FNC1

The control character that makes a barcode “GS1” and delimits its Application Identifiers.

Definition

In the first position, FNC1 signals that a Code 128, GS1 DataMatrix or GS1 QR symbol encodes GS1 data. Between two elements it acts as a separator (the “group separator”, ASCII 29) after a variable-length AI. It is what distinguishes GS1-128 from plain Code 128.

Origin

Specified in the GS1 General Specifications (“Use of the symbology and Application Identifiers”) and in the symbology standard ISO/IEC 15417 (Code 128).

Example in context

(01)09501101020917(10)ABC123 → the FNC1 separates the variable-length AI (10) batch from the next element.

Related terms

• GS1 Application Identifier — the elements FNC1 delimits.
• GS1-128 — symbology where FNC1 is required.