MITL Code

What is the MITL?

EHIBCC has worked together with several other industries and standards organizations in the European community to develop a global, cross industry standard for the Multi Industry Transport Label (MITL). These industries include chemical, automotive, electronic and steel in the European community.

Prior to this development, shippers had to register with either the International Article Numbering Association (EAN) or the Uniform Code Council (UCC) for a manufacturer identification number, or obtain a DUNS number. These numbers would form a basis of their shipment identifiers. Many EHIBCC LIC subscribers considered this an unnecessary expense.

The new Global Multi Industry Transport Label enables EHIBCC labelers to use their LIC as the manufacturer identification number. This solution, referred to as 'MITL-A', employs the use of ANSI/FACT Data Identifiers and is already recommended for use in the European community. The MITL version that utilizes UCC-EAN manufacturer identification is now referred to as 'MITL-E'.
The MITL is becoming widely used as the transportation industry seeks a common means of shipment identification. The MITL is a standardized label that can bear bar codes that represent destination zip code, customer purchase order number, shipment identification number and other information. The bar codes enable electronic enhancement of common carrier processes such as tracing and billing. Shipment consignees can utilize the bar-coded fields on the MITL to enable database linkages for computer assisted receiving and purchase order reconciliation in conjunction with EDI 'Advance Ship Notices'.

The European community standard, prEN 1572, Unique Identification for Transport Units, has been submitted to the ISO (Global) level and is awaiting approval. ANSI and CEN standards are National and European standards respectively and HIBCC standards are approved for use by ANSI and EHIBCC standards (which are identical to HIBCC standards) are approved by CEN.

Specifics of the MITL

The 'J' identifier

Below are options for the 'J' identifier located in first position of the license plate data structure as shown in example below:

J Unique license plate number.
1J Unique license plate number assigned to a transport unit, which is the lowest level of packaging, the unbreakable unit.
2J Unique license plate number assigned to a transport unit, which contains multiple packages.
3J Unique license plate number assigned to a transport unit which is the lowest level of packaging, the unbreakable unit and which has EDI data associated with the unit.
4J Unique license plate number assigned to a transport unit which contains multiple packages and which is associated with EDI data.

NOTE: For a license plate number to have uniqueness worldwide it requires:

1. a unique number assigned by the trading partner,
2. a unique code assigned to the trading partner by an organization, and
3. a unique code providing global identification of the assigning organization.

Field data structure

JLHH123Z987654321, where:

J ANSI/FACT Data Identifier - Unique License Plate Number Transport Unit
LH Identifier for the Registration Authority - EHIBCC/HIBCC - 'License Plate Healthcare'
H123 EHIBCC/HIBCC Labeler Identification Code (example LIC)
Z987654321 Shipper's assigned number for the transport unit

Bar code symbol

  • The symbology for the MITL may be either Code 128 or Code 39.
  • The narrow element width or X-dimension should be in the range form 0.010" to 0.017".
  • Other fields may also be bar coded. Use the ANSI/FACT identifiers to represent additional information, such as 'Ship to postal code' and 'Customer purchase order number'.
  • In addition, other data identifiers may be used. Refer to ANSI MH10.8M, 'Unit Loads and Transport Packages - Bar Code Symbols'.

MITL members

See the website of MHIA for a complete list of MITL members.