Item database, codes and description

Item codes and descriptions

All standard items have a reference code and a standard description in order to:

• Facilitate communications at all steps in the supply chain

• Enable computer management of the supply chain

• Facilitate the listing of all standard items in a logical order

• Facilitate the use of search tools for standard item lists

• Enable data consolidation

The coding system is in English. Each item is issued with a unique standardized code; those familiar with the system should be able to easily identify the type of item by reading the code.

Item descriptions have a maximum of 60 characters; only key words appear in upper case.

A revision of the codes and descriptions is undertaken annually. The complete standard items list is available from ICRC headquarters and the International Federation secretariat.

To avoid duplication, responsibility for registering the codes for standard items has been centralized under the ICRC Logistics Division.

Currently, the database includes 18,014 items of which only a selection of 2696 has been included in this catalogue.

Code structure

The code is divided into four fields:

• The first, “Group”, classifies an item according to a pre-set list corresponding to its area of use (medical, administration, etc.)

• The next two fields – “Family” and “Category” - indicate the nature of the item

• The last field – “Specifications” – indicates its unique details.

15-character codification breakdown:

Code construction:

Examples:

-       MDRECOMPA10              COMPRESS, ALUMINIZED, 10 x 10 cm, wound pad, sterile

-       WNECMCITG130IIF           FITTING GI,Threaded,Tee reducing F/F/F,diam 2"-2"-1"  

Item groups, 18 in total:

Updated 2021-02-08