ISO 15394:2009
(Main)Packaging — Bar code and two-dimensional symbols for shipping, transport and receiving labels
Packaging — Bar code and two-dimensional symbols for shipping, transport and receiving labels
ISO 15394:2009 specifies the minimum requirements for the design of labels containing linear bar code and two‑dimensional symbols on transport units to convey data between trading partners; provides for traceability of transported units via a unique transport unit identifier (licence plate); provides guidance on the formatting on the label of data presented in linear bar code, two-dimensional symbol or human readable form; provides specific recommendations regarding the choice of bar code symbologies, and specifies quality requirements and classes of bar code density; makes recommendations as to label placement, size and the inclusion of free text and any appropriate graphics; provides guidance on the selection of label material. ISO 15394:2009 is not applicable to the direct printing on to kraft coloured corrugated surfaces. Those wishing to find more information on the direct printing of bar code symbols on to kraft coloured corrugated surfaces may find suitable guidance from texts specific to this subject.
Emballage — Codes à barres et symboles bidimensionnels pour l'expédition, le transport et les étiquettes de réception
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Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 15394
Second edition
2009-04-15
Packaging — Bar code and two-
dimensional symbols for shipping,
transport and receiving labels
Emballage — Codes à barres et symboles bidimensionnels pour
l'expédition, le transport et les étiquettes de réception
Reference number
ISO 15394:2009(E)
©
ISO 2009
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ISO 15394:2009(E)
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ISO 15394:2009(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 Concepts. 2
5 Data content . 4
6 Data carriers . 6
7 Label design . 9
8 Label placement. 13
Annex A (normative) Procedures for using MaxiCode. 15
Annex B (normative) Procedures for using PDF417 . 18
Annex C (informative) Issues to consider in the drafting of application guidelines or standards
conforming to this International Standard.28
Annex D (informative) The impact of systems being confronted with multiple symbologies and
formats. 30
Annex E (informative) Label examples. 34
Annex F (informative) Label locations . 45
Annex G (normative) Procedures for using QR Code in carrier sortation and tracking applications . 47
Annex H (normative) Procedures for using QR Code in shipping and receiving applications . 49
Bibliography . 55
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ISO 15394:2009(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 15394 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 122, Packaging.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 15394:2000), which has been technically
revised.
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ISO 15394:2009(E)
Introduction
The use of electronic data interchange (EDI) in association with the physical transport and handling of
packages and when traceability is appropriate, such as that described in ISO 9000, requires a clear and
unique identifier linking the electronic data and the transport unit.
Bar code marked transport labels are in widespread use in the global industries. A number of different
standards exist, each designed to meet the requirements of the specific industry sector. For effective and
economic use within and between industry sectors, one common multi-industry standard is a necessity.
A bar code marked transport label is designed to facilitate the automation of shipping and handling
administrative operations. The bar code information on the transport label may be used as a key to access the
appropriate database that contains detailed information about the transport unit, including information
transmitted via EDI. In addition, a transport label may contain other information as agreed between the trading
partners.
Two-dimensional symbols may be included to assist moving large amounts of shipping label or EDI data from
sender to recipient and to assist the transportation carrier automated sortation and tracking systems.
This International Standard incorporates the technology, data structure and conformance standards of
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31, Automatic identification and data capture techniques, with the user requirements for
shipping labels, into a single application standard.
While this International Standard provides an international shipping label standard, ISO 22742 provides an
International Standard for product packaging. These two standards are complementary. ISO 17365 is an
International Standard on the use of RF tags on shipping/transport units and was prepared by the
ISO/TC 122/104 Joint Working Group (JWG), Supply Chain Applications of RFID.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15394:2009(E)
Packaging — Bar code and two-dimensional symbols for
shipping, transport and receiving labels
1 Scope
This International Standard:
⎯ specifies the minimum requirements for the design of labels containing linear bar code and
two-dimensional symbols on transport units to convey data between trading partners;
⎯ provides for traceability of transported units via a unique transport unit identifier (licence plate);
⎯ provides guidance on the formatting on the label of data presented in linear bar code, two-dimensional
symbol or human readable form;
⎯ provides specific recommendations regarding the choice of bar code symbologies, and specifies quality
requirements and classes of bar code density;
⎯ makes recommendations as to label placement, size and the inclusion of free text and any appropriate
graphics;
⎯ provides guidance on the selection of label material.
This International Standard is not applicable to the direct printing on to kraft coloured corrugated surfaces.
NOTE Guidance on the direct printing of bar code symbols on to kraft coloured corrugated surfaces can be found in
[7]
texts such as The Fibre Box Handbook .
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 17365, Supply chain applications of RFID — Transport units
ISO 21067, Packaging — Vocabulary
ISO/IEC 15415, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code
print quality test specification — Two-dimensional symbols
ISO/IEC 15416, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code
print quality test specification — Linear symbols
ISO/IEC 15417, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Code 128
bar code symbology specification
ISO/IEC 15418, Information technology, Automatic identification and data capture techniques — GS1
Application Identifiers and ASC MH10 Data Identifiers and maintenance
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ISO 15394:2009(E)
ISO/IEC 15434, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Syntax for
high-capacity ADC media
ISO/IEC 15438:2006, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques —
PDF417 bar code symbology specification
ISO/IEC 15459-1, Information technology — Unique identifiers — Part 1: Unique identifiers of transport units
ISO/IEC 16023:2000, Information technology — International symbology specification — MaxiCode
ISO/IEC 16388, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Code 39
bar code symbology specification
ISO/IEC 18004, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques —
QR Code 2005 bar code symbology specification
ISO/IEC 19762 (all parts), Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC)
techniques — Harmonized vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 19762, ISO 21067 and the
following apply.
3.1
sortation
process by which an automated material-handling system routes packages and freight in a distribution
environment
4 Concepts
4.1 Principles
The purpose of a bar code label is to facilitate the automatic exchange of data among all members within a
channel of distribution, for instance supplier, carrier, purchaser, other intermediaries. The amount of data, in
linear bar code, two-dimensional symbols and in human readable form, is dependent on the requirements of
the trading partners. Where a bar code label is used in conjunction with electronic databases and/or electronic
data interchange (EDI) systems, the amount of data may be significantly reduced and may consist of only one
piece of data, the unique identifier for the transport unit. If radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled labels
or tags are used in conjunction with labels in conformance with this International Standard, ISO 17365 shall be
used for RFID usage with transport units. Human and optically readable data for the representation of RFID
applications should be in accordance with ISO/IEC TR 24729-1.
Trading partners have different information requirements. Some information may be common to two or more
trading partners while other information may be specific to a single trading partner. Information for various
trading partners becomes available at different times, for instance:
⎯ product specific information at the point of manufacture or packaging;
⎯ order processing information at the time of processing the order;
⎯ transport information at the time of shipment.
Trading partners may find it necessary to include significant data elements dealing with the above that may be
presented both in bar code/two-dimensional symbols (see Annexes A and B) and human readable form.
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ISO 15394:2009(E)
This International Standard shall be used in conjunction with application guidelines defining the parameters
chosen by the trading partners concerned. Annex C gives guidance in the definition of these parameters.
4.2 Unit load and transport package
For the purposes of this International Standard, a unit load is considered to be one or more transport
packages or other items held together by means such as a pallet, a slip sheet, strapping, interlocking, glue,
shrink wrap or net wrap, making them suitable for transport, stacking and storage as a unit. For the purposes
of this International Standard, a transport package is considered to be a package intended for the
transportation and handling of one or more articles, smaller packages or bulk material. Both unit loads and
transport packages are referred to as transport units in this document.
4.3 Unique transport unit identifier
A unique transport unit identifier is assigned to each individual transport unit. This is a common requirement
for all label formats specified by this International Standard. The identifier or “licence plate” is the key
providing access to information stored in computer files and which may be transmitted by EDI. The identifier
may be used by all of the trading partners to retrieve information about the transport unit itself or about the
status of the physical movement of the transport unit along the supply chain. It enables systems to track and
trace individual transport units.
4.4 Label formats
4.4.1 Base shipping/transport/receiving label
The base label defined by this International Standard includes the minimum set of data that fulfils the
requirements of all trading partners in a supply chain when data is exchanged electronically between the
parties involved.
A unique transport unit identifier shall be, and a “Ship to” name and address should be, included on the base
label.
In addition to the unique transport unit identifier (“licence plate”) and the “Ship to” name and address (for
shipment delivery), the following information should be included on a base label:
⎯ “Ship from” name and address (to be able to return the shipment in the event that delivery is not
possible);
⎯ key to carrier’s database (if the licence plate is not this data element);
⎯ key to customer’s database (if the licence plate is not this data element).
4.4.2 Extended shipping/transport/receiving label
In practice, fully automated communication channels which make it possible to rely exclusively on electronic
files for retrieving information on the movements of the transport units are not always available. For this
reason, there is a need to indicate relevant information on the transport units themselves, in addition to their
identification. The various fields of information shall be organized in a standard way in order to facilitate their
interpretation and processing by the trading partners involved.
The extended label is used when the data available from the base label is not sufficient to satisfy the
requirements of all trading partners. The information provided in the extended label is organized in three
segments:
⎯ carrier segment: in addition to the key to the carrier’s database, this segment may contain additional data,
such as shipment identification and delivery instructions;
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ISO 15394:2009(E)
⎯ customer segment: in addition to the pointer to the customer’s database, this segment may contain
additional data such as the customer part number;
⎯ supplier segment: additional data may be generated by the supplier, such as product identification, batch
number, dimensions.
5 Data content
5.1 Data representation
5.1.1 Data in linear bar code symbols
Such data shall be represented in one of the three permissible combinations of data and bar code symbology:
a) GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) in accordance with ISO/IEC 15418 shall only be used in conjunction with
GS1-128 (being a subset of Code 128 compliant with ISO/IEC 15417);
b) ASC MH10 Data Identifiers (DIs) in accordance with ISO/IEC 15418 shall be used in conjunction with
Code 39 symbols compliant with ISO/IEC 16388;
c) ASC MH10 Data Identifiers (DIs) in accordance with ISO/IEC 15418 shall be used in conjunction with
Code 128 symbols compliant with ISO/IEC 15417.
Refer to Annex D for information on the use of the options and the issues for users encountering them.
5.1.2 Data in two-dimensional symbols
Information may also be provided in two-dimensional symbols as mutually agreed upon between trading
partners. Data syntax in two-dimensional symbols shall be in accordance with ISO/IEC 15434.
5.1.3 Data in human readable form
The human readable interpretation of information presented in linear bar code form should be provided. Some
information may be presented in human readable form only (see 6.3).
5.2 Data elements
5.2.1 Unique transport unit identifier
A unique transport unit identifier shall be assigned to each individual transport unit.
The unique transport unit identifier shall be either
⎯ the serial shipping container code (SSCC) that uses AI “00”, represented in GS1-128, or
⎯ the unique transport unit identifier using the ASC MH10 Data Identifier “J” or one of the DIs “1J” through
“6J” represented in either Code 39 or Code 128.
The unique transport unit identifier is defined in ISO/IEC 15459-1. The unique transport unit identifier
a) starts with the issuing agency code (IAC), assigned to the issuing agency by the registration authority,
b) conforms to a format specified by the issuing agency,
c) is unique in the sense that no issuer re-issues a number until a sufficient period of time has passed that
the first number has ceased to be of significance to any user of this International Standard,
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ISO 15394:2009(E)
d) contains only numeric and upper case alphabetic characters (not including lower case characters or
punctuation marks),
e) does not contain more than 20 characters, and
f) does not contain more characters than specified in Table 1.
5.2.2 Ship to
The “Ship to” data element refers to the address of the party to which transport units are to be delivered.
When used, it shall be represented in a maximum of five lines of human readable characters comprised of no
more than 35 alphanumeric (an.35) characters each. It may also be represented by a number identifying the
party, in human readable or in bar code format.
5.2.3 Ship from
The “Ship from” data element refers to the address of the party to which transport units are to be returned, in
case the shipment was unable to be delivered. When used, it shall be represented in a maximum of five lines
of human readable characters comprised of no more than 35 alphanumeric (an.35) characters each. It may
also be represented by a number identifying the party, in human readable or in bar code format.
5.2.4 Key to carrier's database
The key to the carrier's database should be mutually agreed upon with the carrier. If the unique transport unit
identifier described in 5.2.1 does not provide the key to the carrier’s database, one or more of the following
keys may be used:
⎯ the carrier tracking number that includes class of service;
⎯ the carrier code to identify the shipment;
⎯ the carrier code to identify the transport unit.
This data element may be included within a two-dimensional symbol, a linear bar code symbol or both.
5.2.5 Key to customer's database
The key to the customer’s database should be mutually agreed upon with the customer. If the unique transport
unit identifier described in 5.2.1 does not provide the key to the customer's database, one or more of the
following keys may be used:
⎯ customer’s purchase order number;
⎯ part number;
⎯ KANBAN/pull signal number;
⎯ shipment ID.
This data element may be included within a two-dimensional symbol, a linear bar code symbol or both.
5.2.6 Other data elements
As much additional data as required may be included in the extended label to fulfil the needs of the supplier,
carrier and customer.
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ISO 15394:2009(E)
5.3 Concatenating data fields in linear bar code symbols
5.3.1 Using Application Identifiers
When several AIs and their data are concatenated into one GS1-128 symbol, each variable length field shall
be followed by the FNC1 (Function 1) character, unless it is the last field encoded in the symbol. The FNC1
G
character used for this purpose assumes a value of when transmitted by the decoder.
S
5.3.2 Using Data Identifiers
When several DIs and their data are concatenated into one Code 39 or Code 128 symbol, each field shall be
followed by a plus symbol, “+”, unless it is the last field encoded in the symbol.
5.4 Structured data files
Structured data files, such as documentation supporting the handling of the transport units or complete EDI
messages, may be included, for example delivery note, quality certificate, insurance certificate. High capacity
two-dimensional symbols shall be used to represent this data. Structured data files shall comply with the
syntax described in ISO/IEC 15434.
6 Data carriers
6.1 Linear bar code symbols
6.1.1 Symbology
The linear bar code symbologies shall be one of the following:
⎯ “Code 39” in accordance with ISO/IEC 16388;
⎯ “Code 128” in accordance with ISO/IEC 15417.
NOTE “GS1-128” is a subset of “Code 128”.
6.1.2 Symbol height
The minimum bar height of a bar code symbol shall be 12,7 mm.
6.1.3 Narrow element dimension
The minimum narrow element dimension (x-dimension) shall not be less than 0,25 mm. The x-dimension for
Code 39 and Code 128 symbols should be in the range of 0,25 mm to 0,43 mm, as determined by the printing
capability of the supplier/printer of the label. The x-dimension for GS1-128 symbols should be in the range of
0,25 mm to 0,81 mm, as determined by the printing capability of the supplier/printer of the label. The
x-dimension for GS1-128 SSCC symbols should be in the range of 0,50 mm to 0,81 mm, as determined by the
printing capability of the supplier/printer of the label.
In the case that fewer characters than specified in Table 1 are required, a larger x-dimension may be used as
long as the bar code print quality requirements specified in 6.1.8 and label width recommendations are met.
NOTE Symbols with the x-dimension at the lower end of this range, specifically 0,25 mm to 0,33 mm, may require
special care in order to meet the quality requirements.
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ISO 15394:2009(E)
6.1.4 Wide-to-narrow ratio for “Code 39” symbols
The wide-to-narrow ratio (N) of elements of “Code 39” symbols should be 3,0:1. The measured ratio shall be
between 2,4:1 and 3,2:1.
6.1.5 Quiet zones
Linear bar code symbols should be printed with leading and trailing quiet zones not less than 6,4 mm. Where
the x-dimension is greater than 0,64 mm the quiet zones shall not be less than 10x. The label registration
parameters of the printer being used should be taken into consideration in order to ensure the minimum quiet
zones.
6.1.6 Orientation
Linear bar code symbols should be presented on transport units with the bars vertical (picket fence
orientation). Subject to agreement between trading partners, bars may be presented horizontally (ladder
orientation).
Linear bar code symbols should be presented on transport units with the bars perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis (ladder orientation) when marked on a tightly curved surface (tubes, rods, cylinders).
6.1.7 Placement
Linear bar code fields should be placed to ensure that they do not interfere with each other when scanned.
No more than two linear symbols should appear side by side on a label. If two linear symbols are placed side
by side, the symbols should be placed so that they will not be in the same horizontal scan path so as to
reduce the possibility of interference with successful bar code scanning.
6.1.8 Linear bar code symbol print quality
The quality of the printed linear bar code symbol shall be measured in accordance with ISO/IEC 15416. The
minimum symbol grade shall be 1,5/10/660 where
⎯ minimum print quality grade at point of production = 1,5 (C),
⎯ measurement aperture = 0,250 mm (reference number 10), and
⎯ inspection wavelength = 650 nm to 670 nm.
It is important that the linear bar code be decodable throughout the system of use. For this reason, quality
tests should not be limited to label production inspection but should also be followed through to the end use.
The above symbol quality and measurement parameters ensure scannability over a broad range of scanning
environments. Labellers should not be required to guarantee the print quality of a label when it is received by
the customer. Print quality at the point of production should be higher than the requirement at the point of use.
Unattended scanning may require a higher print quality grade than identified above. Consequently, those
implementing this International Standard for unattended scanning applications should discuss print quality
requirements with trading partners.
6.2 Two-dimensional symbols
Within this International Standard, linear bar code symbols serve as the default symbology. The use of two-
dimensional symbols and the specific two-dimensional symbol to be used shall be mutually agreed upon
between trading partners. Users should ensure that the scanning technology they select is capable of reading
the symbols they choose to read.
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ISO 15394:2009(E)
If more data than can be accommodated with a linear bar code is required to be encoded on the label in
optically readable symbol(s), two-dimensional symbols may be used. This International Standard recommends
either “MaxiCode” in accordance with ISO/IEC 16023 or “QR Code” in accordance with ISO/IEC 18004,
subject to trading partner agreement (shippers, carriers, consignees), for carrier sortation and tracking
applications and “PDF 417” in accordance with ISO/IEC 15438 or QR Code for other applications covered by
this International Standard.
Linear bar code symbols and the PDF417 symbology can be read by either 2D-capable imaging or
2D-capable laser scanning technologies. QR Code and MaxiCode require 2D-capable image scanning
technology.
For further information and guidance on the use of two-dimensional symbols, see Annex A, B.2, B.3, Annex G,
and Annex H.
6.3 Human readable information
6.3.1 Human readable interpretation
In order to provide a fall-back key entry and a diagnostic, a human readable interpretation of each linear bar
code symbol shall be provided adjacent to the bar code. Such human readable interpretation shall represent
the encoded data. See Figure E.9.
6.3.2 Human translation
In addition to the human readable interpretation, human translation of linear bar code information may be
provided in a separate section of the label. See Figure E.9.
6.3.3 Data area titles
Data areas comprise information in bar code or human readable form. Data areas shall be identified with the
corresponding data area title in human readable text, which may be prefixed, if relevant, by the appropriate AI
or DI. A data area title is not required when a data area contains
⎯ a single linear bar code symbol concatenating multiple data elements, or
⎯ multiple linear bar code symbols that are intended to be scanned in a single data capture operation, or
⎯ two-dimensional symbols.
6.3.4 Free text and data
Human readable information that is not a translation of the bar code information may be provided according to
the requirements of the trading partners.
6.3.5 Cho
...
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