ISO/IEC 20248:2022/Amd 1:2024

Overview

ISO/IEC 20248:2022/Amd 1:2024 is an important amendment to the international standard for information technology related to automatic identification and data capture techniques. This update focuses on enhancing the digital signature data structure schema by specifying the Domain Authority Identifier (DAID) for the GS1 legal entity identifier and providing essential encoding clarifications. Developed collaboratively by ISO and IEC committees, this amendment ensures consistency, security, and interoperability in digital signature applications involving GS1 identifiers, which are widely used in global supply chain and business management.

Key Topics

• Domain Authority Identifier (DAID) Specification
  The amendment introduces a clear specification for the DAID format associated with the GS1 legal entity, leveraging the GS1 Party Global Location Number (PGLN) as the unique GS1 identifier for legal entities. The DAID is structured as "GS1 ", enhancing uniformity in entity identification within digital signatures.

• Encoding Enhancements
  Significant encoding clarifications are provided:

  • DAID encoding uses a type identifier of 0xFE, with the 13-digit PGLN encoded as a 44-bit binary number.
  • Data encoding formats are specified precisely, with distinctions among HexString and Base64String for different binary values to avoid ambiguity in digital signature data interpretation.

• Language Tag Construction
  The language tags for signature data follow IETF RFC 5646 standards, requiring compulsory language subtags with optional additional sub-tags. This ensures metadata in digital signatures are consistent and internationally understandable.

• Example Implementation Adjustments
  The amendment refines example digital signature implementations, offering updated signature data and encoding examples to guide developers in practical application of the standard, including integration with cryptographic libraries like MIRACL Core.

Applications

• Supply Chain and Logistics
  Organizations utilizing GS1 identifiers benefit from improved digital signature practices. This enables secure, authenticated transfer of information tied to legal entities involved in global trade and logistics networks.

• Legal and Regulatory Compliance
  Incorporating standardized DAID specifications supports compliance with international regulations requiring verifiable digital signatures linked to recognized legal entities, enhancing trust in digital documents and transactions.

• Information Systems Integration
  Developers and system architects can leverage clarified encoding rules for improved interoperability between automatic identification and data capture systems, ensuring robust validation of digital signatures across platforms.

• Digital Authentication
  Enhanced domain authority specification facilitates stronger identity assertions in electronic environments, supporting identity management and fraud prevention in e-commerce, government, and institutional frameworks.

Related Standards

• ISO/IEC 20248:2022
  The parent standard defining the digital signature data structure schema for automatic identification and data capture techniques, providing the foundational framework for secure signed data.

• GS1 General Specifications Standard
  Governs the structure and use of GS1 identifiers like the Party Global Location Number (PGLN), essential for implementing the DAID as specified in this amendment.

• IETF RFC 5646
  Defines tags for identifying languages in digital data, referenced here for constructing compliant language subtags in digital signatures.

• ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and Part 2
  Outline the procedures and editorial rules for developing and maintaining ISO and IEC standards, ensuring consistency and quality in international standardization.

Keywords: ISO/IEC 20248 amendment, digital signature data structure, Domain Authority Identifier, GS1 legal entity identifier, PGLN, automatic identification, data capture techniques, encoding clarifications, digital authentication, international standards, digital signature interoperability, GS1 identifiers, IETF RFC 5646 language tag, MIRACL Core library.