What is the UII (Unique Item Identifier)?

UII Requirements and 2D Barcode Construction

If your items qualify for Item Unique Identification (IUID), as mandated by DFARS Clause 252.211-7003, they will need Unique Item Identifiers (UII).

According to DFARS 252.211-7003, the UII, or Unique Item Identifier, is a set of data that is "globally unique and unambiguous." This set of data elements is marked on qualifying items with a DataMatrix ECC200 2D barcode symbol. The data elements of the UII are encoded into the DataMatrix barcode with a software package, such as CODESOFT® Barcode Labeling & Integration Software.

How is the UII Constructed?

The method used to construct the UII determines the set of data elements that are encoded into the DataMatrix.

According to MIL-STD-130N, the UII may be encoded by using one of the following constructs:

1. UII Construct 1: Serial Number is Unique within the Enterprise.
2. UII Construct 2: Serial Number is Unique within the Original Part, Lot or Batch Number, which is Unique within the Enterprise.
3. DoD IUID Equivalent: Complete value to serve as the UII.

1. Creating the UII Using UID Construct 1
Includes a combination of the following data elements:

• Issuing Agency Code (IAC)*
• Enterprise Identifier (EID)
• Serial Number

2. Creating the UII Using UID Construct 2
Includes a combination of the following data elements:

• Issuing Agency Code (IAC)*
• Enterprise Identifier (EID)
• The Original Part, Lot, or Batch Number
• The Serial Number

* Note - Issuing Agency Codes (IACs) do not need to be marked on the item.

3. IUID Equivalent: IUID Equivalents are complete values that are already in existence to serve as the UII. These IUID Equivalents must meet the following criteria:

• Must contain an enterprise identifier.
• Must uniquely identify an individual item within an enterprise identifier, product, or part number.
• Must have an existing Data Identifier (DI) and Application Identifier (AI) listed in ANSI MH 10.8.2.