What is Code 32?
Code 32, also called Italian Pharmacode, is a numeric barcode derived from Code 39 that encodes an 8-character Italian drug identification number. It is used on pharmaceutical packaging and requisition documents in Italy, where the national drug numbering system expects this specific symbology rather than a generic Code 39.
Common Uses for Code 32
- Italian pharmaceutical packaging codes
- Drug requisition and order documents in Italian healthcare
- Pharmacy stock codes where the system expects Code 32
- Regulatory labels for products sold through Italian channels
Code 32 vs Code 39
Code 32 is visually a subset of Code 39 built from digits plus the standard stop character. Its purpose is narrower: it guarantees a valid Italian pharmaceutical code rather than an arbitrary Code 39 string. If your market or system does not specifically require Code 32, Code 39 or Code 128 give you more flexibility.
Code 32 Check Character
Code 32 appends a check character derived from the eight data digits, so a nine-position symbol is scanned and the check confirms a correct read. The generator computes this automatically from the digits you enter, so every output is a valid Code 32.
Reference