled out of the automated flow and flagged for manual processing. This means they cannot move through the sorting conveyor, adding significant time between dock arrival and marketplace listing. In some cases, if cartons cannot be identified at all, they may be held at the facility until the brand provides labeling information. Repeated non-compliance may result in additional fees. To avoid this, validate your labels with a GS1-certified barcode verifier before your first compliant shipment and have a test carton reviewed by your Pattern Brand Manager.
How do I know my barcode is compliant before I ship?
Run through the following before your shipment leaves:
- Verify your GS1 Company Prefix is active and encoded correctly.
- Confirm the correct Application Identifiers (AIs) are in your label template (AI 01 for GTIN-14, AI 00 for SSCC-18).
- Use a GS1-certified barcode verifier (not just a handheld scanner) to confirm symbol grade, quiet zones, bar height, and X-dimension.
- Check that the label is not placed over any seam, fold, or raised surface.
- Have a test carton reviewed and signed off by your Pattern Brand Manager before full production.
For step-by-step guidance, refer to the Pattern Barcode Implementation Guide.