Toys “R”Us
FAQs | Use of Shipping Container Codes (SCC-14, ITF-14, GTIN-14)
In early March, Toys “R”Us announced enhancements to our US direct import carton marking requirements that will call for the inclusion of a shipping container code effective for orders with a ship window beginning 05/13/2012.
We recognize that several of our partners may still have questions surrounding the use and application of the shipping container code.
The purpose of this document is to provide responses to some of the more frequently asked questions.
What is a Shipping Container Code?
Commonly referred to as an SCC-14, GTIN-14, ITF-14 or Master Carton Code – A shipping container code is a 14-digit unique barcode that assists in the identification of a pre-defined, or fixed, item/pack combination.
This barcode is essentially a representation of the UPC-12 at a higher packaging level. The use of a shipping container code will uniquely identify your products as they move through our global supply chain.
For Toys “R”Us, we are interested in capturing the shipping container code at the cartonlevel where pre-defined pack quantities already exist.
Explain the structure of a Shipping Container Code?
The Shipping Container Code is used to identify the same products at levels above the individual unit.
The accepted format is as follows:
- One digit representing the Packaging level Indicator
- Twelve digits for the Manufacturer Prefix & Item Reference
- One digit representing the Check Digit
As mentioned previously, the shipping container code is essentially a representation of the specific UPC-12 at a higher packaging level. As such, the UPC can be incorporated into the next series of positions 2 through 13.
Below is an example of how to create an SCC-14 using a UPC.
- EXAMPLE:UPC = 012345678905
•Position 1, the pack level indicator, should contain a value between 1 to 8. The use of a particular number is flexible for the supplier and will depend on your specific business rules
•Positions 2 – 13is where the UPC is inserted. (NOTE: A lead “0” should be inserted to fill position 2 followed by the first 11 digits UPC – the last, “check digit” should be removed)
- Unit UPC = 012345678905
- Leading “0” + UPC = 001234567890
•Position 14 would equal the Check Digit. The Check Digit is a calculation based on the 13 previous digits within the Shipping Container Code. Below is logic to calculate the Check Digit:
- Add all of the digits in the odd positions (digits in position 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13)
- Multiply by 3.
- Add all of the digits in even positions (digits in position 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12).
- Sum the results of steps 3 and 2.
- Determine what number needs to be added to the result of step 4 in order to create a multiple of 10. This number becomes the Check Digit
Below is a chart showing examples of a UPC and SCC-14 codes for the same item / multiple carton sizes
Description / Packaging Level / Type / BarcodeProduct A / 1 Unit / Consumer / UPC / 012345678905
Product A / 12 Units / Carton / SCC-14 / 10012345678902
Product A / 48 Units / Carton / SCC-14 / 20012345678909
Does the Packaging Indicator refer to casepack of the item? What should I do when there are more than 2 digits for the casepack?
No. The pack indicator is not a direct representation of the pack quantity. Rather, the first digit typically indicates the packaging level. For Toys “R”Us, we are interested in the carton level. It is recommended a number ranging from 1 to 8 is assigned for the first digit. It is up to the vendor to assign an individual number (pack level indicator) from 1 to 8 to identify the total number of units within the carton. See example below.
EXAMPLE:Item A = pack 12, Item B = pack 12
•If you assign the pack level indicator of “1” to pack 12 setup for Item A, then it must remain consistent through the item’s lifecycle
•Although Item B has the same pack 12, you can assign a different pack level indicator if you choose to
•The packaging level indicator only has to stay consistent for that specific item
Does the Shipping Container Code always need to be the same for a specific item?
Yes. The shipping container code must remain consistent for that item/pack combination.
EXAMPLE: Item A has a pack qty of 12, then all SCCs for that item with pack 12 should be the same. IF a new pack configuration is created – i.e. the item changes to a pack of 24 – then a new SCC should be created to identify the new unique item/pack. Please see below. The Item is the same, but since there was a pack change, the pack level indicator (position 1) has changed from 1 2 for the SCC-14.
- Item A (UPC 012345678905) has a pack of 12 –
- SCC-14/GTIN-14 code = 10012345678902
- Item A (UPC 012345678905) has a pack of 24 –
- SCC-14/GTIN-14 code = 20012345678909
If my product has a pack quantity of “1”, Do I need to use an SCC?
No. For items with a pack of 1, the product UPC will be accepted in place of the SCC-14.
When the shipping carton has a pack of 1, then only the UPC will be expected
Should the barcode be placed on all 4 sides of a carton?
Our preference would be at least 2 sides of the carton – main facing and side facing.
Labels should be applied to the longest, flat side of the carton. See example
What are the size specifications for the Shipping Container Code?
The minimum for the “X” dimension (which represents the narrowest allowed space between two lines of a barcode) is as follows
- 15 mil for black on white barcode
- 20 mil for black on brown barcode
The SCC barcode is expected to be at least 3” in width, 1.25” in height, with 0.4” quiet zone on each side
Can vendors use a sticker for the barcode label (instead of applying to carton markings)?
Yes. The vendor can use a label to apply the barcode or they can have it imprinted in the carton markings.
Will Toys “R”Us be collecting the SCC-14 code in their Item Master?
Yes, but not immediately. In the future, we will be collecting the SCC-14 code within our item master. However, those steps are not necessary at this time. Instead, we will be collecting this information within our DC’s at time of receipt.
What is the effective date of this change?
The inclusion of shipping container codes is effective for purchase orders with a ship window beginning 05/13/2012.
The expectation is orders that will be delivered to our freight forwarder the week of 05/13 and later will include the new carton markings.
For Toys R US United States: Use of Shipping Container Codes
** Applies to Hardlines / Softlines Direct Import product (TRU Import Orders)