Introduction of Barcode for Parcels

Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Posts
Mail Business (Development & Operations) Division
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110001

No.30-49/2012-D                                                                                             Dated: 06.03.2013

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: - Introduction of Barcode for Parcels: Specifications regarding.

The matter regarding restricting of the existing network for parcel operation is currently under examination at this Directorate. It has been decided to provide track and trace feature for the three proposed parcel products, i.e., “Express Parcel”, “Business Express Parcel” and “Business Parcel” as well as for Registered Parcel. It has further been decided to introduce barcode on all categories of parcel articles and bags including ordinary parcels. However, track and trace feature would not be available for ordinary parcels.

2. A new application software for processing of parcels at Parcel Processing Centres (nomenclature yet to be decided for these mail offices) is being developed by CEPT Mysore. Provisions are also being made for computerized booking and printed barcode stickers shall also be used for posting/ acceptance of parcel in bulk at Centres to be created for this purpose.

3. The structure of the bar code for parcel articles will be the same as prescribed for Speed Post articles, i.e., Code 39 symbology with 13-character alpha numeric combination as per the UPU standards. The first two alpha characters would be in the range of “CA to CZ” for parcels. For example, a parcel booked in Maharashtra Circle will have a barcode as “CMxxxxxxxxxIN”, where “CM” reflects the bar code series allotted to Maharashtra Circle for parcels, the next 8 digits being in serial order and the 9th digit being the check digit and “IN” denoting “India”. The bar code series allocated to the Circles for the purpose of prcels is given in the Annexure 1. Same series of barcodes would be used for all categories of parcels. Further, the same series of bar code, as allotted to the Circles, will be used for both domestic and international parcels. Accordingly, this memo supersedes Directorate memo No.28-2/2003-CF dated 9.11.2004 and 13.12.2004 containing barcode series for international parcels. Specifications for barcodes to be used on parcel articles are given in Annexure 2.

4. All parcel bags would carry a bag label containing a barcode. The barcode series allocated to the Circles for parcel bags is given at Annexure 3. There would be two separate bags label for parcels bags- One for “Express Parcel” bag and the other for rest of the parcel bags. The design and specification for Express Parcel bags and other categories of parcel bags are given Annexure 4 and Annexure 5 respectively.

5. The new network for parcel operations, use of the new software and track and trace features are likely to be operationalzed in April 2013. Therefore, Circles may complete action on assessment of the quantity of barcode stickers (articles level) and bag labels required for booking and processing of parcels and place the orders for procurement of these items by 31st March 2013.

(Rishikesh)
Director (Mail Management)

All Heads of Circles
All Postmaster(s) General