ISO 15394:2000

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 15394
First edition
2000-04-01
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 2000
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ii © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword.iv
Introduction.v
1 Scope .1
2 Normative references .1
3 Terms and definitions .2
4 Concepts.2
4.1 Principles.2
4.2 Unit load and transport package.2
4.3 Unique transport unit identifier.3
4.4 Label formats .3
5 Data content .4
5.1 Data representation .4
5.2 Data elements.4
5.3 Concatenating data fields in linear bar code symbols .6
5.4 Structured data files .6
6 Data carriers.6
6.1 Linear bar code symbols .6
6.2 Two-dimensional symbols.7
6.3 Human readable information.8
7 Label design.8
7.1 General considerations.8
7.2 Layout .9
7.3 Label dimensions.9
7.4 Text size.11
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.13
Annex A (normative) Procedures for using MaxiCode.14
Annex B (normative) Procedures for using PDF417 .17
Annex C (informative) Issues to consider in the drafting of application guidelines or standards
conforming to this International Standard.27
Annex D (informative) The impact of systems being confronted with multiple symbologies and formats.29
Annex E (informative) Label examples.33
Annex F (informative) Label locations .43
Bibliography.45
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 3.
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 International Standard may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard ISO 15394 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 122, Packaging.
Annexes A and B form a normative part of this International Standard. Annexes C to F are for information only.
iv © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

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, require 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 which 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.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15394:2000(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 for 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, specifies quality
requirements, classes of bar code density;
� makes recommendations as to label placement, size and the inclusion of free text and any appropriate
graphics;
� provides guidance in the selection of label material.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
this International Standard. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these
publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this International Standard are encouraged to
investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For
undated references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and IEC
maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
ISO/IEC 2382 (all parts), Information technology — Vocabulary.
1)
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 — Bar code
symbology specification — Code 128.
ISO/IEC 15418, Information technology — EAN/UCC Application Identifiers and Fact Data Identifiers and
Maintenance.
ISO/IEC 15434, Information technology — Transfer syntax for high capacity ADC media.
1) To be published.
1)
ISO/IEC 15438:— , Bar coding — Symbology specification — PDF417.
ISO/IEC 15459-1, Information technology — Unique identification of transport units — Part 1: General.
2)
ISO/IEC 16023:— , Information technology — International symbology specification — MaxiCode.
ISO/IEC 16388, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code
symbology specifications — Code 39.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this International Standard, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 2382 (all parts) and the
following apply. See also the Bibliography.
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.
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 which may be
presented both in bar code/two-dimensional symbols (see annexes A and B) and human readable form.
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 pallet, 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
2) To be published.
2 © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

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 EDI is available between the parties involved.
A unique transport unit identifier shall be included on the base label.
In addition to the unique transport unit identifier (“licence plate”), it is recommended to provide the following
information on a base label:
� "Ship from" name and address (to be able to return the shipment in the event that delivery was not possible);
� "Ship to" name and address (for shipment delivery);
� 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;
� 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) EAN.UCC applications identifiers (AIs) in accordance with ISO/IEC 15418 shall only be used in conjunction
with UCC/EAN-128 (being a subset of Code 128 compliant to ISO/IEC 15417);
b) FACT Data Identifiers (DIs) in accordance with ISO/IEC 15418 shall be used in conjunction with Code 39
symbols compliant to ISO/IEC 16388;
c) FACT Data Identifiers (DIs) in accordance with ISO/IEC 15418 shall be used in conjunction with Code 128
symbols compliant to 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 information 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 SSCC, that uses application identifier “00”, represented in UCC/EAN-128;
� the unique transport unit identifier using the FACT data identifier “J” represented in either Code 39 or
Code 128.
NOTE This International Standard recognizes the historical practice in some industries and trading partners of using two
separate linear bar code symbols to create a unique licence plate; the first which identifies the supplier, for example, DI “V”,
“2V”, "6V", or “13V” and the second which identifies the package ID, for example, DI “S”, “3S”, “4S”, “5S”, “6S”, or “7S”. While
data identifiers such as "13V" (DUNS code) with a serial number can provide unique identification, the use of two separate linear
bar code symbols to create the unique transport identifier is not recommended. Use of data identifiers such as "V", and "6V" with
a serial number may not provide unique identification throughout the supply chain, and these historical usages should migrate to
either the UCC/EAN SSCC or the unique transport unit identifier using the FACT DI “J” within a period of five years from the
date of issuance of this International Standard. The approach using two separate linear bar code symbols to create a unique
transport unit identifier is discouraged but not subject to a five year migration.
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;
4 © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

c) is unique in the sense that no issuer re-issues a number until a sufficient period of time has passed so that the
first number has ceased to be of significance to any user of this International Standard;
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;
f) does not contain more characters than identified in Table 1 (see 7.3.4).
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 above 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, or 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 above 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, or 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.
5.3 Concatenating data fields in linear bar code symbols
5.3.1 Using application identifiers
When several application identifiers and their data are concatenated into one UCC/EAN-128 symbol, each variable
length field shall be followed by the FNC1 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 data identifiers 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 “UCC/EAN-128” is a subset of “Code 128”.
6.1.2 Symbol height
The minimum bar height of a bar code symbol shall be 1,27 cm.
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 UCC/EAN-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
UCC/EAN-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 (7.3.4) 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.
6 © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

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.
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 10 x. 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).
6.1.7 Placement
Linear bar code fields should be placed to ensure that they do not interfere with each other when scanned.
NOTE 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 are not in the same linear plane, 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 (approximately 10 mil/0,010 inch);
� inspection wavelength = (660� 10) 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 also should be followed through to the end use. The above
symbol quality and measurement parameters assure 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.
It may not be possible to meet the print quality requirements of this International Standard when printing directly
onto Kraft, coloured corrugated surfaces. Users considering the printing of bar code symbols directly on to Kraft,
coloured corrugated surfaces should consider the scanning capabilities of their entire trading channel.
6.2 Two-dimensional symbols
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 supports the two-
dimensional symbologies, MaxiCode and PDF417. This International Standard recommends MaxiCode for carrier
sortation and tracking applications and PDF417 for other applications covered by this International Standard. For
further information and guidance in the use of two-dimensional symbols, see annex A, B.2 and B.3 of annex B.
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
� a data area containing multiple linear bar code symbols that are intended to be scanned in a single data
capture operation;
� a data area containing 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.
7 Label design
7.1 General considerations
The linear bar code representing the unique transport unit identifier (“licence plate”), a mandatory element for this
International Standard, shall be printed in the lowest area of the label.
Label segments are logical groupings of information based on the data needs of the trading partners within the
distribution channel. Three segments are defined: carrier segment, customer segment, and supplier segment.
Label segments may or may not be printed at the same time on a single physical label. When the size and structure
of the transport unit permits, segments should be stacked vertically, from top to bottom, in the following order:
� carrier segment;
� customer segment;
� supplier segment.
Examples of labels are provided in annex E. The labels shown in annex E are for illustration only and do not
represent all of the possible choices of label designs.
Separate sections of the label may be applied at different stages to form the complete label.
8 © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

7.2 Layout
7.2.1 Base label layout
In addition to the unique transport unit identifier, a typical base label can include the following data areas:
� "Ship from" address, human readable;
� "Ship to" address, human readable;
� "Ship to" postal code or location number, linear bar code;
� carrier shipment tracking number (if required), linear bar code;
� customer purchase order number (if required), linear bar code.
Only linear bar codes shall be used to represent data in a machine-readable form on a base label.
The "Ship to" address shall be located below or to the right of the "Ship from" address. "Ship from" characters shall
be noticeably smaller than the "Ship to" characters and the fields shall be easily distinguishable.
7.2.2 Extended label layout
The extended label comprises more information than the base label. In addition to the information contained in the
base label the extended label may include:
� linear bar codes representing other discrete data elements;
� linear bar codes representing concatenated data elements;
� two-dimensional symbols;
� human translation of linear bar code information;
� human-readable-only information;
� graphics.
7.2.3 Other data
This International Standard does not supersede or replace any applicable safety or regulatory marking or labelling
requirements. This International Standard is to be applied in addition to any other mandated labelling requirements.
Free areas or certain graphics, such as, safety, hazard, quality signs, or logos, may be required.
7.3 Label dimensions
7.3.1 General considerations
The size of the label shall be consistent with the data requirements of all trading partners in the supply chain with
the only constraint being the size of the transport unit.
The label format described does not dictate a fixed size for the total label. The physical dimensions of the label
shall be determined by the labeller. Considerations for label size selection may include: the amount of data to be
printed, the physical characteristics of the printing equipment used or the size of the transport unit.
7.3.2 Label height
The height of the label shall be determined by the labeller.
7.3.3 Label width
The width of the label shall be determined by the labeller. Label width is determined by the x-dimension of the
printed bar code symbol and the maximum bar code message length. Table 2 shows the correlation between
x-dimension and label width for selected x-dimensions, using the data limits set forth in Table 1.
Some existing industry standards have other data limits. If a trading partner needs a single Code 39 bar code data
field that contains more characters than is shown in Table 1, the labeller may choose to use a wider label stock or
an x-dimension at the lower limits of this International Standard.
7.3.4 Data limits
Limits on the number of characters which can be required of the labeller for a single bar code symbol are shown in
Table 1.
Table 1 — Maximum character limits for linear symbols
Symbology and format Character limits
Code 128 (numeric) 50 digits (after a single character DI)
Code 128 (alphanumeric) 27
UCC/EAN-128 (all numeric) 48
UCC/EAN-128 (alphanumeric) 26
Code 39 19
NOTE 1 For UCC/EAN-128, the character count includes all characters between the
Function 1 (FNC1) character and the symbology check character.
NOTE 2 For Code 39, character count includes all characters between the start and
stop characters.
10 © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

Table 2 — Minimum label width required to print the maximum character limits given in Table 1
Symbology Code 39 Code 128 Code 128 UCC/EAN-128 UCC/EAN-128 UCC/EAN-128
all numeric alphanumeric SSCC all numeric alphanumeric
Max. character 19 50 27 20 48 26
limits from Table 1 (single DI) exactly
x-dimension Dimensions in millimetres
0,25 105 105 105 105 105
0,33 148 148 148 Not 148 148
0,38 148 148 148 recommended 148 148
0,43 over 148 148 over 148 over 148 over 148
0,50 105 over 148 over 148
0,66 Not 148 over 148 over 148
0,76 recommended 148 over 148 over 148
0,81 over 148 over 148 over 148
NOTE 1 This table is intended to provide guidance to the printer/applier of a label on the size of label stock needed to accommodate the
maximum character limits as stated in Table 1.
NOTE 2 This label width guidance is based on only two label sizes, 105 mm and 148 mm.
NOTE 3 Included in the minimum label width calculations in this table are the following:
— symbology start and stop characters, 2,54 mm print registration, and quiet zones of 6,4 mm or 10 times the bar code symbol x-dimension,
whichever is greater;
— for UCC/EAN-128 symbols, function one character (FNC1) and symbology check character;
— for Code 39 symbols, a 3:1 wide to narrow ratio and one x-intercharacter gap;
— for Code 128 symbols, the symbology check character.
NOTE 4 UCC/EAN SSCC bar code symbols have minimum x-dimensions greater than 0,432 mm. In order to fit on a label size of 102 mm,
this symbol should be printed at the smallest x-dimension as specified in the UCC/EAN specifications.
7.4 Text size
7.4.1 General considerations
The height of text characters is associated with the number of characters that can be required on a single line.
Nine sizes may be specified for text. The exact character heights corresponding to the nine text sizes shall be
chosen by the labeller based on the capabilities of the printing process.
The characters shall be clearly legible.
Table 3 shows the maximum number of text characters per line that can be required of a labeller.
Table 3 — Character heights and character limits
Approximate character Character limits for full
height width label
(cm) (number of characters)
2,54 8
1,27 18
0,84 28
0,64 34
0,51 42
0,43 48
0,36 59
0,32 68
0,25 77
NOTE Calculations for the text character count limits in this table
are based on the following assumptions: a 102 mm wide label
segment, clear distinction between the character sizes used, and
fixed-width characters.
7.4.2 Specific text dimensions
The specific heights of the text characters shall be as follows:
� the data area titles shall be no smaller than 0,25 cm;
� the "Ship from" address shall be no smaller than 0,25 cm, and in any case shall be smaller than the "Ship to"
address text;
� the "Ship to" address shall be no smaller than 0,43 cm, and in any case shall be larger than the "Ship from"
address text;
� the literal translation of the associated linear bar code symbol (also known as human-readable interpretation,
HRI) shallbenosmaller than0,25cm;
� the primary human-readable information (also known as human translation) shall be no smaller than 0,51 cm;
� the secondary human-readable information (also known as text or descriptive information) shall be no smaller
than 0,25 cm.
7.5 Material
Label material and the method of attaching the label to the transport unit shall be selected to ensure that the label:
� remains attached to the transport unit for the intended life of the label;
� remains readable for the life of the label;
� survives the environments for the life of the label, for example, contamination, heat, light, moisture;
� meets disposability requirements.
12 © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

8 Label placement
8.1 General considerations
Labels should be affixed at a suitable location where there is a minimum risk of damage. Labels should be placed
on the side of the transport unit with the human readable information parallel to the natural bottom of the transport
unit. The edge of the label(s) should be a minimum of 32 mm from any transport unit edge.
Transport units should have identical labels affixed on two adjacent sides. Parcel carriers may require the
placement of carrier information on the top of a transport unit, in addition to customer and supplier information
which would continue to be placed in accordance with the preceding paragraph.
8.2 Unit loads (pallets)
Each pallet shall have at least one bar code label. The label shall be placed right of centre on a vertical face,
allowing a minimum of 5 cm from either edge. The label should not be placed over a seam nor should sealing tape
or bands be placed over the label in a manner that interferes with the scanning of the label. The bottom edge of the
unique transport unit identifier symbol should be within the range of 40 cm to 80 cm from the bottom of the pallet. If
the pallet is less than 50 cm in height, the label should be placed as high as possible on the pallet. See Figure 1.
Dimensions in centimetres
Key
1 Unique transport unit identifier
Figure 1 — Pallet label location
8.3 Transport packages
For transport packages up to 1 m in height, the bottom edge of the unique transport unit identifier symbol should be
within the range of 2,5 cm to 7,6 cm from the natural bottom of the package. Transport packages greater than 1 m
in height should follow the recommendations of 8.2.
8.4 Other transport units
Annex F provides examples of the labelling of various transport units. Label placement requirements should be
developed in conjunction with specific application guidelines.
Annex A
(normative)
Procedures for using MaxiCode
A.1 Carrier sortation and tracking applications
Carrier sortation is the process in which transport units are routed between two or more points. Carrier tracking is
the process by which the location of unit loads and transport units being transported by a carrier is updated in the
carrier’s database.
Data to be included comprises that which is required to route transport units between multiple points, to locate
transport units, and other supporting data which is relevant to sortation and/or tracking for internal and external
processing.
When a two-dimensional symbol is used for the carrier sortation and tracking applications, the MaxiCode
symbology (see ISO/IEC 16023) is capable of being read in a high-speed scanning environment. The structure and
syntax of the MaxiCode symbols for the carrier sortation and tracking applications shall conform to the structure
and syntax described in ISO/IEC 15434.
A.2 Data encoding
A.2.1 Code set
When encoding information in a MaxiCode symbol, it is recommended that character selection be limited to Code
Set A where possible (see ISO/IEC 16023).
A.2.2 Mode
A MaxiCode symbol incorporates one mode per symbol. This International Standard recommends the use of
MaxiCode Mode 2 or Mode 3, to ensure that the sortation system can decode the "Ship to" postal code, "Ship to"
country code and class of service in the event of symbol damage (see ISO/IEC 16023).
The determination of which mode to use is established by the data characteristics of the "Ship to" postal code and
class of service. Table A.1 determines the appropriate mode.
Table A.1 — Determining which MaxiCode Mode to use
If the "Ship to" postal code is and the class of service is then use
numeric-only
numeric-only Mode 2
maximum of 9 digits
alphanumeric
numeric-only Mode 3
maximum of 6 characters
other than above numeric-only Mode 4
any of the above alphanumeric Mode 4
14 © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

A.3 Error correction levels
MaxiCode has fixed levels of error correction. The MaxiCode symbol should use the standard error correction level
identified within ISO/IEC 16023.
A.4 Narrow element dimension
MaxiCode is not a scalable symbol (supporting different x-dimensions). The MaxiCode symbol shall have an
x-dimension (the width of a symbol module) and all other dimensions consistent with the ISO/IEC 16023.
A.5 Quiet zones
For the carrier and sortation application, the MaxiCode symbol shall have a minimum quiet zone of 1 mm above,
below, to the left and to the right.
A.6 MaxiCode symbol print quality
The ISO/IEC 16023 shall be used to determine the print quality of the MaxiCode symbol. For the carrier sortation
and tracking application the mi
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