ISO 17363:2013

Supply chain applications of RFID - Freight containers

ISO 17363:2013 defines the usage of read/write radio-frequency identification technology (RFID) cargo shipment-specific tags associated with containerized freight for supply chain management purposes ("manifest tags"). ISO 17363:2013 defines the air interface communications, a common set of required data structures, and a commonly organized, through common syntax and semantics, set of optional data requirements. ISO 17363:2013: a) makes recommendations about a second generation supply chain tag intended to monitor the condition and security of the freight resident within a freight container; b) specifies the implementation of sensors for freight resident in a freight container; c) makes specific recommendations about mandatory non-reprogrammable information on the shipment tag; d) makes specific recommendations about optional, re-programmable information on the shipment tag; e) makes specific recommendations about the data link interface for GPS or GLS services; f) specifies the reuse and recyclability of the RF tag; g) specifies the means by which the data in a compliant RF tag is "backed-up" by bar codes and two-dimensional symbols, as well as human-readable information.

Applications RFID à la chaîne logistique — Conteneurs de fret

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 24-Feb-2013
• ICS: 55.020 - Packaging and distribution of goods in general
• ICS: 55.180.10 - General purpose containers
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 104/SC 4 - Identification and communication
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 104/SC 4/WG 2 - AEI for containers and container related equipment
• Current Stage: 9060 - Close of review
• Completion Date: 02-Dec-2030

Relations

• Revises: ISO 17363:2007 - Supply chain applications of RFID - Freight containers
• Effective Date: 06-Nov-2010

Overview

ISO 17363:2013 - Supply chain applications of RFID - Freight containers defines how read/write RFID manifest tags are used with containerized freight to support supply‑chain management. The standard specifies the air‑interface communications, required and optional data structures, and common syntax and semantics for container cargo shipment‑specific (CSS) tags. It also provides guidance on sensors, security, tag lifecycle (reusability/recyclability), and methods for backing up RF data with bar codes, 2D symbols and human‑readable information.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Manifest tags (RFID for freight containers): Defines cargo shipment‑specific read/write tags intended to record manifest and condition/security information.
• Conformance requirements (Clause 2): Systems compliant with ISO 17363 must meet functional performance, data content, data security, tag location, tag operation, and security/privacy requirements.
• Data content (Clause 7): Specifies mandatory non‑reprogrammable data and a commonly organized set of optional reprogrammable CSS data elements and semantics.
• Air interface and protocols: Aligns with existing RFID air‑interface and data protocol standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 18000 family and ISO/IEC 15961/15962) for interoperability.
• Sensors and condition monitoring: Recommends second‑generation tags with built‑in or interfaced sensors to monitor container resident freight (temperature, shock, tamper indicators, etc.).
• GPS/GLS interface: Provides recommendations for data link interfaces to location services (GPS/GLS) to support tracking.
• Security & privacy (Clause 8 & 11): Addresses confidentiality, data integrity, authentication, encryption, and non‑repudiation/audit trails for CSS data.
• Tag operation & environment (Clause 10, Annex A): Covers tag location, minimum performance, environmental parameters, memory and power considerations, and regulatory/safety aspects.
• Tag lifecycle: Specifies requirements for reusability and recyclability and backup methods using bar codes/2D symbols and human‑readable markings.

Practical applications and users

ISO 17363 is intended for organizations implementing RFID-based container tracking and monitoring:

• Logistics and supply‑chain managers seeking improved manifest accuracy and visibility
• Ocean carriers, freight forwarders, terminal operators and intermodal operators
• Customs authorities and compliance teams for chain‑of‑custody and security screening
• RFID manufacturers, sensor integrators and system integrators designing manifest tags and readers
• IoT and telematics providers integrating GPS/GLS and sensor data with enterprise systems

Typical use cases: container manifesting, temperature and damage monitoring, tamper/e‑seal integration, location‑aware routing, audit trails for customs and security, and improved interoperability across supply‑chain partners.

Related standards

• ISO 17364, ISO 17365, ISO 17366, ISO 17367 (Supply chain applications of RFID suite)
• ISO/IEC 18000 series (RFID air interfaces)
• ISO/IEC 15961 / 15962 (RFID data protocol and encoding)
• ISO/IEC 15418, ISO/IEC 15434 (data semantics/syntax)
• ISO 6346, ISO 10374 (container identification and AIDC)
• ISO 18185 (container electronic seals) - referenced for container security context

ISO 17363:2013 is a practical reference for deploying interoperable, secure RFID manifest solutions that enhance visibility, condition monitoring and security for containerized freight.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 17363
Second edition
2013-03-01
Supply chain applications of RFID —
Freight containers
Applications RFID à la chaîne logistique — Conteneurs de fret
Reference number
©
ISO 2013
© ISO 2013
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail [e-mail]
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Conformance and performance specifications . 1
3 Normative references . 2
4 Terms and definitions . 3
5 Concepts . 3
5.1 Differentiation between this layer and the preceding and following layers . 3
5.2 Unique item identifier . 4
5.3 International unique identification of freight containers . 5
5.4 Types of tags . 5
5.5 Addition to other identification requirements . 6
6 Differentiation within this layer . 6
6.1 General . 6
6.2 Containerized cargo supply chain RFID system requirements . 6
6.3 Business processes relevant for the standards suite supply chain applications of RFID . 8
7 Data content . 9
7.1 General . 9
7.2 Mandatory data . 9
7.3 Optional cargo shipment-specific (CSS) data . 9
8 Data security .11
8.1 General .11
8.2 Confidentiality .11
8.3 Data integrity .12
8.4 Authentication .12
8.5 Encryption .12
8.6 Non-repudiation/audit trail .12
9 Tag location .12
10 Tag operation .12
10.1 Data protocol .12
10.2 Minimum performance requirements .12
10.3 Environmental requirements .12
10.4 Air interface .13
10.5 Memory requirements .13
10.6 Indication of impending power source failure .13
10.7 Real time clock option .13
10.8 External communications .13
10.9 Safety and regulatory considerations.14
10.10 Minimum reliability and accuracy .14
10.11 Tag recyclability .14
10.12 Tag reusability .15
11 Privacy of cargo shipment-specific (CSS) data.15
11.1 Data privacy .15
11.2 Personal data privacy .15
11.3 Authentication and identification .15
12 Interoperability, compatibility and non-interference with other RF systems .15
13 Human readable information .16
13.1 Human readable interpretation .16
13.2 Human readable translation .16
Annex A (normative) Environmental parameters for ISO 17363 electronic devices .17
Annex B (normative) Metadata of commonly used Data Identifiers .22
Bibliography .26
iv © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved

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 17363 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 122, Packaging.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 17363:2007), which has been
technically revised.
ISO 17363 has two annexes, Annexes A and B, which provide normative information.
Introduction
The ‘Supply Chain’ is a multi-level concept that covers all aspects of taking a product from raw materials
to a final product to shipping to a final place of sale. Each of these levels covers many aspects of dealing
with products and the business process for each level is both unique and overlapping with other levels.
This International Standard has been created with a vision of compatibility both at the physical and
command level and the data level with the four other standards within the suite of International
Standards, Supply chain applications of RFID. Due to the different data structures in each of these
International Standards they cannot take the form of interchangeability. However, these International
Standards are designed to be interoperable and non-interfering. They include:
— ISO 17363, Supply chain applications of RFID ― Freight containers;
— ISO 17364, Supply chain applications of RFID ― Returnable transport items (RTIs) and returnable
packaging items (RPIs);
— ISO 17365, Supply chain applications of RFID ― Transport units;
— ISO 17366, Supply chain applications of RFID ― Product packaging;
— ISO 17367, Supply chain applications of RFID ― Product tagging.
These International Standards define the technical aspects and data hierarchy of supply chain
management information required in each layer of the supply chain. Air interface and communication
protocol standards supported within these International Standards are ISO/IEC 18000 and ISO/IEC/
IEEE 8802; commands and messages are supported by ISO/IEC 15961 and ISO/IEC 15962. The semantics of
these International Standards are defined in ISO/IEC 15418 and their syntax is defined in ISO/IEC 15434.
Excluded, though embraced, is the work of:
— ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 in the area of technical standards related to air interface, data semantic and
syntax construction, and conformance standards;
— ISO/TC 104 in the area of freight container security, including electronic seals (e-seals) (ISO 18185),
and container identification.
vi © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 17363:2013(E)
Supply chain applications of RFID — Freight containers
1 Scope
This International Standard defines the usage of read/write radio-frequency identification technology
(RFID) cargo shipment-specific tags associated with containerized freight for supply chain management
purposes (“manifest tags”). This International Standard defines the air interface communications, a
common set of required data structures, and a commonly organized, through common syntax and
semantics, set of optional data requirements.
This International Standard:
— makes recommendations about a second generation supply chain tag intended to monitor the
condition and security of the freight resident within a freight container;
— specifies the implementation of sensors for freight resident in a freight container;
— makes specific recommendations about mandatory non-reprogrammable information on the
shipment tag;
— makes specific recommendations about optional, re-programmable information on the shipment tag;
— makes specific recommendations about the data link interface for GPS or GLS services;
— specifies the reuse and recyclability of the RF tag;
— specifies the means by which the data in a compliant RF tag is “backed-up” by bar codes and two-
dimensional symbols, as well as human-readable information.
2 Conformance and performance specifications
The underlying conformance requirements of this International Standard are to provide the structure
necessary to raise the level of interoperability of components and systems built according to this
International Standard, while leaving open opportunity for continued technical improvement and
differentiation.
Implementation of a containerized cargo supply chain RFID system and its components shall be deemed
in conformance with this International Standard if it meets, and supports, the following six requirements:
a) the required functional performance specified in Clause 6;
b) the data requirements specified in Clause 7;
c) the data security requirements specified in Clause 8;
d) the tag location requirements specified in Clause 9;
e) the tag operation requirements specified in Clause 10;
f) the security and privacy requirements specified in Clause 11.
3 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 6346:1995, Freight containers — Coding, identification and marking
ISO 8601, Data elements and interchange formats — Information interchange — Representation of
dates and times
ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-15-4, Information technology — Telecommunications and information exchange
between systems — Local and metropolitan area networks — Specific requirements — Part 15.4: Wireless
medium access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) specifications for low-rate wireless personal area
networks (WPANs)
ISO 10374:1991, Freight containers — Automatic identification
ISO/IEC 15418, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — GS1
Application Identifiers and ASC MH10 Data Identifiers and maintenance
ISO/IEC 15434, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Syntax
for high-capacity ADC media
ISO/IEC 15459 (all parts), Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture
techniques — Unique identification
ISO/IEC 15961, Information technology — Radio frequency identification (RFID) for item management —
Data protocol: application interface
ISO/IEC 15962, Information technology — Radio frequency identification (RFID) for item management —
Data protocol: data encoding rules and logical memory functions
ISO/IEC 15963, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management — Unique
identification for RF tags
ISO 17364:2013, Supply chain applications of RFID — Returnable transport items (RTIs)
ISO/IEC 18000-7, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management — Part 7:
Parameters for active air interface communications at 433 MHz
ISO/IEC 18046, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Radio
frequency identification device performance test methods
ISO/IEC 19762 (all parts), Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC)
techniques — Harmonized vocabulary
ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451-5 [IEEE 1451.5], Information technology — Smart Transducer Interface for Sensors
and Actuators — Wireless Communication Protocols and Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) Formats
ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451-7, Information technology — Smart transducer interface for sensors and actuators —
Part 7: Transducer to radio frequency identification (RFID) systems communication protocols and Transducer
Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) formats
IEC 61000-4-2, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — Part 4-2: Testing and measurement techniques —
Electrostatic discharge immunity test
IEC 61000-4-3:2006, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — Part 4-3: Testing and measurement
techniques — Radiated, radio-frequency, electromagnetic field immunity test
2 © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved

4 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 19762, ISO 17364, and the
following apply.
4.1
mandatory shipment tag information
information consisting of two non-reprogrammable data elements, namely a unique permanent ID of the
integrated circuit (chip ID) and a unique permanent ID of the actual tag (tag ID), and one reprogrammable
data element, namely the tag data routing code
Note 1 to entry: The non-reprogrammable data elements are to be imbedded in the shipment tag by the tag
manufacturer.
4.2
permanent container tag information
non-reprogrammable information that resides on the container tag for the duration of the lifetime of the
container (or until the container changes ownership and/or equipment ID), and which is uploaded and
maintained by, or on behalf of, the container owner and at its responsibility
Note 1 to entry: The permanent, non-reprogrammable information elements are specified in ISO 10374.
4.3
cargo shipment-specific (CSS) tag information
optional information residing in the shipment tag for the duration of the containerized cargo shipment
until its final delivery
4.4
integrity
designed such that any modification of the electronically stored information, without proper
authorization, is not possible
4.5
originality
validity
designed such that a compromise of the shipment through misrepresentation of the information on the
shipment tag is not possible under the following circumstances:
— any modification of the mandatory non-reprogrammable information;
— any unauthorized modification of optional re-programmable information
4.6
classified information
information which for reasons of national security is restricted to government authorized or
approved persons
4.7
tag data routing code
data string that enables the system that reads the tag header to forward Intransit visibility data to the
owner of the tag
5 Concepts
5.1 Differentiation between this layer and the preceding and following layers
The term “supply chain layers” is a multi-level concept that covers all aspects of taking a product from
raw materials to a final product to shipping to a final place of sale, use, maintenance and potentially
disposal and returned goods. Each of these levels covers many aspects of dealing with products and the
business process for each level is both unique and overlapping with other levels.
Figure 1 below provides a graphical representation of “supply chain layers”. The Item Level through
Freight Container Level layers are addressed within the suite of standards for “supply chain applications
of RFID” (see Introduction) and are intended to enhance supply chain visibility. The Movement Vehicle
Level is the purview of ISO/TC 204/WG 7.
The Freight Container Level in Figure 1 is the subject of this International Standard.
Layer 5
Movement Vehicle
Movement Vehicle Level
(truck, ship, train, airplane)
Defined by Transport Mode
(Movement vehicle)
Returnable Packaging Item
Layer 4
Freight Container Level
ISO 17363
Container
433 MHz or 2,45 GHz
20/40 Foot Marine and Multi-Modal Container
(8802-15-4 or 18000-7 TPA)
(Freight containers)
Returnable Packaging Item
Layer 3
RTI Level
Returnable Transport Returnable Transport
ISO 17364
Item (RTI) Item (RTI)
(860-960 MHz)
(Various 18000 with TPA)
(Tertiary packaging)
Returnable Packaging Item
Layer 2
Transport Unit Level Transport
Transport
Transport Transport
Unit
ISO 17365 Unit Unit Unit
(Various 18000 with TPA)
(Tertiary packaging)
Returnable Packaging Item
Layer 1
Product Package Level
Prod Prod Prod Prod Prod Prod Prod
ISO 17366 Prod
Pkg Pkg Pkg Pkg Pkg Pkg Pkg Pkg
(860-960 MHz with TPA)
(13,56 MHz with TPA)
(Secondary packaging)
Returnable Packaging Item
Layer 0
Item Level
ISO 17367
Item Item Item Item Item Item Item Item Item Item Item Item Item Item Item Item
(860-960 MHz with TPA)
(13,56 MHz with TPA)
(Primary packaging)
Components, Parts, Materials, Subassemblies, etc.
Figure 1 — Supply chain layers
Once tagged, product layer tags can be distinguished from the layer tags that follow by use of a “group select”
methodology contained in the RFID interrogator/reader. This group select function allows the interrogator
and supporting Automated Information Systems (AIS) to quickly identify product package layer tags.
5.2 Unique item identifier
Unique item identification is a process that assigns a unique data string to an individual freight container
or in this case to an RFID tag that is associated to the cargo resident in the freight container. For freight
container tagging to be meaningful it is necessary that each serialized RFID tag be unique worldwide.
Unique serialization of freight containers allows data collection and management at a granular level.
The benefits of granular level data are evident in such areas as maintenance and enabling electronic
transactions of record. This granularity is possible only if each tagged freight container has a unique
identification.
The Unique Item Identifier (UII) as defined by ISO/IEC 15459, provides granular discrimination between
like items that are identified with RFID tags. The unique tag ID (as defined by ISO/IEC 15963) is a
mechanism to uniquely identify RFID tags.
4 © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved

There exists historical reference for the identification of freight containers, specifically ISO 6346. The
freight container identification structure in this International Standard shall be as defined in ISO 6346
and ISO 10374.
For the purposes of this International Standard, the following data structure is employed to uniquely
identify the freight container. ISO tags include an Application Family Identifier (AFI) in front of the
Unique Item Identifier.
The ANS MH10.8.2 Data Identifier “7B” followed by a three letter container owner code (OC) assigned in
cooperation with the Bureau International des Containers et du Transport Intermodal (BIC), followed
by a one letter equipment category identifier (EI), followed by a six digit serial number (CSN), followed
by a one digit modulus 11 check digit (CD) calculated in accordance with Annex A of ISO 6346:1995.
7B AAA A NNNNNN N
5.3 International unique identification of freight containers
For unique item identification formats using multiple memory banks, the following AFI formats,
specifically 0xA9 or 0xAA, should be used preceding the “7B” format above.
Table 1 — 1736x Application Family Identifiers (AFIs)
AFI Assigned organization or function
0xA1 ISO 17367 product tagging
0xA2 ISO 17365 transport unit
0xA3 ISO 17364 returnable transport unit
0xA4 ISO 17367 product tagging, but for hazardous materials
0xA5 ISO 17366 product packaging
0xA6 ISO 17366 product packaging, but for hazardous materials
0xA7 ISO 17365 transport unit, but containing hazardous materials
0xA8 ISO 17364 returnable transport unit, but containing hazardous materials
0xA9 ISO 17363 freight containers
0xAA ISO 17363 freight containers, but containing hazardous materials
5.4 Types of tags
There are four types of RF devices envisioned for use with freight containers. The individual uses of
each of these devices are listed in 5.4.1 to 5.4.4.
5.4.1 Permanent container “license-plate” tag
This tag, referred to as the “container tag”, is mentioned in the Introduction to this International
Standard and is fully described in ISO 10374.
5.4.2 Cargo shipment-specific tag
This tag, referred to as the “shipment tag”, is fully described in this International Standard.
5.4.3 Container intrusion detection
5.4.3.1 ISO 18185 electronic seal
A read-only, non-reusable freight container seal conforming to high-security seal defined in ISO 17712, and
conforming to ISO 18185, that electronically evidences tampering or intrusion through the container doors.
5.4.3.2 ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-15- 4 intrusion sensor
Sensor-equipped RFID tags shall conform to ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451-7 for the wired or wireless interface and
either ISO/IEC 18000-7 or a combination of an ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-15-4 2450 MHz DSSS PHY employing
O-QPSK modulation and ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451-5 for the wireless interface between the tag or access point
and the sensor. The choice of wireless air interface should be decided by trading partner agreement.
5.4.4 Item level tag
This tag is typically a passive tag that is affixed to an item that is to be tracked. This item may be a
product itself, the packaging around a product or the transportation method used to convey the product
(pallet, case etc.). This tag is usually disposable, though in the case of returnable transport items, etc.,
it may be re-usable. Depending on the layer within the supply chain to which this tag is affixed (see
Figure 1), the appropriate part of ISO/IEC 15459 shall be used.
5.4.5 Returnable Packaging Item tags
There exist items associated with a freight container, e.g., straps, bracing, ratchets, cores, loadlocks,
etc., that are assets in their own right and are owned by the shipper. These assets shall be tracked and
associated with the freight container through the use of Annex A of ISO 17364:2013.
5.5 Addition to other identification requirements
This International Standard does not supersede or replace any applicable safety or regulatory marking
or labelling requirements, and is to be applied in addition to any other mandated labelling requirements.
6 Differentiation within this layer
6.1 General
This International Standard defines the requirements for Layer 4 as shown in Figure 1 above. This layer
is differentiated from the other layers in the following ways.
6.2 Containerized cargo supply chain RFID system requirements
6.2.1 RFID system components
The containerized cargo supply chain RFID system shall consist of two basic components:
a) a shipment tag affixed on the freight container, and
b) equipment located apart from the freight container that reads from and writes to the shipment tag
identified in this International Standard.
6.2.2 RFID system capabilities
The containerized cargo supply chain RFID system shall be capable of:
a) maintaining the integrity of the information on the shipment tag;
b) encoding its information into a form suitable for conveyance to reading equipment;
c) being written to at distances up to and including 35 m from the interrogator and when:
1) sufficiently separated from other ISO 17363 tags by more than 3 m to allow discrimination,
2) operated and stored in the environmental conditions specified in Annex A,
6 © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved

3) it is presumed that the tag will not move beyond the range “A” in Figure 2 until the tag write is
complete;
35 m 35 m
A
35 m
Figure 2 — 35 metre range
d) having a shipment tag that is affixed to the container until final delivery at which time the consignee
shall remove the tag, and which is as small as possible but not to exceed 30 cm x 6 cm x 2 cm;
e) providing an indication of impending power source failure;
f) be able to read the Tag ID and selected Universal Data Block (UDB) from a distance of 100 m (see
Figure 3) and when:
1) moving in relation to the RFID reading system at a speed of 50 km/h or less,
2) sufficiently separated from other ISO 17363 tags by more than 3 m to allow discrimination,
3) operated and stored in the environmental conditions specified in ISO 18185-3, or
g) be able to read the Tag ID and selected Universal Data Block (UDB) when:
1) a minimum requirement exists to read a node from a distance of 35 m and whose network shall
have a minimum range of 100 m,
2) moving in relation to the RFID reading system at a speed of 50 km/h or less,
3) sufficiently separated from other ISO 17363 tags by more than 3 m to allow discrimination,
4) operated and stored in the environmental conditions specified in ISO 18185-3.
This is to permit a choice of using c) with either f) or g).
100 m 100 m
A
100 m
Figure 3 — 100 metre range
6.3 Business processes relevant for the standards suite supply chain applications of RFID
a) Procurement/acquisition: Ordering, including the identification of relevant specifications and
requirements, can be facilitated by referencing the item’s original acquisition data using the RFID
tag’s unique ID as a database key.
b) Shipping: Where items can have different configurations or capabilities, such as with computer
software loads that differentiate items with otherwise identical form, fit and function can be issued
and shipped with the tag read, providing assurance that the correct item was shipped. This level
of non-intrusive tracking and tracing can serve as a front end to the higher level RFID applications
detailed in the other standards in this suite.
c) Receiving: Non-intrusive collection of receipt data can shorten data collection times, in support of
automated inventory management systems, and can provide an electronic transaction of record
much earlier in the process. Earlier knowledge of on-hand inventory can reduce stock outs and the
need for expedited premium transportation.
d) Cross-docking: In addition to recording inbound receipts and outbound shipments, tagged items can be
sorted. Many items will have exterior marking (tagging) that are used in lieu of reading the product tag.
e) Work in process: Used to track individual components and the final assembly (bill of material), and
to monitor any item through a fabrication or manufacturing process.
f) Maintenance: Related to work in progress and differentiated in that it covers functions prior to and
subsequent to the actual work. This includes fault analysis, identification, preparation of packing
and packaging.
g) Inventory control: Item level serialization yields a granularity of visibility that supports the
management of individual items. This allows data collection, tracking and tracing of individual
items, and selection at point of issue.
h) Disposal: Identification of items that have recycling or other disposal requirements.
i) Sortation: A process that places individual items into groups based upon some selection criteria,
often performed at speed.
j) Identification: A process that is an inherent part of each of the functions set out above.
8 © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved

7 Data content
7.1 General
There are two types of data that may be present in a shipment tag compliant with this International Standard:
a) mandatory, non-reprogrammable data as defined in 7.2; and
b) optional, reprogrammable cargo shipment-specific (CSS) data as defined in 7.3.
Should the shipper, at its discretion and responsibility, upload into the shipment tag information that
resides in the container tag and/or the e-seal, such information would be accessed and read as part of
the containerized cargo supply chain RFID system. Readings for container security and identification
purposes of the information in the container tags and e-seals should be done in separate messages;
however, they may be done through the shipment tag.
7.2 Mandatory data
The only mandatory data is the Tag ID, Tag Manufactured Date (DI=‛16D’ in the format YYYYMMDD), and
Sensor ID, if employed. The Tag ID shall be as described in ISO/IEC 15963 above. This mandatory data
element is always non-reprogrammable and is embedded in the shipment tag by the tag manufacturer.
The Sensor ID shall be as described in ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451-7. This mandatory data element is always
non-reprogrammable and is embedded in the sensor by the sensor manufacturer.
7.3 Optional cargo shipment-specific (CSS) data
7.3.1 General
Optional CSS data is defined at the discretion and responsibility of the shipper, while following the
semantics and syntax rules in 7.3.3 and 7.3.4, respectively.
Annex B contains a listing of typical customs data required for inbound freight. These data elements are
shown with their associated ASC MH10 Data Identifier and metadata associated with the data element.
Under expressed trading partner agreements optional CSS data may be encrypted or otherwise secured
at the point and time it is first written into the shipment tag and during any subsequent modifications,
alterations, changes and/or erasures.
7.3.2 Tag data routing code
The tag data routing code (known simply as the Routing Code in ISO/IEC 18000-7) enables the system
that reads the tag header to forward the tag ID to a designated recipient. The Routing Code is a byte
oriented code consisting of N bytes in the following format: Issuing Agency Code (from ISO/IEC 15459-2),
followed by the appropriate identifier as specified by the issuing agency.
7.3.3 Data semantics
The optional CSS data contained in the shipment tag shall conform to the semantics of ISO/IEC 15418.
The applicable customs-related data, the Data Identifiers, shall be as identified in Annex B.
7.3.4 Data syntax
The optional CSS data contained in the shipment tag shall conform to the syntax of ISO/IEC 15434 and
ISO/IEC 15962.
7.3.5 Tag data structure
The tag will support multiple types of data including fixed Tag ID and Tag Manufactured Date, as well
as user data memory for shipment summary, and raw data storage. Optionally, the tag can support
database functions. The fixed user data will support simple read write commands and the selection
of data elements. The user data memory for shipment summary will support transactional operations.
The raw data storage is a user data area for additional data, e.g. sensor data in support of transactional
operations. The database memory option supports flexible multiple element queries.
7.3.6 Tag character set
The RF tag shall employ characters from the character set 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I,
J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, [, \, ], :, ;, <, =, >, ?, @, (, ), *, +, -, ., /, , , , Space.
Tag ID and EPC are binary constructs and must be first handled as a single field and then parsed into sextets.
If the Tag ID or EPC do not end on a six-bit boundary, the last sextet will be zero filled to complete the sextet.
7.3.7 Tag data compression
So as to minimize the memory size required, the data encoded on the tag shall be encoded in 6-bit ASCII
as defined in Table 2.
Table 2 — Six-bit encoding for ISO/IEC 15434 direct method
Space 100000 0 110000 @ 000000 P 010000
100001 1 110001 A 000001 Q 010001
100010 2 110010 B 000010 R 010010
100011 3 110011 C 000011 S 010011
100100 4 110100 D 000100 T 010100
100101 5 110101 E 000101 U 010101
100110 6 110110 F 000110 V 010110
100111 7 110111 G 000111 W 010111
( 101000 8 111000 H 001000 X 011000
) 101001 9 111001 I 001001 Y 011001
* 101010 : 111010 J 001010 Z 011010
+ 101011 ; 111011 K 001011 [ 011011
, 101100 < 111100 L 001100 \ 011100
- 101101 = 111101 M 001101 ] 011101
. 101110 > 111110 N 001110 011110
/ 101111 ? 111111 O 001111 011111
NOTE   Table 2 is six-bit encoding created through the simple removal of the two high-order bits from the
ISO/IEC 646-8-bit ASCII character set. The shaded values are re-assigned, as provided, to minimize the bit count
when using the ISO/IEC 15434 envelope. The reserved blocks are there for future iterations of this International
Standard. Shaded entries are for values different than ISO/IEC 646.
For binary constructs such as Tag ID and EPC the resulting sextets shall include the Table 3 shaded six-
bit values represented as follows.
10 © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved

Table 3 — Alternative values for binary encodation
! 100001
“ 100010
# 100011
$ 100100
% 100101
& 100110
‘ 100111
^ 011110
_ 011111
8 Data security
8.1 General
For a containerized cargo supply chain RFID system to be compliant with this International Standard,
it shall protect and secure the optional cargo shipment-specific data as defined in 7.3. The minimum
level of data security and protection provided by the containerized cargo supply chain RFID system
shall prevent any unplanned observability of cargo shipment-specific data. The minimum level of data
security and protection shall be established no later than at the activity first writing to the shipment
tag. Such levels include:
prevention of the unplanned identification of cargo either directly or indirectly;
prevention of supply chain information from being identified, accessed, altered, amended, changed
and deleted by anyone not authorized by the shipper or any agent, representative or entity acting
on its behalf;
— protection of the network and associated information systems from hostile attacks (hacking,
viruses, and denial of service), which is with the network and systems themselves;
— ensuring the validity and integrity of the data accepted, processed and stored by the system.
8.2 Confidentiality
The optional CSS data stored in or communicated to or from the tag shall be secured by the shipper to
meet the requirements of 8.1. The technique of securing the data shall be identified in trading partner
communications, e.g., EDI. CSS data shall be encrypted or otherwise secured at the point and time
when it is first written into the shipment tag and during any subsequent modifications, alterations,
changes and/or erasures. If encryption is chosen as a method of CSS data security, the level and type of
encryption shall be at the discretion and responsibility of the shipper. The tag shall be capable of having
encrypted or otherwise secured data written to it and read from it without interference from the tag
design or structure.
CSS information is defined at the discretion of the shipper and is its responsibility. The information is
uploaded into the tag and modified, altered, changed or deleted, as necessitated by commercial business
processes and practices in the commercial international supply chain, by the shipper itself or ― as per its
instructions ― by any agent, representative or entity authorized by the shipper to do so. Cargo shipment-
specific information is always optional.
8.3 Data integrity
All shipment tags compliant with this International Standard shall have the ability to prevent the
alteration or erasure of re-programmable cargo shipment-specific data commonly known as “locking”
data. Locking data shall be at the discretion and responsibility of the shipper. Tag manufacturers shall
have the option of locking a portion of the tag data for identification and storage of data related solely
to the manufacturer.
8.4 Authentication
The data storage and transfer protocols of all shipment tags compliant with this International Standard
should require authentication of the interrogator’s authorization prior to reading the tag data. Reading
of only the tag ID and chip ID shall not require authentication.
8.5 Encryption
Encryption and other data protection shall be mutually agreed upon between trading partners.
8.6 Non-repudiation/audit trail
All shipment tags compliant with this International Standard shall not intentionally provide incorrect
or misleading data. Tags shall be capable of identifying their manufacturer, size and type of data content
when properly interrogated.
9 Tag location
The shipment tag shall be located in near proximity to the door of the container. The shipment tag, with
its cargo shipment-specific information, shall be removed by the consignee upon final delivery.
10 Tag operation
10.1 Data protocol
The data protocol, i.e. commands and messages to and from shipment tags compliant with this
International Standard, shall support the requirements in ISO/IEC 15961 and ISO/IEC 15962. The data
syntax and semantics shall be as identified in 7.3.3 and 7.3.4.
10.2 Minimum performance requirements
The performance for shipment tags compliant with this International Standard shall be meas
...