National Healthcare Reimbursement Numbers (NHRNs) are country-specific codes used to identify medicinal products for reimbursement and regulatory purposes within national healthcare systems. These numbers are assigned by national authorities and may be included in the GS1 DataMatrix as part of the unique identifier.
NHRNs serve as a bridge between the global GS1 identification system and national healthcare reimbursement systems, enabling seamless integration of pharmaceutical products into country-specific healthcare frameworks.
NHRNs enable healthcare systems to process reimbursement claims for pharmaceutical products efficiently and accurately.
Facilitates integration of pharmaceutical products into national healthcare databases and systems.
Ensures compliance with national pharmaceutical regulations and healthcare system requirements.
Provides additional identification layer for products within national healthcare contexts.
NHRNs are encoded in GS1 DataMatrix barcodes using Application Identifier (AI) 71x, where 'x' represents the country code. This allows the NHRN to be included alongside other product information in a single barcode.
The NHRN is structured as: AI (71x) + NHRN Value. The AI prefix defines the meaning and format of the following data, ensuring proper interpretation by scanning systems.
In addition to the machine-readable 2D code, NHRNs are displayed in human-readable format on packaging as: "NHRN (71x): [NHRN Value]" or "NN (71x): [NHRN Value]" (National Code).
NHRN formats and requirements by country
Portugal AIM
• Format: 7 digits total (6 digits + 1 check digit)
• Check digit calculated using GS1 standard algorithm
• Example: 1234562 (where 2 is the check digit for 123456)
Italian AIC
• Format: 9 digits total (8 digits + 1 check digit)
• Check digit calculated using GS1 standard algorithm
• Example: 123456782 (where 2 is the check digit for 12345678)
German PZN
• Format: 8 digits total (7 digits + 1 check digit)
• Check digit calculated using GS1 standard algorithm
• Example: 12345672 (where 2 is the check digit for 1234567)
French CIP13
• Format: 13 digits total (Prefix 3400 + CIP/ACL 8 digits + 1 check digit)
• Check digit calculated using GS1 standard algorithm
• Example: 3400750000210 (where 0 is the check digit for 340075000021)
Spanish CN
• Format: 13 digits total (Prefix 847000 + CN 6 digits + 1 check digit)
• Check digit calculated using GS1 standard algorithm
• Example: 8470001874925 (where 5 is the check digit for 847000187492)
NHRN is an optional field in the GS1 DataMatrix. It should only be included when required by national regulations or when the product is intended for markets where NHRN is mandatory.
Each country has specific requirements for NHRN format, validation, and usage. Manufacturers should consult with national authorities to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Information may be outdated. Always consult official documentation from EMVO, EMA, GS1, and national regulatory bodies for current requirements.