Batch Number Printing Solutions for Manufacturers

Batch number printing machines help manufacturers print batch codes, expiry dates, lot numbers, MFD dates, and variable data on products and packaging — automatically, at production line speed — for traceability, regulatory compliance, and production efficiency.

Quick answer
A batch number printing machine is an industrial coding system that prints unique batch codes, lot numbers, MFD/expiry dates, barcodes, and traceability data directly onto products and packaging — automatically, without stopping the production line.

What is batch number printing?

Batch number printing is the process of printing a unique identification code on a product or its packaging to identify items manufactured during a specific production cycle. The batch number allows manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and regulatory authorities to trace a product back to its origin.

In India, batch number printing is a mandatory requirement under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, FSSAI regulations, and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules across pharmaceutical, food, and FMCG industries.

Track products throughout the supply chain and distribution network
Support fast, targeted product recalls with minimal disruption
Improve inventory management and FIFO stock rotation
Meet FSSAI, CDSCO, and Legal Metrology compliance requirements
Improve quality control at every production stage
Authenticate products and reduce counterfeiting risk

Batch number vs lot number — what is the difference?

Both terms identify products from a specific production run and are often used interchangeably. The distinction is industry-specific:

Term	Common usage in India	Typical industries
Batch number	Products from a single production run with identical inputs	Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, process manufacturing
Lot number	Products produced within a defined time window, may span multiple batches	Food, beverage, FMCG, consumer goods
Both terms	Used interchangeably in many industries — same core purpose	All regulated manufacturing sectors

India regulatory note
Under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, Legal Metrology Act, and FSSAI regulations, batch number or lot number must be printed legibly on primary packaging. Non-compliance can result in regulatory action, product rejection, or recall orders.

What is a batch coding machine?

A batch coding machine is an industrial printing system that prints variable information — batch numbers, dates, barcodes, serial numbers — directly onto products and packaging during production, integrated with your conveyor or PLC for real-time, zero-stoppage operation.

Modern batch coding machines can print:

Batch numbers and lot numbers
Manufacturing dates (MFD) and expiry dates (EXP / BB)
Barcodes (1D) and QR codes / DataMatrix (2D)
MRP, shift codes, and operator IDs
Serial numbers and unique identifiers for serialisation

Why batch number printing matters for Indian manufacturers

Business need	How batch coding addresses it
Regulatory compliance	Meets FSSAI, CDSCO, and Legal Metrology requirements for mandatory batch and lot coding on packaged goods
Product traceability	Enables end-to-end product tracking from production floor to retail shelf and beyond
Recall management	Allows targeted, batch-specific recalls — minimising financial and reputational damage
Anti-counterfeiting	Permanent, tamper-resistant codes authenticate products throughout the distribution chain
Production efficiency	Automated inline coding eliminates manual stamping, reducing labour cost and coding errors
Inventory management	Supports FIFO stock rotation and integration with warehouse management systems

Benefits of automated batch coding machines

Real-time variable data printing — batch numbers update automatically per job or shift
Reduced manual coding errors — eliminates human stamping mistakes that cause compliance failures
Faster production line integration — prints at full conveyor speed with zero manual intervention
Improved production uptime — fewer stoppages for manual re-coding or offline marking
Reduced packaging waste — accurate first-time printing reduces rework and rejection
Consistent print quality — repeatable codes on every unit, every shift
Centralised message management — update batch data from one point across all printers on the line

Types of batch coding technologies

Different substrates, line speeds, and regulatory requirements call for different coding technologies. Here are the four main options used in Indian manufacturing:

Continuous Inkjet (CIJ)

Non-contact printing at high speed on curved, wet, or uneven surfaces. Most widely deployed batch coding technology in India.

Best for: PET bottles | Beverage cans | Plastic packaging | Pharma vials | Pipes & cables

Laser marking

Permanent, smudge-proof codes with zero ink/ribbon consumable cost. Preferred for tamper-resistance and long product life.

Best for: Aluminium cans | Glass bottles | Pharma packaging | Industrial parts

Thermal Inkjet (TIJ)

High-resolution 300–600 DPI printing for barcodes and carton coding. Low maintenance, low entry cost.

Best for: Outer cartons | Barcode printing | Labels | Secondary packaging

Thermal Transfer Overprinting (TTO)

High-quality, registration-accurate coding designed specifically for flexible packaging lines.

Best for: Pouches & sachets | Laminated films | FMCG packaging · VFFS/HFFS lines

Industrial applications

Application	Recommended technology	Key requirement
PET bottle batch coding	CIJ	Non-contact printing at line speed on curved surfaces
Aluminium can coding	CIJ / Laser	High-speed, heat-resistant coding
Flexible pouch / sachet coding	TTO	High-quality marks on film with tight registration
Carton & corrugated box coding	TIJ	Scan-readable barcodes; large batch information
Pharmaceutical blister / carton	CIJ / TIJ / Laser	Serialisation, 2D DataMatrix, GS1 compliance
Glass bottle coding	Laser / CIJ	Permanent, smudge-proof marking
Cable and pipe extrusion marking	CIJ / Laser	Continuous marking at extrusion speed
FMCG sachet & film coding	TTO / CIJ	Date, batch, MRP on flexible substrates

How to choose the right batch coding machine in India

Selection factor	What to evaluate
1. Packaging substrate	Rigid (bottle, can) or flexible (pouch, film)? Porous (carton) or non-porous (metal or glass)?
2. Production line speed	CIJ handles up to 10+ m/s. TTO is better suited to flexible packaging lines at moderate speeds.
3. Code content & resolution	Text and dates only, or 1D barcodes and 2D DataMatrix/QR codes? TIJ and laser offer higher DPI for scan-critical codes.
4. Code permanence	Must the code withstand moisture, abrasion, or chemicals? Laser delivers the most durable marks.
5. Regulatory requirements	GS1 compliance, serialisation, FSSAI or CDSCO mandated data formats? Confirm software capabilities before purchase.
6. Total cost of ownership	Factor ink/ribbon cost, maintenance frequency, and integration complexity — not just machine price.

Videojet tip
When comparing batch coding machines on price, always calculate the cost-per-code — factoring in ink/ribbon cost, maintenance time, and production downtime. A lower upfront price can mean a significantly higher total cost over 3–5 years.

Why manufacturers in India choose Videojet

Videojet is the world’s no. 1 coding and marking brand, with 400,000+ installations across 135 countries and over 45 years of industrial printing expertise.

Widest technology portfolio — CIJ, laser, TIJ, and TTO from a single partner for your entire coding requirement
Deepest service network in India — 170+ dedicated service engineers across all major manufacturing hubs
Uptime-first design — engineered for 24/7 production environments with minimal planned maintenance
CLARiSUITE software — centralised message management, remote monitoring, and production data integration
Regulatory compliance support — pre-validated templates for FSSAI, CDSCO, and GS1 requirements

Frequently asked questions

What is a batch number printing machine?

A batch number printing machine is an industrial coding system that automatically prints batch codes, lot numbers, MFD/expiry dates, and variable data on products and packaging during production — without manual intervention.

What is the difference between a batch number and a lot number?

Both identify products from a specific production run. In India, “batch number” is used in pharmaceuticals and chemicals under CDSCO rules; “lot number” is more common in food, FMCG, and beverage industries. Both serve the same purpose: traceability and recall management.

Is batch number printing mandatory in India?

Yes. Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, and FSSAI regulations, batch number or lot number printing is mandatory on pharmaceutical, food, and packaged consumer goods sold in India. Non-compliance can result in regulatory action, product rejection, or recall.

Which coding technology is best for batch number printing on PET bottles?

Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) is the most widely used technology for PET bottle batch coding in India. It provides non-contact printing at high line speeds, works on curved surfaces, and supports fast-drying inks for wet and chilled environments.

What is the best batch coding machine for pharmaceutical packaging?

Pharmaceutical batch coding typically requires high-resolution printing for serialisation and 2D DataMatrix codes. Videojet laser marking systems and Thermal Inkjet printers are widely used in Indian pharma packaging for their precision, reliability, and compliance with CDSCO and GS1 requirements.

Can batch numbers be laser printed?

Yes. Laser marking systems provide permanent, high-contrast batch coding on glass, plastic, metal, aluminium, and film — with no ink or ribbon consumables and zero risk of smudging or fading.

Which industries use batch coding machines in India?

Food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, FMCG, chemicals, agro-chemicals, automotive, building materials, cables & pipes, and industrial manufacturing — any sector where product traceability and regulatory compliance are required.