Mil-Std 129P Labeling

DOD Compliance Articles

UID Container Labeling

What is UID?

UID stands for Unique Identification and is a system of marking items delivered to the DOD with unique item identifiers that have machine-readable data elements to distinguish an item from other items. "Machine-readable" in this instance just means a barcode. The barcode used on the part is a two-dimensional (2D) datamatrix barcode. "Datamatrix" is the symbology, or format, of the barcode (see samples below).

The simplest way to think of UID is as a globally-unique serial number. Sometimes you will hear reference to a UII. Technically, "UID" is the system or process by which items are marked and registered. "UII" is the set of data that is actually marked on the part. However, it is common to hear "UID" used to refer both to the UID system and to the UII data set.
Sample Labels with UID
Unit Pack and Intermediate Container Label with UID Marking
Unit Pack and Intermediate Container Label
RFID & UID Exterior Container Label
Exterior Container Label with RFID & UID

When to Use UID

If you are required to comply with the UID mandate, your contract should specifically state the requirement and list the items that are to be marked. DoD Instruction 8320.04, Item Unique Identification (IUID) Standards for Tangible Personal Property, para 5.4external link

How does UID Impact Container Labeling?

When an item is assigned a UII, the UII(s) shall be applied to the unit pack, intermediate container, and exterior container using the 2D (PDF417) symbol. A human readable version of the UII on the containers is optional. (Mil-Std 129, para 4.4.2.3 and 4.4.3.1) PDF417 is a particular barcode symbology or format (see samples below). The data normally listed in linear barcodes will also be included in the PDF417 barcode. (Mil-Std 129, para 4.4)
UII marking is not required on multipacks. (Mil-Std 129, para 4.4.3.11e)
UII marking is required on containers of sets and assemblies. (Mil-Std 129, para 5.2.14.1)
UII marking is required on DD Form 1348-1A. (Mil-Std 129, para 5.4.2)

Other References

DOD UID website (http://www.iuidtoolkit.com/)external link

Barcode Symbologies (Formats)
Linear Barcode Datamatrix Barcode PDF417 Barcode
Linear Barcode
Linear barcodes are used for non-UID container marking.		 Datamatrix Barcode
Datamatrix barcode is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode used to mark the UII directly on the parts and is to remain on the part for the entire life of the part. These barcodes contain exactly one UII each.		 PDF417 Barcode
PDF417 barcode is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode used to mark containers for UII-marked parts and are disposable marks which are destroyed when the container is destroyed. These barcodes can contain more than one UII and other information.