KeHE Product Labeling Requirements for Suppliers

Read this article if you want to learn the ins and outs of product labeling requirements at KeHE, including: 

• A glossary explaining GTIN-12, ITF-14, GTIN-14, GS1-128, and SSCC-18 

• A table of inbound labeling requirements by product type at KeHE 

• In-depth case labeling requirements at KeHE 

• Specific GS1-128, GTIN-14, and SSCC-18 rules at KeHE 

• How labeling noncompliance hurts your bottom line 

• How SPS Fulfillment can help set your business up for success with KeHE 

If you’re preparing to ship into KeHE, the bulk distributor of specialty, organic, natural, and fresh goods, product labels may seem like small details, but getting them right is a big deal.  

Following KeHE’s requirements to a T is key to supplier success. KeHE notes that noncompliance with any of its routing and freight handling requirements may result in a chargeback of all excess expenses, reimbursement for incurred costs, and other associated fees. 

KeHE has spelled out what it wants suppliers to know about product labeling in the 2025 edition of the Inbound Routing Guide & Product Handling Requirements. There are layers of complexity to these guidelines. This article will start broad and work down to the specifics.  

Overview: Labeling Code Glossary 

The road to successful labeling is paved with various acronym-and-number pairings. It will be helpful to know the basics before reviewing the requirements chart. 

GTIN-12 (UPC) 

A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is a globally unique number that is used to identify your product. The GTIN-12 always has 12 digits and is used for point of sale (POS) scanning, typically in North America. You may also see the GTIN-12 referred to as a Universal Product Code (UPC), and it’s the only GTIN type that can be encoded in the UPC-A barcode. 

GTIN-14 

The GTIN-14 is used to identify trade item groupings (e.g., cases, set packs). A GTIN-14 always has 14 digits, never starts with zero as the first digit, and is not used for POS. 

ITF-14 

The ITF-14 is a one-dimensional barcode and the primary carrier of the GTIN-14. It’s used to track cases, pallets, and other non-POS product formats.  

GS1-128 

The GS1-128 is a barcode that can carry up to 48 characters. It is often used to encode GTIN-14s while allowing other data to be included, such as expiration dates, batch/lot information, serial numbers, and country of origin. Like ITF-14s, these barcodes are not meant for POS, as traditional laser scanners are unable to read the additional information GS1-128s hold.  

SSCC-18 

The Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC-18) is an 18-digit number assigned to a logistics unit, such as a pallet. It is typically encoded into a GS1-128 barcode. 

Overview: Inbound Labeling Requirements by Product Type 

Labeling rules vary by unit type. The following table provides a top-level overview of what’s required: 

 Case Labeling Requirements 

KeHE lends the most Inbound Routing Guide space to explaining its labeling requirements for cases, which KeHE defines as “the outer container or carton that holds a specific number or identical individual units/items (or SKU) of the same product.” Case labels must include the following elements: 

1. Descriptions 

Provide a detailed product description (e.g., flavors, colors) on the outside of all cases. Doing so helps KeHE’s receiving team identify differences between seemingly identical cases.  

• Provide only the description of the product inside the case.  

• Don’t list multiple products on a case. 

• Use handwritten notes to identify product contents. 

2. Barcodes 

In keeping with the recent Food Traceability Final Rule updates, KeHE requires all outer cases containing multiple selling units shipped to the distributor to comply with the following case barcode requirements: 

Format 

• You must provide a scannable ITF-14 case GTIN or a scannable GS1-128 barcode for all pack cases containing multiple selling units.  

• KeHE says it prefers a GS1-128 barcode.  

  • (Note: Despite this preference and the fact that KeHE accepts GS1-128 barcodes at its distribution centers, KeHE says it will pass through any charges by customers that don’t accept this format.) 

  • Like the ITF-14, the GS1-128 encodes the GTIN-14. GS1-128's edge is that it’s able to provide even more information, including the expiration date and lot number.  

  • See the section titled “Specific Code Requirements at KeHE” for more information on KeHE’s rules regarding GTIN-14s and GS1-128s. 

• If your product is on the Food Traceability List (FTL), it must have the GS1-128 barcode to meet traceability requirements. 

• If your product is not on the FTL, KeHE will accept a GTIN-14 instead. However, KeHE notes that this may change in the future. 

• You must provide a scannable UPC for each single packed item with one selling unit. 

• KeHE doesn’t provide barcodes. They must be purchased from GS1 directly. 

Quantity 

• You must display the ITF-14 case GTIN or GS1-128 barcode on at least two sides of all supplier pack cases that contain multiple selling units. One must be on the longest side.  

• You only need to provide one UPC for single packed items with one selling unit. 

3. Product Expiration Date Codes 

You must stamp a date code (either the “Sale By Date” or the “Best Used By Date”) that can be read by a human on the shipping case, each exterior carton, and the product itself.  

• The date code must be in English. 

• The date code must use the MM/DD/YY format. 

• All closed-coded products must have the expiration date decoded and displayed on the outside of the case or decoded for each packing list item.  

4. Random/Catch Weight 

If you have products of varying sizes (e.g., blocks of cheese), you must encode the weight in pounds in a scannable barcode and display it on the case in a form that’s readable by humans.  

Specific Code Requirements at KeHE  

Case GS1-128 Requirements 

KeHE notes that it will accept products with scannable GS1-128 barcodes at its distribution centers. All GS1-128s must include a unique case GTIN-14 to identify products at the warehouse receiving pack, sellable case pack, and item level. 

General Rules 

• The following units fall into what KeHE defines as “standard shipping cases”: 

  • Full supplier pack cases with more than a single selling unit inside 

  • Master pack cases 

  • Display shippers 

  • Display ready pallets 

• If you are shipping master pack cases, you must have a separate GTIN-14 on both the inner and master packs. 

• If you are currently sending product to KeHE in a loose format that is distributed by the case, you must change the delivery pack to a cardboard case with the required GTIN-14. 

Format 

• Must use GS1-128 format. 

• Must include parenthesized application identifier (AI) that identifies GTIN. The AI for GTIN is (01), and it is followed by the 14-digit GTIN.  

• Must include AI for GTIN first, followed by any other information you use (e.g., packing date, batch/lot). 

• Must meet GS1 standards.  

• Minimum allowable size: 3 inches x ¾ inch. 

Placement 

• Must be placed on a minimum of two sides, and one of those two must be the case’s longest side. 

Restrictions 

• Do not print multiple flavor descriptions or multiple unique GTIN-14 barcodes on a single case. 

• Do not use red, blue, brown, and shades of purple when creating your barcodes. Scanning devices are blind to these colors. Use black instead. 

GS1-128 Label 

If you use a removable or tear-off label, it must be able to withstand warehouse conditions, staying attached during receiving, picking, and palletizing. 

Case GTIN-14 Requirements 

General Rules 

• The following units fall into what KeHE defines as “standard shipping cases”: 

  • Full supplier pack cases with more than a single selling unit inside 

  • Master pack cases 

  • Display shippers 

  • Display ready pallets 

• If you are shipping master pack cases, you must have a separate GTIN-14 on both the inner and master packs. 

• If you are currently sending product to KeHE in a loose format that is distributed by the case, you must change the delivery pack to a cardboard case with the required GTIN-14. 

Format 

• Must use ITF-14 barcode format.  

• Must meet GS1 standards. 

• Minimum allowable size: 3 inches x ¾ inch. 

Placement 

• Must be placed at least ¾ inch from the edge of the case wall and 1 ¼ inches from the bottom of the case. 

• Must be placed on a minimum of two sides, and one of those two must be the case’s longest side. 

• Must include a minimum of ¼ inch of white space (aka quiet zone) on the left and right sides of the printed barcode.  

• Must include barrier bars. 

Restrictions 

• Do not print multiple flavor descriptions or multiple unique GTIN-14 barcodes on a single case. 

• Do not use red, blue, brown, and shades of purple when creating your barcodes. Scanning devices are blind to these colors. Use black instead.  

GTIN Label 

If you use a removable or tear-off label, it must be able to withstand warehouse conditions, staying attached during receiving, picking, and palletizing.  

Pallet Label SSCC-18/GS1-128 Requirements 

KeHE notes that the SSCC-18 is also known as the “GS1 US Common Label” for use in North America. Here’s what it should include (minimum requirements are in italics): 

The Costs of Case Barcode Noncompliance  

If you deliver products that don’t meet KeHE’s case barcode requirements, KeHE will apply a “Case Barcode Noncompliance Fee." The fee applies to the amount of noncompliant products that fall below the case barcode compliance rate (i.e., the percentage of case barcode requirement-compliant products suppliers must achieve during the review period before being fined). If fined, it will be deducted from a future invoice. 

In addition to the noncompliance fee, the food distributor outlines that suppliers are “liable to KeHE for any fees, costs, charges, or expenses caused as a result of the supplier’s inaccurate GTIN-14/GS1-128 barcode information or noncompliance, and such amounts incurred by KeHE related to GTIN noncompliance shall be charged back to the supplier, including those accrued prior to the effective date of this such date." 

Moreover, KeHE notes that noncompliance with KeHE’s GTIN/GS1-128 requirements may result in the distributor restricting or even discontinuing your products.  

Add SPS Fulfillment to Your KeHE Readiness Checklist 

From label rules to bill of lading requirements, getting all of the details just right for shipping into KeHE is a tall order. SPS Fulfillment can help by taking some of the most detailed and labor-intensive tasks off your plate. 

KeHE has outlined core electronic data interchange (EDI) documents its suppliers must be able to either provide or receive during the order fulfillment process. SPS sets up your business for EDI success by: 

• Giving your team one place to manage orders, documents, and updates. 

• Getting KeHE’s requirements right, reducing uncertainty, and protecting your bottom line.  

• Automatically rebuilding workflows as your business grows, scaling your business without scaling complexity.  

See the benefits of partnering with SPS Fulfillment.