ASTM F2268-03(2023)

Standard Specification for Bicycle Serial Numbers

ABSTRACT
The specification establishes the standard format, content, number of characters, and physical requirements for bicycle serial numbers that can help facilitate recall campaigns and identification of the item.
SCOPE
1.1 This standard specifies the format, content, number of characters and physical requirements for serial numbers to facilitate recall campaigns and identification of stolen property.  
1.2 This standard is applicable to all bicycles, refer to Classification F2043 on definition for bicycle.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 43.150 - Cycles
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.10 - Bicycles

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2268-03(2015) - Standard Specification for Bicycle Serial Numbers
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM F2268-03(2023): Standard Specification for Bicycle Serial Numbers provides internationally recognized requirements for the specification, format, and placement of serial numbers on bicycles. The standard is designed to enhance traceability, support effective recall campaigns, and help with the identification and recovery of stolen bicycles. This specification applies to all bicycles as defined by ASTM F2043 and aligns with World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) principles.

Key Topics

• Serial Number Format: Serial numbers must begin with "SN" followed by eleven specified alphanumeric characters, for a total of 13 characters in one continuous line.
• Allowed Characters: Each character after “SN” can be a letter (excluding I, O, and Q for clarity) or a numeral (0-9). Dashes or asterisks may also be used in specified spaces.
• Encoding Information: Serial numbers encode information such as:
  • Manufacturer, make, or plant code
  • Year and month of manufacture
  • Unique production unit number
• Physical Requirements:
  • Uppercase letters, visible from at least 45 cm (18 inches) after coating
  • Characters must not be obscured
  • Serial number must appear as a single, uninterrupted line-with no additional identification markings starting with "SN" on the same line
• Placement: The serial number must be placed within 15 cm (6 inches) of the bicycle's crank axis, visible on the exterior of the frame. Common application methods include stamping, engraving, or decals.
• Applicability: Covers all bicycles, regardless of type or manufacturer, ensuring consistency for consumer protection and law enforcement.

Applications

• Product Recall Management: Standardized serial numbers facilitate rapid and accurate bicycle identification during manufacturer recall campaigns, improving consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
• Theft Recovery & Deterrence: Uniform serial number formatting supports law enforcement efforts in identifying and recovering stolen bicycles, and aids in returning recovered property to rightful owners.
• Manufacturing & Quality Control: Ensures manufacturers follow a recognized protocol for serial number application, increasing traceability and accountability throughout the production and distribution process.
• International Trade Compliance: Supports harmonization in global markets by adhering to WTO TBT principles, promoting fair trade and consistent identification standards across countries.
• Consumer Assurance: Provides bicycle owners with a reliable means of registering, identifying, or verifying their bike, which assists with warranty claims, insurance, and resale.

Related Standards

• ASTM F2043 - Classification for Bicycle Usage: Defines what constitutes a bicycle, referenced throughout ASTM F2268.
• WTO TBT Principles: Ensures all requirements meet international best practices for standardization, minimizing technical trade barriers for manufacturers and distributors.
• Other Industry Serial Number Standards: While ASTM F2268 is specific to bicycles, similar serial number requirements exist in other transportation and equipment industries for traceability and safety.

Keywords: Bicycle serial number, ASTM F2268, bicycle identification, bike recall, product traceability, bicycle theft recovery, international standard, bicycle manufacturing, serial number format, anti-theft measures, product compliance

For further details and updates, refer to the official ASTM International website.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2268 − 03 (Reapproved 2023) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Bicycle Serial Numbers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2268; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.2.6 year of manufacture—western calendar year in which
the serial number was affixed to the frame.
1.1 This standard specifies the format, content, number of
characters and physical requirements for serial numbers to
4. General Requirements
facilitate recall campaigns and identification of stolen property.
4.1 Each character in each serial number shall be one of the
1.2 This standard is applicable to all bicycles, refer to
letters in the set: [ABCDEFGHJKLMNPRSTUVWXYZ], or a
Classification F2043 on definition for bicycle.
numeral in the set: [0123456789] assigned according to the
method described in 5.1. Letters I, O and Q are intentionally
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- omitted.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.2 All spaces provided for in the eleven digit serial number
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
must be occupied by a character specified in 4.1, a dash, or an
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
asterisk.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.3 The typeface for each serial number, SN plus eleven
characters, shall consist of uppercase characters. The charac-
2. Referenced Documents
ters must be visible to the naked eye from a distance of 45 cm
2.1 ASTM Standards:
(18 in.) after coating and without obscurement.
F2043 Classification for Bicycle Usage
4.4 The SN followed by eleven character serial number
3. Terminology must be reported as one line. No additional identification
markings may begin with SN or be on the same line as the
3.1 Definitions—General bicycle terminology appears in
serial number.
Classification F2043.
5. Content Requirements
3.2 Definitions:
3.2.1 make—name under which the vehicle is sold. This
5.1 Form—The serial number shall possess the following
could be either manufacturer, importer, retailer, or all of the
form:
above.
SN
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
3.2.2 model—a name that a manufacturer applies to a family
of vehicles of the same make and type.
where the eleven alphanumeric characters have the follow-
ing allocations:
3.2.3 month of manufacture—western calendar month in
1,2,3—Unique make, manufacturer, and plant of manufac-
which the serial number is affixed to the frame.
turer code. The three zero characters, 000, denote that this
3.2.4 obscurement—of serial number indicates that a bicycle
information is unspecified within the serial number, and are
component needs to be removed in order to view the number.
used where this unique code has not been previously estab-
3.2.5 plant of manufactur
...