ISO 15394:2017

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 15394
Third edition
2017-11
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 15394:2017(E)
©
ISO 2017

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ISO 15394:2017(E)

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© ISO 2017, Published in Switzerland
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ISO 15394:2017(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Concepts . 2
4.1 Principles . 2
4.2 Transport package, unit load and transport unit . 3
4.2.1 Transport package . 3
4.2.2 Unit load . 3
4.2.3 Transport unit . 3
4.3 Unique transport unit identifier . 3
4.4 Label formats . 3
4.4.1 Base shipping/transport/receiving label . 3
4.4.2 Extended shipping/transport/receiving label . 3
5 Data content . 4
5.1 Data representation . 4
5.1.1 Data in linear bar code symbols . 4
5.1.2 Data in two-dimensional (2D) symbols . 4
5.1.3 Data in human-readable form . 4
5.2 Data elements . 4
5.2.1 Unique transport unit identifier . 4
5.2.2 Ship to. 5
5.2.3 Ship from . 5
5.2.4 Key to carrier's database . 5
5.2.5 Key to customer's database . 5
5.2.6 Other data elements . 6
5.3 Concatenating data fields in linear bar code symbols . 6
5.3.1 Using GS1 Application Identifiers (AI) . 6
5.3.2 Using ANSI MH10.8.2 Data Identifiers (DI) . 6
5.4 Structured data files . 6
5.4.1 General. 6
5.4.2 Shipping and receiving data . 6
5.4.3 Supporting documentation application . 6
5.4.4 Carrier sorting and tracking applications . 7
5.5 Data area identification . 7
6 Data carriers . 7
6.1 Linear bar code symbols . 7
6.2 Two-dimensional symbols . 7
6.3 Human-readable information . 8
6.3.1 Human-readable interpretation . 8
6.3.2 Human translation . 8
6.3.3 Data area titles . 8
6.3.4 Free text and data . 8
6.3.5 Choice of language . 8
7 Label design . 8
7.1 General considerations . 8
7.2 Layout . 9
7.2.1 Base label layout . 9
7.2.2 Extended label layout . 9
7.2.3 Other data .10
7.3 Label dimensions .10
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ISO 15394:2017(E)

7.3.1 General considerations .10
7.3.2 Label height .10
7.3.3 Label width .10
7.3.4 Data limits .10
7.4 Text size .11
7.4.1 General considerations .11
7.4.2 Specific text dimensions .12
7.5 Material .12
8 Label placement .13
8.1 General considerations .13
8.2 Unit loads (pallets) .13
8.3 Transport packages .13
8.4 Other transport units.14
Annex A (normative) Guidelines for using linear bar code symbols .15
Annex B (normative) Guidelines for using 2D symbols .18
Annex C (informative) Designing compliant labels using a building block approach .37
Annex D (informative) Issues to consider in the drafting of application guidelines or
standards conforming to this document .41
Annex E (informative) Label examples .44
Annex F (informative) Recommended label locations on various containers .61
Annex G (informative) The impact of systems confronted with multiple symbologies
and formats .64
Bibliography .68
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ISO 15394:2017(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.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
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. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see the following
URL: www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 122, Packaging.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 15394:2009), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— 5.4 has been restructured;
— 5.5 has been added;
— additional information on label design has been added in 7.1;
— a new Figure E.7 has been added and succeeding figures have been renumbered accordingly;
— E.3 has been added;
— Figures E.11, E.12, and E.13 have been added;
— Tables E.1 and E.2 have been added.
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ISO 15394:2017(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 global industries. Several 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
of 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 using EDI. In addition, a transport label may contain other information as
agreed between the trading partners.
Two-dimensional symbols may be included to assist in 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 document incorporates the technology, data structure and conformance standards of
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 with the user requirements for shipping labels into a single application standard.
While this document provides an international shipping label standard, ISO 22742 provides guidance
for product packaging. This document and ISO 22742 are complementary.
On the other hand, ISO 17365 covers the use of RF tags on shipping/transport units and was prepared
by ISO/TC 122.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15394:2017(E)
Packaging — Bar code and two-dimensional symbols for
shipping, transport and receiving labels
1 Scope
This document:
— 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 using 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;
— provides recommendations as to label placement, size and the inclusion of free text and any
appropriate graphics;
— provides guidance on the selection of the label material.
This document 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 are
[10]
provided in references such as The Fibre Box Handbook .
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements 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/IEC 15415, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar
code symbol print quality test specification — Two-dimensional symbols
ISO/IEC 15416, 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 15434, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Syntax
for high-capacity ADC media
ISO/IEC 15438:2015, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques —
PDF417 bar code symbology specification
ISO/IEC 15459-1, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques —
Unique identification— Part 1: Individual transport units
ISO/IEC 15459-2, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques —
Unique identification— Part 2: Registration procedures
ISO/IEC 16023:2000, Information technology — International symbology specification — MaxiCode
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ISO 15394:2017(E)

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 bar code symbology specification
ISO/IEC 19762, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) techniques —
Harmonized vocabulary
ISO 17365, Supply chain applications of RFID — Transport units
ISO 21067, Packaging — Vocabulary
ANSI MH10.8.2, Data Identifier and Application Identifier Standard
GS1 General Specifications.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 19762 and ISO 21067 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
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, i.e., supplier, carrier, purchaser and 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 document, 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 linear bar code and two-dimensional symbols (see Annexes A and B) and
human-readable form.
This document shall be used in conjunction with application guidelines defining the parameters chosen
by the trading partners concerned. Annex D gives guidance in the definition of these parameters.
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ISO 15394:2017(E)

4.2 Transport package, unit load and transport unit
4.2.1 Transport package
For the purposes of this document, 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.
4.2.2 Unit load
For the purposes of this document, a unit load is considered to be one or more transport packages or
other items held together by means such as pallet, slip sheet, strapping, interlocking, glue, shrink wrap
or net wrap, making them suitable for transport, stacking and storage as a unit.
4.2.3 Transport unit
Both unit loads and transport packages are referred to as transport units in this document.
4.3 Unique transport unit identifier
One unique transport unit identifier shall be assigned and applied to each transport unit prior to
shipment. The unique transport unit identifier shall be associated with the highest level of packaging
intended to be conveyed as a single physical entity by the shipper (e.g., a transport package within
an unbreakable unit load does not require a unique transport unit identifier). This is a common
requirement for all label formats specified by this document. The identifier or “licence plate” is the key,
providing access to information stored in computer files and which may be transmitted electronically.
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 document 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 the 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
The extended label is used when the data available from the base label does not satisfy the requirements
of all trading partners. 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.
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In order to facilitate the processing and interpretation by trading partners, 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;
— customer segment: in addition to the key 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 (also see Annex A):
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 (2D) symbols
Information may also be provided in two-dimensional symbols as mutually agreed upon between
trading partners (see Annex B). Data syntax in two-dimensional symbols shall be in accordance with
ISO/IEC 15434.
5.1.3 Data in human-readable form
The human-read
...