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Free Code 32 barcode generator.
Code 32 carries the AIC, the authorisation number of an Italian medicine pack, in Code 39. Type nine digits, or eight, and the generator handles the check digit.
How to create a Code 32 barcode
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01
Type all nine AIC digits
Keep the initial 0; with only the first eight digits, the generator adds the check digit.
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02
Set 0.25 mm modules
That is the 2025 decree's nominal width for the narrow bars and spaces.
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03
Add 2.54 mm quiet zones
The image ends at the bars by default: set at least 2.54 mm per side, the 2001 decree's minimum.
Code 32: Italy's AIC medicine barcode
Code 32, also called Italian Pharmacode, is printed on the security sticker of Italian medicine packs. It turns the AIC's nine digits, from the initial 0 to the final check digit, into six base-32 characters in Code 39.
On the IPZS sticker of SSN medicine packs
Packs dispensed through Italy's national health service (SSN) carry a security sticker from the state printing works IPZS, applied by the manufacturer. Code 32 sits on top, the pack's nine-digit serial number below in Interleaved 2 of 5.
Under the 2001 decree, pharmacists stick its top layer on the SSN prescription. Export, sample and disposal marks must leave the AIC readable.
Six characters for a 35 mm line
With start and stop at 2.5:1, the symbol takes 115 modules: 28.75 mm at 0.250 mm. With 2.54 mm quiet zones, the total of 33.83 mm fits the 35 mm sticker line.
The generator refuses a wrong check digit. Its 2.5:1 ratio lies inside the 2025 decree's 2:1 to 3:1.
Online for one AIC, in software for your range
Online, Code 32 downloads free as GIF, PNG or JPG; SVG and higher print resolution come with a plan. Guests make one code at a time; a free sign-in turns an AIC list in a data sheet into barcodes.
TBarCode SDK takes eight or nine digits from your application and draws the base-32 symbol. TFORMer Designer and TBarCode/SAPwin support Code 32 too.
Code 32 at a glance
- Type
- Code 39 with the AIC in base 32
- Specification
- Ministry of Health decree, 20 May 2025, Annex B
- Data
- AIC: 9 digits, first 0, last a check digit
- Module width
- 0.250 mm nominal
- Ratio
- 2:1 to 3:1
- Text line
- A + 9 digits, OCR-A
How the check digit and base 32 work
Double the even-position digits, then add the digits of the results and the odd-position digits; the total's last digit is the check digit. For 01234567: 14 + 12 = 26, check digit 6.
12,345,676 = 11·324 + 24·323 + 24·322 + 10·32 + 12. The decree's table writes these values as 0CSSBD.
Code 32 mistakes
- Dropping the first zero. 12345676 counts as eight base digits and becomes A123456764, not an AIC.
- Adding /E. AIFA dropped this suffix of centrally authorised medicines; from 10 February 2027 it must not appear on the sticker.
Related codes
Encodes your characters as typed: no base 32, no AIC check digit.
Germany's pharmacy number, in Code 39 as decimal digits after a minus sign.
Laetus's pharmaceutical bar code; it only shares Code 32's alias.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about Code 32.
Is Code 32 still required in Italy?
Why don't the bars show my AIC digits?
What does the A before the number mean?
Who assigns the AIC?
More resources
Healthcare & Pharma Labeling FAQ
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