EPC Scheme Glossary
Every EPC encoding scheme defined in the GS1 Tag Data Standard. Each page explains the binary field layout, filter values, partition table, and real-world usage.
Key concepts
Encoding schemes
0x30Serialized Global Trade Item Number (96-bit)
96 bits
Encodes a GS1 GTIN (barcode number) plus a serial number into 96 bits. This is the most common EPC scheme - it is the o...
0x36Serialized Global Trade Item Number (198-bit)
198 bits
Same as SGTIN-96 but with a 140-bit serial number field that supports alphanumeric serials (6-bit encoded). Used when th...
0x31Serial Shipping Container Code (96-bit)
96 bits
Encodes an SSCC - the 18-digit number on shipping labels that identifies a unique logistics unit (a pallet, a case, a p...
0x32Serialized Global Location Number (96-bit)
96 bits
Encodes a GLN (Global Location Number) with an extension to identify a specific sub-location. GLNs identify physical loc...
0x39Serialized Global Location Number (195-bit)
195 bits
Same as SGLN-96 but with a 140-bit extension field supporting alphanumeric values (6-bit encoded). Used when the extensi...
0x33Global Returnable Asset Identifier (96-bit)
96 bits
Identifies a returnable asset - reusable containers, pallets, kegs, crates, trolleys, and rail cars. The GRAI includes ...
0x37Global Returnable Asset Identifier (170-bit)
170 bits
Same as GRAI-96 but with a 112-bit serial field supporting alphanumeric serials (6-bit encoded).
0x34Global Individual Asset Identifier (96-bit)
96 bits
Identifies an individual asset that is not returnable - IT equipment, tools, vehicles, machinery. Unlike GRAI there is ...
0x38Global Individual Asset Identifier (202-bit)
202 bits
Same as GIAI-96 but with a 150-bit asset reference field supporting alphanumeric values (6-bit encoded).
0x35General Identifier (96-bit)
96 bits
A general-purpose EPC scheme not tied to GS1 keys. Uses an EPCglobal General Manager Number instead of a GS1 Company Pre...
0x2CGlobal Document Type Identifier (96-bit)
96 bits
Identifies a document - a certificate, a permit, a ticket, a licence, a tax receipt. The GDTI encodes a document type a...
0x3EGlobal Document Type Identifier (174-bit)
174 bits
Same as GDTI-96 but with a 119-bit serial field supporting alphanumeric document serials (6-bit encoded).
0x2DGlobal Service Relation Number (96-bit)
96 bits
Identifies a relationship between a service provider and a recipient - a loyalty card member, a hospital patient, a lib...
0x2EGlobal Service Relation Number - Provider (96-bit)
96 bits
Identifies a service relationship from the provider side. While GSRN identifies the recipient (the patient, the member),...
0x3CComponent/Part Identifier (96-bit)
96 bits
Identifies a component or part using a company prefix and a component/part reference. Used in manufacturing to track ind...
0x3DComponent/Part Identifier (variable length)
96 bits
Variable-length CPI encoding with a 6-bit encoded alphanumeric component part reference (null-terminated) followed by a ...
0x3FSerialized Global Coupon Number (96-bit)
96 bits
Encodes a GS1 Global Coupon Number with a serial component, enabling unique identification of individual coupons for red...
0x40Individual Trade Item Piece (96-bit)
96 bits
Identifies an individual piece of a trade item that is naturally sold in sets - the left shoe of a pair, one lens of a ...
0x41Individual Trade Item Piece (110-bit)
110 bits
Same as ITIP-96 but with a longer 38-bit serial number field (matching SGTIN-96 serial capacity).
0x3BAerospace and Defence Identifier (variable length)
96 bits
US Department of Defence and aerospace identifier. Uses a CAGE code (Commercial and Government Entity) or DoDAAC (DoD Ac...