The Health Industry Business Communications Council (HIBCC) is an industry-sponsored and supported non-profit council, founded in 1983 to develop a standard for data transfer using uniform bar code labeling. The HIBC standard allows labelers to use the same barcode world-wide proven a valuable tool for reducing costs and human error in other industries, such as retail. In health care, the potential was even greater because of the impact errors can have on the quality of patient care. HIBCC is working closely with regulatory bodies and labelers to ensure all HIBC UDIs meet the requirements of EU MDR 2017/745, FDA. HIBCC was formed to administer the Standard and issue the Labeler Identification Codes (LIC’s) which identify individual manufacturers and are included within each UDI bar code. An ANSI-accredited organization, our primary function is to facilitate electronic communications by developing appropriate standards for information exchange among all health care trading partners. Our broad mission has consistently expanded to meet the evolving needs of the industry, and has involved us in a number of critical areas, including electronic data interchange message formats, bar code labeling (and other automatic identification) data standards, universal numbering systems, and the provision of databases that ensure common identifiers. HIBCC major activities Standardized manufacturer, customer, and product identification codes, including the Labeler Identification Code (LIC), and Health Industry Number (HIN) The Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) Standards, UDI Computerized EDI protocols in ASC X12 approved message formats Participation in national and international organizations working to further enhance electronic communications standards.