PZN

What is a PZN barcode?

PZN (Pharmazentralnummer — Central Pharmaceutical Number) is the national product identification number for pharmaceutical products sold in Germany. Since 2013, PZN has been a 8-digit number (previously 7 digits), encoded as a Code 39 barcode with the prefix '-' (hyphen) before the digits. Every medicinal product, medical device, and health supplement sold through German pharmacies must have a PZN assigned by the Informationsstelle für Arzneispezialitäten (IFA GmbH). The PZN barcode is printed on every German pharmaceutical pack alongside (or instead of) a GS1 DataMatrix for serialisation.

PZN structure and encoding

PZN consists of:

• A leading hyphen '-' (encoded as the first character in Code 39).
• The prefix 'PZN' or 'PZN-' in human-readable text above the barcode.
• 8 digits: the PZN number (7 data digits + 1 Modulo 11 check digit).

The barcode encodes: - + 8 digits (e.g., -12345678). Human-readable text: PZN-12345678.

The Code 39 barcode must always include start and stop asterisks (*) and the human-readable PZN number.

Check digit (Modulo 11)

PZN uses a Modulo 11 check digit — unlike EAN's Modulo 10:

1. Multiply digit 1 by 2, digit 2 by 3, digit 3 by 4, … digit 7 by 8.
2. Sum all products.
3. Remainder = sum mod 11.
4. If remainder = 10: this PZN number is invalid (assigned numbers avoid this).
5. If remainder = 0–9: check digit = remainder.

Example for PZN 1234567: (1×2)+(2×3)+(3×4)+(4×5)+(5×6)+(6×7)+(7×8) = 2+6+12+20+30+42+56 = 168. 168 mod 11 = 3 → check digit = 3 → PZN-12345673.

PZN vs. GS1 DataMatrix vs. NTIN

PZN is the German national pharmaceutical identifier — it is not a GS1 standard and cannot be used internationally. GS1 DataMatrix (with GTIN + serial + expiry + batch) is required for EU FMD serialisation on the same pack, in addition to the PZN barcode. Some countries have their own equivalents: France uses CIP13, Italy uses AIC, and the UK uses pip codes — none are interchangeable with PZN.

When to use PZN

PZN is mandatory on all pharmaceutical products sold through German pharmacies, including:

• Prescription medicines (Rx).
• Over-the-counter (OTC) products.
• Medical devices sold via pharmacy channels.
• Dietary supplements distributed through pharmacies.

PZN is assigned exclusively by IFA GmbH (ifa-gmbh.de). It cannot be self-assigned.

Printing requirements

PZN uses Code 39 specifications: minimum X-dimension 0.25 mm, wide-to-narrow ratio 2.5:1, quiet zones 10× X-dimension each side. Human-readable text 'PZN-XXXXXXXX' must appear above the barcode. The barcode module is typically positioned in the lower right area of the pack as specified by IFA GmbH label guidelines. For packs also carrying GS1 DataMatrix (EU FMD), both barcodes must be present and clearly separated.

Common scanning failures

PZN barcode failures in pharmacy point-of-sale occur most often due to label damage from improper storage, insufficient quiet zone on small pack formats, and low-contrast printing on coloured or metallic packaging. German pharmacy POS systems scan PZN at the dispensing counter — always verify print quality with a Code 39 verifier.