ARMANI BATCH CODES

Dating vintage Giorgio Armani fragrances can be aided by examining the batch code, barcode, ingredient list, and company address printed on the packaging. Armani generally used alphanumeric batch codes composed of both letters and numbers, usually containing four or five characters. Because the lettering sequence eventually reached the end of the alphabet and then began again, the same or similar codes may occur in different decades. A batch code should therefore never be used alone; it must be compared with the box design, bottle style, barcode, ingredients, address, distributor information, and other period-specific details.

Collector’s Note: Reconstructing the Giorgio Armani batch-number table has been particularly challenging because the earliest Armani fragrances are now quite rare, leaving relatively few reliably dated examples available for comparison. The dating guide should therefore be regarded as provisional rather than completely definitive, and occasional errors or exceptions may occur.

Quick Look - Giorgio Armani Fragrance Dating Timeline:

Addresses:

• 1982–1990 Giorgio Armani Parfums, 137 rue du FG St. Honoré, Paris
• 1990–1995 Giorgio Armani Parfums, 129 rue du FG St. Honoré, Paris
• Since 1995 16 place Vendôme, Paris

Distribution:

• 1982–1988 Distributed by Helena Rubinstein
• 1982–1999 Distributed by Cosmair
• Since 1999 Giorgio Armani Parfums, Div. Luxury Products LLC

Collector's Note: Some dates overlap because different distributors may have served different markets or product lines. Always compare the address and distributor with the batch code, barcode, bottle design, and packaging.

Symbols on Boxes:

• 1989-onward Barcodes
• 1992-onward Green Dot recycling symbol
• 2005-onward PAO (Period-after-opening symbol, identifies the useful lifetime of a cosmetic product after its package has been opened for the first time. It depicts an open cosmetics pot and is used together with a written number of months or years)
• 2005-onward Refer to Insert (A hand pointing at a book means there is information or instructions contained on a leaflet, booklet, or other insert which can’t be listed on the primary label.)

Ingredients List:

 

• 1982-1997 Boxes may only have listed the following ingredients: water, alcohol, fragrance. Older bottles, will have no ingredients listed at all.
• 1998-2003 A short list of ingredients are listed on the back of the box.
• 2004-onward There will be a long, complicated list of ingredients listed on the back of the box

Collector’s Note: Transitional periods may show overlapping addresses, batch-code formats, box styles, ingredients lists, recycling symbols, distributor statements, and other markings. Perfume companies routinely used up remaining stocks of older bottles, labels, and packaging rather than discarding serviceable materials, thereby recovering production costs and avoiding unnecessary waste. Consequently, a fragrance may combine features associated with two adjoining periods. Always evaluate all available evidence together instead of relying upon a single detail to determine its date

The Earliest Armani Fragrances: 1982–1994

The first Giorgio Armani perfumes appeared in 1982. From approximately 1982 through 1994, Armani employed a four-character alphanumeric batch-code format; around 1995, this was replaced by a five-character system. This difference provides a useful preliminary dating clue, although repeating code sequences, transitional packaging, and the continued use of older boxes can complicate the dating of an individual bottle.

The distributor’s name can offer additional evidence. The wording “Distributed by Cosmair” identifies packaging prepared for the American market, as Cosmair was the former name of L’Oréal’s subsidiary in the United States. This marking was generally used on Giorgio Armani fragrances from approximately 1982 until 1999. If the bottle or box instead reads “Distributed by Helena Rubinstein,” it usually represents a particularly early presentation dating from approximately 1982 to 1988. Because the Helena Rubinstein and Cosmair date ranges overlap, these markings may represent different markets, product lines, or distribution arrangements. Always compare the distributor with the address, batch code, barcode, bottle, and box when estimating a date.

Collector’s Note: If an Armani box displays an EMB code, such as “EMB 59139,” the marking identifies the French packaging or manufacturing establishment associated with the product, with the numbers generally corresponding to the establishment’s geographic or postal area. EMB codes began appearing on French packaging from approximately 1978 onward; because Giorgio Armani fragrances were not introduced until 1982, these markings may be encountered on Armani boxes from the earliest fragrance presentations forward. An EMB code alone does not reveal the exact production year, but it can help confirm French manufacture or packaging and should be considered alongside the batch code, address, distributor, barcode, and box design.

A barcode provides a convenient initial dating clue. If the box has no barcode, the presentation generally predates approximately 1989; if a barcode is present, it is probably later. However, barcode adoption varied between countries and distributors, so its absence or presence should not be regarded as conclusive. At the other end of the dating range, a lengthy ingredients declaration listing regulated fragrance allergens generally indicates packaging produced after 2004, when expanded labeling requirements were introduced.

The printed company address can narrow the date further. Packaging marked “137 rue FG du Saint-Honoré, Paris”—with FG abbreviating Faubourg—generally dates from approximately 1982 to 1991. A bottle or box bearing this early address belongs to the oldest period of Giorgio Armani perfumery and may properly be considered a vintage presentation. For the most reliable estimate, compare the address and distributor with the batch-code format, barcode, bottle construction, box design, and other markings.

Example:

 

The early address “No. 137, Rue du FG St. Honoré” appeared on Giorgio Armani fragrance packaging from approximately 1982 until 1991.

1992-1995 Address Modification:

During 1992, the address printed on Giorgio Armani fragrance packaging changed to “129 rue du FG Saint-Honoré, Paris,” with FG serving as an abbreviation for Faubourg. This address was used from approximately 1992 until around 1995, making it a useful clue for identifying early-1990s presentations. Because address changes may overlap with older packaging remaining in circulation, it should be considered alongside the four-character batch code, barcode, bottle design, and other packaging details.

The newer address “No. 129, Rue du FG St. Honoré” appeared on Giorgio Armani fragrance packaging from approximately 1992 until 1995.

Mid 1990s-onward:

Since the mid-1990s, Giorgio Armani fragrance packaging has carried the address “16 Place Vendôme, Paris.” Its appearance generally indicates a presentation dating from approximately 1995 or later, although the address should be compared with the batch code, barcode, ingredients list, bottle design, and other packaging details to establish a more precise date.

Since the mid-1990s, Giorgio Armani fragrance packaging has displayed the address “16, Place Vendôme, Paris.”

COSMAIR Name:

Another useful clue is the name “Cosmair,” which may appear on the bottle or box in wording such as “Distributed by Cosmair.” Cosmair was the former name of L’Oréal’s American subsidiary and handled the distribution of Giorgio Armani fragrances in the United States. Its presence therefore identifies a product prepared for the American market and generally places the packaging between approximately 1982 and 1999.

The Cosmair name alone cannot establish an exact production year, since it remained in use for an extended period and older packaging may have continued to circulate after later changes were introduced. It should be evaluated together with the Armani address, four- or five-character batch code, barcode, ingredients list, bottle construction, and box design. Nevertheless, a Cosmair distribution statement is a valuable indication that the fragrance belongs to the earlier era of Armani’s American perfume distribution.

Until 1999, Giorgio Armani fragrances distributed in the United States were marked “Distributed by Cosmair.”

After 1999:

If the box or bottle is marked “Giorgio Armani Parfums, Division Luxury Products LLC,” the presentation generally dates from after 1999. This wording reflects the change from the earlier Cosmair distribution name and is therefore a useful clue for identifying a later product intended for the United States market. Because older packaging may have remained in circulation during the transition, confirm the period by also examining the batch code, barcode, ingredients list, address, and packaging design..

Since 1999, Giorgio Armani fragrance packaging for the American market has been marked “Giorgio Armani Parfums, Div. Luxury Products LLC.”

Early Giorgio Armani Batch Codes: 1982–1991

These early four-character batch codes are associated with packaging bearing the address “Giorgio Armani Parfums, 137 rue du FG St. Honoré, Paris” and distribution statements naming Cosmair and/or Helena Rubinstein. In the examples below, the first letter remains U, while the second letter identifies the year. The final two characters, represented here by “xx,” vary according to the individual production batch. Notice that the sequence omits the letter I, progressing directly from H to J.

• UAxx = 1982
• UBxx = 1983
• UCxx = 1984
• UDxx = 1985
• UExx = 1986
• UFxx = 1987
• UGxx = 1988
• UHxx = 1989
• UJxx = 1990
• UKxx = 1991

Example: A four-character batch code beginning with UG generally indicates production in 1988, while the final two characters identify the specific batch. Always verify the code against the address, distributor, barcode, bottle style, and packaging.

 

Giorgio Armani Batch Codes: 1992–1994

The batch code ULxx corresponds to 1992 and is associated with the newer address “Giorgio Armani Parfums, 129 rue du FG St. Honoré, Paris.” A barcode also appears on the packaging during this period. The code still contains four characters, with “xx” representing the two variable characters identifying the individual production batch.

• ULxx = 1992

Beginning in approximately 1993, the Green Dot recycling symbol and barcode appear on the box. Armani also began shifting from its earlier four-character code to a five-character batch-code format. In the examples below, “xxx” represents the three variable characters following the two-letter year prefix.

• UMxxx = 1993
• UNxxx = 1994

Because packaging changes could overlap while older supplies were being used, the presence of a five-character code, barcode, or Green Dot symbol should be compared with the printed address and other packaging details.

Giorgio Armani Batch Codes: 1995–1999

Beginning around 1995, the address printed on Giorgio Armani fragrance packaging changed to “16, place Vendôme, Paris.” The five-character batch-code format continued, with the first two letters indicating the production year and the remaining three characters—represented below as “xxx”—identifying the individual batch.

• UPxxx = 1995
• UQxxx = apparently not used
• URxxx = 1996
• USxxx = 1997
• UTxxx = 1998
• UUxxx = 1999

The sequence appears to omit Q, advancing directly from P to R. As documentation and surviving examples from this period are limited, the omission of Q should be treated as probable rather than definitive. Always confirm the estimated year by examining the Place Vendôme address, distributor, barcode, bottle design, and other packaging features.

Collector’s Note: From approximately 1998 to 2003, Giorgio Armani fragrance boxes commonly carried a short ingredients list on the back. Before this period, the packaging might identify only the basic composition—alcohol, water, and fragrance—while still earlier bottles and boxes may display no ingredients declaration at all. These differences offer useful supporting clues when dating an Armani fragrance, but they should always be compared with the batch code, address, distributor, barcode, recycling symbols, and packaging design.

Giorgio Armani Batch Codes: 2000–2004

Beginning around 2000, Giorgio Armani fragrance packaging carries the new American distribution wording “Giorgio Armani Parfums, Division Luxury Products LLC.” Boxes from this period also display a barcode and the Green Dot recycling symbol. By 2004, there will be a long, complicated list of ingredients listed on the back of the box. The five-character batch-code format continued, with the first two letters indicating the production year and the remaining three characters—represented here as “xxx”—identifying the individual batch.

• UVxxx = 2000
• UWxxx = 2001
• UXxxx = 2002
• UYxxx = 2003
• UZxxx = probably not used
• UAxxx = 2004

The sequence appears to omit Z, returning to A for 2004. This demonstrates why an Armani batch code cannot be dated reliably without examining the accompanying packaging: the letter sequence eventually restarts, causing similar prefixes to recur in later cycles. For example, an early four-character UAxx code indicates 1982, while a five-character UAxxx code accompanied by the Luxury Products LLC distribution statement, barcode, and Green Dot symbol indicates 2004.

Giorgio Armani Batch Codes: 2005–2018

Beginning around 2005, Giorgio Armani boxes display the expanded ingredients list that may name any of the 26 declarable fragrance allergens present above the applicable thresholds. Although these substances are sometimes called “restricted ingredients,” the list was principally introduced in response to European cosmetic-labeling regulations rather than as an IFRA labeling requirement. Its presence generally indicates packaging dating from 2005 or later.

From 2005 through 2007, the codes continued the familiar five-character format. In 2008, the system changed to codes beginning with “38,” followed by a year letter and additional variable characters. The number of characters appears to vary in later years.

• UBxxx = 2005
• UCxxx = 2006
• UDxxx = 2007
• 38Exxx = 2008
• 38Fxxx = 2009
• 38Gxxx = 2010
• 38Hxxx = 2011
• 38Jxxx = 2012
• 38Kxxx = 2013
• 38Lxxx = 2014
• 38Mxx = 2015
• 38Nxx = 2016
• 38Pxx = 2017
• 38Rxx = 2018

The lettering sequence appears to omit I, O, and Q, likely because these characters can be confused with numerals or other letters. As always, use the code together with the ingredients list, distributor, barcode, recycling symbols, bottle design, and packaging style when estimating the production year.

 
 

TUTORIAL PICTURES

OLD, early address: "nr. 137 Rue du FG St. Honore" 
(from 1982 until 1991)

NEW address: "nr.129 Rue du FG St. Honore" 
(since 1992 up to 1995)

Since 1992: Greendot appears somewhere on the box.

GIO', batch code UP016 = year 1995
address: 16 Place Vendome

Until 2004: SHORT list of ingredients, and...

...after 2004: LONG list of ingredients

Since 1994: address 16, Place Vendome.
UXxxx = year 2002

Before year 2000, dist. by COSMAIR

After 1999:  
Armani Parfums Division Luxury Products LLC

(on back of the bottle) batch UH2A = year 1989

batch UJ6L = year 1990

on left: bottle from Eighties. Address 137 Rue St. Honore (and without Barcode)
on right: bottle from Nineties. Address 129 Rue st. Honorè (and with Barcode)
Both labeled "COSMAIR"

batch number UG1K = year 1988
plus the label "Helena Rubinstein" (used only from 1982 up to1988)

(shifting to 5-digits) First bottle of "Acqua di Giò",
year 1995, batch code UP052

Acqua di Giò, batch UT124 = year 1999

batch UX329 = year 2002

 (after year 2003: restarting numbers by letter "A")
UA148 = year 2004

(from Basenotes) batch UC149 = year 2006 

batch code UC326 = year 2006

batch UD325, year 2007


2007 to 2008: SHIFTING FROM "Uxxxx" TO "38xxxx" 

(from Basenotes) batch 38E = year 2008

(from Basenotes) batch 38F = year 2009

(from Basenotes) batch 38H503 = year 2011

Different boxes and different batch-styles

(Armani Eau pour homme)

All photos used in this guide are from my friend Andre Moreau's excellent blog: RaidersoftheLostScent.