VDA goods tags and VDA labels

The VDA goods tag is a labelling standard which is mainly used by automotive manufacturers and suppliers in the automotive industry. All incoming goods can be recorded and processed automatically by reading the barcodes on the VDA label.

This VDA label (also known as an Odette label or GTL label) contains all the essential information for internal material flow and the transport route between the shipper (the supplier), the transport company and the recipient (the customer) – all in machine-readable form in a data matrix code (2D barcode), which can be read in just one scanning process. The globally unique pallet number/shipment number is additionally printed in the form of a Code 128 barcode. The printed codes on the label enable the globally unique identification of the package or shipment.

Depending on the packaging level, the label fulfils different control functions:

In transport packaging (e.g. pallets or other large load carriers), the label provides clear identification of the shipment through the logistics chain until it reaches the customer. A shipment consists of all the packages that are to be delivered to one destination address.

For product packaging (inner packaging, also known as LTL (less than load carriers)), the label is used for material identification in internal handling on the supplier’s and customer’s premises. The label on this innermost packaging is often referred to in the automotive sector as the LTL label.

Source: VDA recommendation 4994 of 06.2021 from the German Association of the Automotive Industry

The recommendation 4994 as per the VDA from 06.2021 considers different label formats to be suitable for such usage scenarios.

You can order these label formats from our online shop in packs of 500 sheets – at attractive conditions and available immediately from our storage facility

For pallets and large transport units:
Format A5 210 mm x 148 mm => order HERMA article 8493 online
Format A6 148 mm x 105 mm => order HERMA article 8492 online

For LTL, less than load carriers:
Format 210 mm x 74 mm => order HERMA LTL article LWE00193 online

You’ll find many more standard formats for use in the logistics sector in our online shop. Use the quick start on the right and discover the labels on sheets and rolls, all with immediate delivery.

How does this work with the same label sheet?

What distinguishes this label design from standard label sheets are micro-perforations and special punching on the rear of the backing paper. After printing, the four labels can be easily separated along the micro-perforation line and inserted individually into the pockets provided (non-adhesive use).

A second possibility is to use the label as a ‘flag’ or attachment: by punching perforations in the backing paper, part of it can be peeled off, exposing a narrow adhesive strip. The rest of the label is still covered and will not adhere to the item.

And thirdly, the complete label can also be stuck on, either immediately or at a later date.

You can order these labels in our online shop: Order HERMA article LWE00193 online

We’ll be happy to advise you!

If you need a different label size with similar features/punched perforations, we’ll be happy to make you an attractive offer. Simply let us know your requirements in the contact form.