What is a PZN (Pharmazentralnummer) barcode?
The PZN (Pharmazentralnummer) identifies medicines and other pharmacy products in Germany. Numbers are assigned by IFA (Informationsstelle für Arzneispezialitäten), and pharmacies and wholesalers use them for ordering and dispensing.
The PZN barcode is printed as Code 39 with a leading minus sign and the text PZN in front of the number. Today's PZN has 8 digits, the last being a check digit; the older format had 7.
Enter 7 digits for the current PZN8 or 6 digits for the old PZN7 layout, without the final check digit. For packs that fall under the EU Falsified Medicines Directive, the PZN usually also appears inside a PPN in a Data Matrix code.
What data can PZN (Pharmazentralnummer) hold?
6 or 7 digits: the PZN without its final check digit. Spaces are ignored.
Recommended size
Leave a quiet zone of at least 10 times the narrowest bar on each side, and keep the bars tall enough for handheld pharmacy scanners. Test the printed pack before release.
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Frequently Asked Questions
PZNs are assigned by IFA in Germany. This tool only creates the barcode for a PZN you already have.
PZN8 is the current 8-digit format and replaced the 7-digit PZN7. Use PZN8 unless an old system specifically needs PZN7.
No. Serialized prescription medicines also need a Data Matrix code with product code, batch, expiry and serial number. See the PPN / IFA Data Matrix page.