# UAE Tatmeen Serialization: The GS1 DataMatrix Explained

> UAE Tatmeen tracks pharmaceuticals with a GS1 DataMatrix carrying GTIN, serial, batch, and expiry. Here's what each field is and how to generate a test code.

- URL: https://www.pyalm.com/blog/uae-tatmeen-serialization-guide
- Author: Fadhil Abdulla
- Category: Free Tools
- Published: 2026-06-11
- Updated: 2026-06-11

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## What Tatmeen is

Tatmeen is the UAE's national track-and-trace system for pharmaceuticals and medical products. It relies on a 2D **GS1 DataMatrix** barcode on each pack that uniquely identifies it. The free [Tatmeen DataMatrix Generator](https://www.pyalm.com/free-tools/tatmeen-datamatrix-generator) builds compliant test codes.

## The four data elements

The DataMatrix encodes four pieces of data using GS1 Application Identifiers:

- **(01) GTIN** — the 14-digit Global Trade Item Number.
- **(21) Serial number** — a unique serial for that individual pack.
- **(10) Batch / lot** — the production batch.
- **(17) Expiry date** — in YYMMDD format.

## Why the structure matters

A serialization barcode isn't just any 2D code — the data must appear in the right order with the correct Application Identifiers, or scanners and the Tatmeen system will reject it. Our generator assembles the encoded string as (01)(21)(10)(17) automatically and renders a scannable DataMatrix.

## Testing vs production

Use this tool to generate and test codes against your scanners and labels. For live serialization and reporting, follow the official Tatmeen onboarding and use an approved system.

[Use the free Tatmeen DataMatrix Generator](https://www.pyalm.com/free-tools/tatmeen-datamatrix-generator) | [Barcode Generator](https://www.pyalm.com/free-tools/barcode-generator)