What is a HIBC LIC 39 barcode?
HIBC LIC 39 carries Health Industry Bar Code data in a Code 39 symbol. HIBC is the labeling standard of the Health Industry Business Communications Council (HIBCC), which is also an FDA-accredited issuing agency for UDI device identifiers. The LIC (Labeler Identification Code) part tells you who labeled the product.
The primary data is a + flag, a 4-character LIC that starts with a letter, a product or catalog number of up to 18 characters, a unit of measure digit and a modulo 43 check character. Code 39 is wider than Code 128 for the same data, but almost every hospital laser and CCD scanner reads it, which is why older systems and some procurement departments still ask for it.
Choose HIBC LIC 39 when a customer or legacy system specifically requires Code 39. If you have a free choice of linear barcode, HIBC LIC 128 is shorter; if space is tight or you need lot, expiry and serial in one symbol, look at HIBC LIC Data Matrix.
What data can HIBC LIC 39 hold?
Uppercase letters A-Z, digits 0-9 and the symbols - . space $ / + %. Enter the HIBC data without the leading + sign; the encoder adds the + flag and the modulo 43 check character. Lowercase letters are flagged so you can convert them.
Recommended size
Code 39 grows quickly with data length, so keep the product number short and leave a quiet zone of at least 10 times the narrowest bar on each side. Print a test label and scan it with the readers used on the ward or in the stockroom.
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Frequently Asked Questions
LICs are assigned by HIBCC. You need your own registered LIC before you label products for sale.
Both hold the same HIBC data. Use 39 when a customer or older system requires it, and 128 when you want a shorter barcode.
HIBC secondary data such as lot and expiry follows a / separator, and the characters it uses are allowed here. Check the HIBC supplier labeling standard for the exact field order your customers expect.