How does it work?
The IPC Harmonised Label ensures uniformity, using a set of standardised address elements, icons and layouts based on the existing standard barcode. It also aims to reduce over-labelling and facilitate delivery across various postal networks. The IPC Harmonised Labelling service enables members to print the label in an easy way.
Different variants of the IPC Harmonised Label have been designed to cover requirements concerning letter package and parcel labels, and labels with integrated postal forms CN22 or CN23 to facilitate customs clearance.
Benefits
The IPC Harmonised Label was designed and developed to:
- Enable postal operators to optimise the end-to-end processing of international letter packets and parcels
- Provide significant improvements for e-retailers and consumers
- Improve track and trace, quality and transit times
Components of the Harmonised Label
The IPC Harmonised Label contains the following elements:
- Dedicated header section to include post- and product-specific information
- Optional section to include e-seller’s specific elements (barcode, instructions, etc.) for operational needs
- Dedicated sender and receiver section that uses standardised address data elements
- Dedicated section to include relevant operational instructions, represented by standardised symbols
- Dedicated section to include the UPU S10 barcode
Harmonised Labelling Service
In September 2015, IPC rolled out the Harmonised Label Service to support INTERCONNECT participants that chose not to implement the full technical capability to create the Harmonised Label in-house.
The Harmonised Labelling Service was developed as a simple printer service that translates the data elements, received through an incoming XML request, into a fully compliant Harmonised Label that is sent back as a PDF file. The service is conceived as an intelligent service that evaluates the data received and produces the correct label type with or without an optional customs form. The Harmonised Labelling Service is part of IPC’s data platform, which delivers all data services for IPC’s members and customers.
More information
To find out more about the IPC Harmonised Labelling Service, contact us at harmonised.label.support@ipc.be.