ISO 17364:2009

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 17364
First edition
2009-11-15
Supply chain applications of RFID —
Returnable transport items (RTIs)
Applications de chaîne d'approvisionnements de RFID — Éléments
restituables de transport (RTIs)

Reference number
©
ISO 2009
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ii © ISO 2009 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction.v
1 Scope.1
2 Conformance and performance specifications.1
3 Normative references.1
4 Terms and definitions .3
5 Concepts .5
6 Differentiation within the layer.8
7 Data content.10
8 Data security .16
9 Identification of RFID labelled material.17
10 Human readable information.17
11 Tag operation.18
12 Tag location and presentation .21
13 Interrogator and reader requirements.22
14 Interoperability, compatibility and non-interference with other RF systems.22
Bibliography.23

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 17364 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 122, Packaging, in collaboration with
Technical Committee ISO/TC 104, Freight containers.

iv © ISO 2009 – All rights reserved

Introduction
The supply chain is a multi-level concept that covers all aspects of taking a product from raw materials to a
final product including shipping to a final place of sale, use and maintenance and potentially disposal. 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 in order to ensure compatibility at the physical, command and
data levels with the four other International Standards under the general title: Supply chain applications of
RFID. Where possible, this compatibility takes the form of interchangeability. Where interchangeability is not
feasible, the International Standards within this suite are interoperable and non-interfering. The International
Standards within the complete series of Supply chain applications of RFID include
⎯ ISO 17363, Supply chain applications of RFID — Freight containers,
⎯ ISO 17364, Supply chain applications of RFID — Returnable transport items (RTIs),
⎯ ISO 17365, Supply chain applications of RFID — Transport units,
⎯ ISO 17366, Supply chain applications of RFID — Product packaging, and
⎯ ISO 17367, Supply chain applications of RFID — Product tagging.
These International Standards define the technical aspects and data hierarchy of information required in each
layer of the supply chain. The air-interface and communications protocol standards supported within the
Supply chain applications of RFID International Standards are ISO/IEC 18000; commands and messages are
specified by ISO/IEC 15961 and ISO/IEC 15962; semantics are defined in ISO/IEC 15418; syntax is defined in
ISO/IEC 15434.
Although not pertinent to this International Standard, the work of
⎯ ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology, SC 31, Automatic identification and data capture techniques, in
the areas of air interface, data semantic and syntax construction and conformance standards, and
⎯ ISO/TC 104, Freight containers, in the area of freight container security, including electronic seals
(e-seals) (i.e. ISO 18185) and container identification
is considered valuable.
This International Standard defines the requirements for RFID tags for returnable transport items (RTIs). RTIs
are defined as all means to assemble goods for transportation, storage, handling and product protection in the
supply chain which are returned for further usage, including for example pallets with and without cash deposits
as well as all forms of reusable crates, trays, boxes, roll pallets, barrels, trolleys, pallet collars and lids.
An important concept here is the use cases of such things as unitized loads, pallets and returnable transport
items. How a pallet is used can determine whether it is covered under this International Standard as a
returnable transport item or within ISO 17365 as a transport unit. If ownership title of the pallet remains with its
owner then this International Standard is applicable. If the ownership title of a pallet is transferred to the
customer as part of a unitized load then it is considered an element of that unitized load, and the applicable
International Standard is ISO 17365.
Specific to RTIs is the placement of tagged packed products and products inside the RTI.
Owners and other users of RTIs can use this International Standard. It ensures the unambiguous and optimal
use of RTIs in the supply chain. In conjunction with the Supply chain applications of RFID International
Standards, a seamless application of the RTIs within the total supply chain is enabled.

vi © ISO 2009 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 17364:2009(E)

Supply chain applications of RFID — Returnable transport
items (RTIs)
1 Scope
This International Standard defines the basic features of RFID for the use in the supply chain when applied to
returnable transport items. In particular it
⎯ provides specifications for the identification of the RTI,
⎯ makes recommendations about additional information on the RF tag,
⎯ specifies the semantics and data syntax to be used,
⎯ specifies the data protocol to be used to interface with business applications and the RFID system,
⎯ specifies the minimum performance requirements,
⎯ specifies the air interface standards between the RF interrogator and RF tag, and
⎯ specifies the reuse and recyclability of the RF tag.
2 Conformance and performance specifications
All of the devices and equipment that claim conformance with this International Standard shall also conform to
the appropriate sections and parameters specified in ISO/IEC TR 18046 for performance and
ISO/IEC TR 18047-6 (for ISO/IEC 18000-6, Type C) and ISO/IEC TR 18047-3 (for the ASK interface of
ISO/IEC 18000-3, Mode 3) for conformance.
When through trading-partner agreement, other specific ISO/IEC 18000 air interfaces are employed (i.e.
ISO/IEC 18000-2, Type A and ISO/IEC 18000-7) the corresponding part of ISO/IEC 18047 shall be used.
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 445, Pallets for materials handling — Vocabulary
ISO 830, Freight containers — Vocabulary
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 15459-4, Information technology — Unique identifiers — Part 4: Individual items
ISO/IEC 15459-5, Information technology — Unique identifiers — Part 5: Unique identifier for returnable
transport items (RTIs)
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/IEC 18000-2, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management — Part 2:
Parameters for air interface communications below 135 kHz
ISO/IEC 18000-3, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management — Part 3:
Parameters for air interface communications at 13,56 MHz
ISO/IEC 18000-6, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management — Part 6:
Parameters for air interface communications at 860 MHz to 960 MHz
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 TR 18046, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Radio
frequency identification device performance test methods
ISO/IEC TR 18047-3, Information technology — Radio frequency identification device conformance test
methods — Part 3: Test methods for air interface communications at 13,56 MHz
ISO/IEC TR 18047-6, Information technology — Radio frequency identification device conformance test
methods — Part 6: Test methods for air interface communications at 860 MHz to 960 MHz
ISO/IEC 19762-1, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) techniques —
Harmonized vocabulary — Part 1: General terms relating to AIDC
ISO/IEC 19762-3, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) techniques —
Harmonized vocabulary — Part 3: Radio frequency identification (RFID)
ISO 21067, Packaging — Vocabulary
ISO/IEC TR 24729-1, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management —
Implementation guidelines — Part 1: RFID-enabled labels and packaging supporting ISO/IEC 18000-6C
ANS MH10.8.2, Data Identifiers and Application Identifiers
EPCglobal, Tag Data Standards, Version 1.3
GS1 General Specifications
ICNIRP Guidelines, Guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic
fields (up to 300 GHz)
IEEE 1451.7, Smart Transducer Interface for Sensors and Actuators — Transducers to Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) Systems Communication Protocols and Transducer Electronic Data Sheet Formats
IEEE C95-1, IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency
Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz
2 © ISO 2009 – All rights reserved

4 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 445, ISO 830, ISO/IEC 19762-1,
ISO/IEC 19762-3, ISO 21067 and the following apply.
4.1
conveyable
item that can be moved efficiently and safely on handling devices used to move material over a fixed line of
travel
NOTE Such material handling devices, or conveyors, are for the purposes of this International Standard considered
to be continuous-loop belted systems moving packages or objects in a predetermined path and having fixed or selective
points of loading or discharge. The width of the belt, height permitted within the facility, and weight capacity of the belt may
determine whether the items are conveyable.
4.2
EPC tag
ISO/IEC 18000-6 Type C or ISO/IEC 18000-3 Mode 3 tag with Protocol Control bit 17 set at “0” indicating that
what follows is an EPC header
4.3
freight containers
article of transport equipment
a) having a permanent character and accordingly strong enough to be suitable for repeated use,
b) specially designed to facilitate the carriage of goods by one or more modes of transport, without
intermediate reloading,
c) fitted with devices permitting its ready handling, particularly its transfer from one mode of transport to
another,
d) so designed as to be easy to fill and empty,
3 3
e) having an internal volume of 1 m (approximately 35,3 ft ) or more
[ISO 830:1999, definition 3.1]
4.4
integrity
design whereby any modification of the electronically stored information, without proper authorization, is not
possible
4.5
IUI tag
international unique identification tag
ISO/IEC 18000-6 Type C or ISO/IEC 18000-3 Mode 3 tag with Protocol Control bit 17 set at “1” indicating that
what follows is an Application Family Identifier (AFI)
4.6
monolithic memory structure
memory storage that is addressable by a single addressing element
4.7
non-conveyable
item of such width, height or mass to preclude its movement on conveyor systems
4.8
product
first level or higher assembly that is sold in a complete end-usable configuration
[EIA 802, 3.16]
4.9
product package
product packaging
first tie, wrap or container to a single item or quantity thereof that constitutes a complete identifiable pack
NOTE 1 A product package may be an item packaged singularly, multiple quantities of the same item packaged
together or a group of parts packaged together.
NOTE 2 Adapted from ISO 22742:2005, definition 3.32.
4.10
returnable transport item
RTI
means to assemble goods for transportation, storage, handling and product protection in the supply chain
which are returned for further usage, including for example pallets with and without cash deposits as well as
all forms of reusable crates, trays, boxes, roll pallets, barrels, trolleys, pallet collars and lids
NOTE 1 The term returnable transport item is usually allocated to secondary packaging; however, in certain
circumstances primary packaging can also be considered as a form of RTI.
NOTE 2 Freight containers, trailers and other similar enclosed modules are not covered by the term returnable
transport item.
NOTE 3 The term returnable transport equipment is considered to have the same definition as the term returnable
transport item within an electronic data interchange environment.
4.11
segmented memory structure
memory storage that is separated into more than one element and requires multiple addressing elements for
access
4.12
transport package
package intended for the transportation and handling of one or more articles, smaller packages, or bulk
material
NOTE See ISO 15934:2009, 4.2.
4.13
transport unit
either a transport package or a unit load
NOTE See ISO 15934:2009, 4.2.
4.14
unitized
secured together so as to be handled as an entity
4.15
unit load
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
NOTE See ISO 15934:2009, 4.2.
4 © ISO 2009 – All rights reserved

4.16
use case
detailed description of a single activity in a business process that identifies data inputs and outputs,
performance/timing requirements, the handling of error conditions and interfaces with external applications
5 Concepts
5.1 Supply chain model
Figure 1 gives a graphical representation of the supply chain. It shows a conceptual model of possible supply
chain relationships, not a one-for-one representation of physical things. Although several layers in Figure 1
have clear physical counterparts, some common supply chain physical items fit in several layers depending on
the use case. For example, a repetitively used pallet under constant ownership would be covered by this
International Standard as an RTI; a pallet that is part of a consolidated unit load would be covered by
ISO 17365 as a transport unit; and a pallet that is integral to a single item would be covered by ISO 17366 as
product packaging.
Layers 0 to 4 are addressed within the series of International Standards Supply chain applications of RFID
(see Introduction). Layer 5 is addressed by the work of ISO/TC 204/WG 7.
Layer 3 in Figure 1 and RTIs (as defined in 4.10) are the subject of this International Standard.

Figure 1 — Supply chain layers
RTI tags can be distinguished from following or preceding layer tags 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 RTI layer tags. As indicated in 5.2.2, the group select
methodology is further elaborated in ISO/IEC 15961.
5.2 Unique RTI identification
5.2.1 General
Unique RTI identification is a process that assigns a unique data string to an individual RTI, or in this case to
an RFID tag that is associated to the RTI. The unique data string is called the unique RTI identifier. Unique
item identification of RTIs allows data collection and management at a granular level. The benefits of granular
level data are evident in such areas as maintenance, warranties and enabling electronic transactions of record.
This granularity is possible only if each tagged item has a unique item identifier.
The information on items in the supply chain is often held on computer systems and may be exchanged
between parties involved via electronic data interchange (EDI) and extensible markup language (XML)
schemas. The unique item identifier is intended to be used as a key to access this information.
The unique RTI identifier described above is a unique identifier as described in ISO/IEC 15459-5. The unique
item identifier (UII) 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 and is not the
unique RTI identifier defined in this International Standard.
RTI tagging provides unique identification of RTIs. The minimum data elements required for unique
identification are an enterprise identifier/company identification number and a serial number that is unique
within that enterprise identifier.
This International Standard uses the following identification mechanisms for unique RTI identification:
⎯ unique identifier for RTIs (ISO/IEC 15459-5);
⎯ global returnable asset identifier (GRAI).
5.2.2 International unique identification of RTIs
The unique identifier of ISO/IEC 15459 provides identification schemes for various layers of the supply chain,
from layer 0 (products) up to layer 3 (returnable transport items). The unique identification of product
packages shall use ISO/IEC 15459-5. Unique identification is provided by three components:
a) issuing agency code (IAC),
b) company identification number (CIN),
c) serial number (SN),
preceded by an AFI and Data Identifier (DI). The AFI code assignments table in ISO/IEC 15961:2004,
Annex B, permits identification of the supply chain layer, i.e. product = A1 , transport unit = A2 ,
HEX HEX
returnable transport item = A3 and product package = A5 .
HEX HEX
6 © ISO 2009 – All rights reserved

Table 1 — 1736x AFI Assignments
AFI
Assignment International Standard
(HEX)
A1 17367_Non-EPC ISO 17367 — Supply chain applications of RFID — Product tagging
A2 17365_Non-EPC ISO 17365 — Supply chain applications of RFID — Transport units
A3 17364_Non-EPC ISO 17364 — Supply chain applications of RFID — Returnable transport items (RTIs)
A4 17367_HazMat ISO 17367 — Supply chain applications of RFID — Product tagging (HazMat)
A5 17366_Non-EPC ISO 17366 — Supply chain applications of RFID — Product packaging
A6 17366_HazMat ISO 17366 — Supply chain applications of RFID — Product packaging (HazMat)
A7 17365_HazMat ISO 17365 — Supply chain applications of RFID — Transport units (HazMat)
A8 17364_HazMat ISO 17364 — Supply chain applications of RFID — Returnable transport items (RTIs) (HazMat)
A9 17363_Non-EPC ISO 17363 — Supply chain applications of RFID — Freight containers
AA 17363_HazMat ISO 17363 — Supply chain applications of RFID — Freight containers (HazMat)

EPC does not use AFIs; consequently, there are no AFIs used for RTIs employed in retail applications using
EPCglobal. AFI A3 may be used for RTIs intended solely for commodities other than consumer goods.
HEX
To define its class (in the ISO/IEC 15459 sense), the unique identifier shall have an associated class identifier,
identified with the Data Identifier “25B”. Clause 7 addresses data content for a unique identifier for returnable
transport items. A unique identifier of returnable transport items can be up to 35 alphanumeric characters in
length, including the Data Identifier (an3+an.32). See Table 2.
NOTE In view of current and future food safety legislation, differentiation between food and non-food applications
could be beneficial, if not necessary. In particular, the risk analysis of cross-contamination would be addressed.
Table 2 — Ull element string
Format of the license plate
Data Identifier IAC, company identification number (CIN), serial number
25B N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N . . . N

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 32
5.2.3 Global returnable asset identifier (GRAI)
The global returnable asset identifier (GRAI) is a unique item identifier (UII) capable of providing unique item
identification of RTIs.
The GRAI consists of the following information elements:
⎯ The Company Prefix, assigned by GS1 to a managing entity. The Company Prefix is the same as the
Company Prefix digits within a GS1 GRAI decimal code.
⎯ The Asset Type, assigned by the managing entity to a particular class of asset.
⎯ The Serial Number assigned by the managing entity to an individual object. The EPC representation is
only capable of representing a subset of Serial Numbers allowed in the GS1 General Specifications.
Specifically, only those Serial Numbers consisting of one or more digits, with no leading zeros, are
permitted.
See Table 3.
Table 3 — GRAI element string
Format of the element string
Application Global returnable asset identifier Serial Number
Identifier (optional)
GS1 Company Prefix Asset Type Check digit

8003 0 N N N N N N N N N N N N N X variable X
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 16

To define its class the unique item identifier shall have an associated class identifier, which is the Application
Identifier 8003. Clause 7 addresses data content for a GRAI.
5.3 Other identification requirements
This International Standard does not supersede or replace any applicable safety or regulatory marking or
labelling requirements.
This International Standard is meant to satisfy the minimum RTI identification requirements of numerous
applications and industry groups. As such, its applicability is to a wide range of industries, each of which may
have specific implementation guidelines for this International Standard. This International Standard is to be
applied in addition to any other mandated labelling requirements.
6 Differentiation within the layer
6.1 The layer represented by RTIs is characterized by the following unique aspects.
⎯ The RTI may be used more than once.
⎯ The same RTI can be used by different users and/or for different or multiple shipments at different
moments.
⎯ The content of the RTI may consist of tagged (packed) products and/or non-tagged (packed) products.
⎯ The RTI has a value of its own, not directly and necessarily derived from the product that it contains.
⎯ The possibility to have selective access to the data elements stored and/or written into the RTI RF tag is
required.
⎯ The physical handling of the RTI includes specific steps, such as cleaning, storage, repair, maintenance
and transport.
A typical RTI pool system can be described as follows:
a) Manufacturer produces product.
b) Primary packing is added; this can also be the RTI, for instance in the case of drums and bags for
concentrated juices, water or beer.
c) Packed products are packed in RTIs (multiple and different products can be included in one RTI). Small
RTIs (crates, trays, boxes, barrels) are stored on large RTIs (pallet and/or roll container).
d) RTIs are placed in transport vehicle (truck, boat, train, aeroplane) for direct transport to end user (mostly
industrial) or regrouping in distribution centre (retail).
8 © ISO 2009 – All rights reserved

e) RTIs are redirected and can be (partially) emptied and refilled at distribution centre.
f) RTIs are unloaded and emptied at end-user site or retail outlet.
g) Empty RTIs are stored (nested, stacked) and collected by the (pool) owner or shipped back to the
manufacturer of the packed product.
h) Empty RTIs are cleaned, stored, repaired and reprogrammed for new shipment of (packed) products.
6.2 The relevant functions in RTI-management and -logistics are RTI-supplier, dispatcher, receiver and
service providers:
⎯ RTI-suppliers own the RTI, control an RTI-pool and make them available for use by dispatchers
(RTI-supplier and pool-operator are used as synonymous terms).
⎯ Dispatchers use RTIs in the distribution of their goods. Dispatchers fill empty RTIs with goods and hand
over filled RTI to receivers. Dispatchers can be fillers, brand manufacturers, distribution centres,
consolidation points, etc.
⎯ Receivers receive RTIs from dispatchers and make these items available for collection by service
providers. Receivers can be retailers, distribution centres, consolidation points, etc.
⎯ Service providers collect RTI from receiver and are responsible, in the case of items subject to a deposit,
for refunding this deposit, and make the sorted RTI available to RTI suppliers or dispatchers.
6.3 A company can fulfil more than one of these functions, for example:
⎯ A beverage producer can use his own crates for bottles; in this case the producer acts as an RTI-supplier
and a dispatcher.
⎯ A retail distribution centre (RDC) sends received units to its outlets; in this case the RDC acts as a
receiver as well as a dispatcher.
⎯ An RDC can sort and collect empty crates after use; in this case the RDC acts as a receiver and a service
provider.
⎯ A pool operator collects and sorts empty crates; in this case the pool operator acts as an RTI-supplier and
a service provider.
6.4 Business processes such as those described below are illustrative of the applications envisioned by this
International Standard.
⎯ Receipt: receiving goods/empty or filled RTI/unit loads for further use, e.g. transhipment, storage, selling,
recording of data, collecting, sorting or reconditioning.
⎯ Unloading: physical movement of unit loads out of a means of transport.
⎯ Identification: systematic determination and registration (including measuring) of objects following this
International Standard for numbering systems in order to distinguish them from each other. This includes
the possibility of electronic identification (scanning).
⎯ Inspection: checking completeness of goods/empty or filled RTI/unit loads; checking if goods/empty or
filled RTI/unit loads fulfil specific and defined criteria for quality.
⎯ Order picking: assembling goods to unit loads according to order (list).
⎯ Retaining: means (e.g. straps) to guarantee safe unit loads during transport.
⎯ Loading: physical movement of unit loads into a means of transport.
⎯ Storage: maintaining stocks of products/empty or filled RTI/unit loads in a warehouse, including internal
movement activities.
⎯ Transhipment/cross docking: transferring goods/empty or filled RTI/unit loads from one means of
transport to another during the course of one transport operation according to order.
⎯ Dispatching: shipping of goods/empty or filled RTI/unit loads, including recording of data.
⎯ Labelling: putting on labels/writing on tags following the recommendations of GS1, covering e.g. logistic
data.
⎯ Transport: movement of goods/empty or filled RTI/unit loads by means of transport from point-to-point.
⎯ Warehousing: all activities of receiving, holding, handling and dispatching goods/empty or filled RTI/unit
loads in a store.
⎯ Collecting: retrieving goods/empty RTI from a location according to order, including recording of data
(reverse logistics).
⎯ Sorting: separating different kinds of RTI and making them available for further activities, including
recording of data.
⎯ Reconditioning: all physical activities which enables RTI to be reused, e.g. repairing, washing.
Different business processes within the supply chain will employ distinctly different groupings of functions and
processes outlined above. The reading, writing or erasing of data to/from a tag is intended to effect
identification and data capture about the RTI and the process involved and shall be integrated into business
processes as required by the business process owner.
The RTI and the system in which it is used are closely intertwined. Additionally, all variations possible in
different supply chains are also observed in the RTI layer of the supply chain due to the nature of the RTI and
its usage.
7 Data content
7.1 Introduction
Subclauses 7.2 to 7.9 describe the data content of RFID tags for the RTI-layer. They identify, amongst others,
⎯ the data elements that shall or may be present on the tag,
⎯ the way in which the data elements are identified (semantics),
⎯ the representation of data elements in tag memory, and
⎯ the placement of data elements in the memory of the tag.
NOTE 1 As specified elsewhere in this International Standard, use is made of ISO/IEC 18000-6, Type C, and
ISO/IEC 18000-3, Mode 3 tags. Where necessary, use is made of the specific (memory) terminology of those tags.
NOTE 2 For the purpose of RTI tagging, only read-write tags are used. This is done to enable RTI pool owners to
assign specific and permanent UIIs to their RTIs.
10 © ISO 2009 – All rights reserved

7.2 System data elements
7.2.1 Unique RTI identification
The first data element on a compliant tag shall be the unique identification described in ISO/IEC 15459-5. The
length and nature of this unique identification is defined in this data element. For an ISO/IEC 18000-6, Type C
compliant tag, the unique identification data element is segregated from any additional (User Data) by the
memory architecture. The unique identification data element shall be stored in UII memory (Bank 01), with any
additional data being stored in user memory (Bank 11). A unique identifier of returnable transport items can be
up to 35 alphanumeric characters in length, including the Data Identifier (an3+an.32).
7.2.2 Data semantics
Tags that only encode the unique RTI identity shall conform to ISO/IEC 15961. Tags containing complex data
structures or larger data sets shall include semantics that conform to ISO/IEC 15418 and ISO/IEC 15961.
7.2.3 Data syntax
Tags that only encode identity are considered to have no syntax. Tags containing complex data structures or
larger data sets shall conform to ISO/IEC 15434 and ISO/IEC 15962.
7.3 Tag structure (ISO/IEC 18000-6, Type C and ISO/IEC 18000-3, Mode 3)
7.3.1 Tag header
Tag headers should contain the ISO/IEC 15961 AFI for returnable transport items, i.e. A3 , in bits 18 to
HEX HEX
1F as described in Table 1 and Table 4. Support for ISO standards (including AFIs) is indicated when bit
HEX
17 is set to “1”. Alternatively, such headers may contain an EPC header as described in the EPCglobal,
HEX
Tag Data Standards, Version 1.3. Support for EPCglobal coding is indicated when bit 17 is set to “0”.
HEX
NOTE A 96-bit GRAI is represented by EPC header 33 .
HEX
7.3.2 Tag memory
Figure 2 provides a graphical representation of tag memory.
MSB LSB
Data Objects formatted:
Precursor, [OID], length,
-
object
RFU [7:0]
10 1F
- Sensors/battery-assist
HEX
HEX
DSFID [7:0]
00 0F
- See ISO/IEC 15961
HEX HEX
and ISO/IEC 15962
Memory bank
MSB LSB
Bank
USER - MDID
- Tag model number
Bank
- Serial number
TID 10
HEX TID [15:0] 1F
HEX
- Burned in or written
TID [31:16]
HEX 0F
and permalocked by
Bank HEX
UII IC manufacturer
MSB LSB
Bank
RESERVED
220 22F
HEX
Optional XPC_W2 [15:0]
HEX
210 21F
HEX Optional XPC_W1 [15:0] HEX
UII [15:0]
Memory bank is definedy
as follows
UII (may be EPC)
-
UII [N:N-15]
20 2F
00 Reserved HEX HEX
- PC (Protocol Control) bits,
StoredPC [15:0]
10 1F
01 UII
2 HEX HEX
including UII length indicator
10 TID 00 StoredCRC-16 [15:0] 0F - CRC confirms content of
2 HEX HEX
UII memory
11 User
MSB LSB
- Contains all write lock
and kill passwords
Access Password [15:0]
30 3F
HEX
HEX
20 Access Password [31:16] 2F
HEX
HEX
10 Kill Password [15:0] 1F
HEX HEX
Kill Password [31:16]
00 0F
HEX HEX
Figure 2 — Memory map for segmented memory tags
7.3.3 Tag memory banks
Tag memory shall be logically separated into four distinct banks, each of which may comprise one or more
memory words. A logical memory map is given in Figure 2. The memory banks are as follows.
a) Reserved memory: shall contain the kill and access passwords. The kill password shall be stored at
memory addresses 00 to 1F ; the access password shall be stored at memory addresses 20 to
HEX HEX HEX
3F . If a tag does not implement the kill and/or access password(s), the tag shall act as though it had
HEX
zero-valued password(s) that are permanently read/write locked and the corresponding memory locations
in reserved memory need not exist.
b) UII memory: shall contain a CRC-16 at memory addresses 00 to 0F , Protocol Control (PC) bits at
HEX HEX
memory addresses 10 to 1F and a code, i.e. a UII, that identifies the object to which the tag is or
HEX HEX
will be attached beginning at address 20 . The PC is subdivided into a UII length field in memory
HEX
locations 10 to 14 , an indication of user memory bit in memory location 15 , a PC extension
HEX HEX HEX
indicator bit in memory location 16 , an ISO/EPC bit in memory location 17 and a numbering
HEX HEX
system identifier (NSI) in memory locations 18 to 1F . The CRC-16, PC and UII shall be stored
HEX HEX
MSB first (the UII's MSB is stored in location 20 ).
HEX
12 © ISO 2009 – All rights reserved

… … … … …
…
c) TID memory: shall contain an 8-bit ISO/IEC 15963 allocation class identifier at memory locations 00 to
HEX
07 . TID memory shall contain sufficient identifying information above 07 for an interrogator to
HEX HEX
uniquely identify the custom commands and/or optional features that a tag supports.
For EPC tags whose ISO/IEC 15963 allocation class identifier is 11100010 , this identifying information
shall comprise a 12-bit tag mask-designer identifier at memory locations 08 to 13 and a 12-bit tag
HEX HEX
model number at memory locations 14 to 1F .
HEX HEX
For ISO/IEC 15459-5 tags operating conformant to ISO/IEC 18000-6, Type C and whose ISO/IEC 15963
allocation class identifier is 11100000 (E0), this identifying information shall comprise a 12-bit tag mask-
designer identifier at memory locations 08 to 13 and a 12-bit tag model number at memory
HEX HEX
locations 14 to 1F . Tags may contain tag- and vendor-specific data (for example, a tag serial
HEX HEX
number) in TID memory above 1F .
HEX
For ISO/IEC 15459-5 tags operating conformant to ISO/IEC 18000-3, Mode 3 and whose ISO/IEC 15963
allocation class identifier is 11100000 (E0), this identifying information shall comprise a 12-bit tag mask-
designer identifier at memory locations 08 to 13 and a 12-bit tag model number at memory
HEX HEX
locations 14 to 1F . Tags may contain tag- and vendor-specific data (for example, a tag serial
HEX HEX
number) in TID memory above 1F .
HEX
For ISO/IEC 15459-5 tags operating conformant to ISO/IEC 18000-7 and whose ISO/IEC 15963
allocation class identifier is 00010001 , this identifying information shall comprise an 8-bit tag mask-
designer identifier at memory locations 08 to 0F and a 32-bit tag serial number at memory
HEX HEX
locations 16 to 1F .
HEX HEX
For ISO/IEC 15459-5 tags operating conformant to ISO/IEC 18000-2, Type A and whose ISO/IEC 15963
allocation class identifier is 11100000 , this identifying information shall comprise an 8-bit tag
manufacturer identification at memory locations 08 to 15 and a 48-bit tag serial number at memory
HEX HEX
locations 16 to 3F .
HEX HEX
d) User memory: allows user-specific data storage. The StorageFormat ID described in ISO/IEC 15961 and
ISO/IEC 15962 defines the memory organization. The presence of data in user memory in MB11 shall be
indicated by the presence of a 1 in the 15 PC bit. A zero in the 15 PC bit shall indicate that there is
HEX HEX
no user memory at MB11 or that there is no data within existing user memory.
7.4 Protocol control (PC) bits
The PC bits contain physical-layer information that a tag backscatters with its UII during an inventory
operation. There are 16 PC bits, stored in UII memory at addresses 10 to 1F , with bit values defined as
HEX HEX
follows.
⎯ Bits 10 to 14 : The length of the (PC + UII) that a tag backscatters, in words:
HEX HEX
⎯ 00000 : one word (addresses 10 to 1F in UII memory).
2 HEX HEX
⎯ 00001 : two words (addresses 10 to 2F in UII memory).
2 HEX HEX
⎯ 00010 : three words (addresses 10 to 3F in UII memory).
2 HEX HEX
⎯ .11111 : 32 words (addresses 10 to 20F in UII memory).
2 HEX HEX
⎯ Bit 15 : User memory; shall be set to “0” for tags without data in user memory (MB “11”) or tags without
HEX
user memory and shall be set to “1” for tags with data in user memory.
⎯ Bit 16 : Shall be set to “0” if there is no extension of the PC bits and shall be set to “1” if the PC bits are
HEX
extended by an additional 16 bits.
NOTE 1 If a tag implements XPC bits then PC bit 16 will be the logical OR of the XPC bits contents. The tag
HEX
computes this logical OR, and maps the result into PC bit 16 , at power up. Readers can select on this bit, and
HEX
tags will backscatter it.
NOTE 2 The XPC will be logically located at word 32 of UII memory. If a reader wants to select on the XPC bits,
then it issues a Select command targeting this memory location.
⎯ Bit 17 : Shall be set to “0” if encoding an EPC and shall be set to “1” if encoding an ISO/IEC 15961 AFI
HEX
in bits 18 to 1F .
HEX HEX
⎯ Bits 18 to 1F : A numbering system identifier (NSI) whose default value is 00000000 and which
HEX HEX 2
may include an AFI as defined in ISO/IEC 15961 (when encoding the tag pursuant to ISO standards). The
MSB of the NSI is stored in memory location 18 .
HEX
The default (unprogrammed) PC value shall be 0000 .
HEX
Table 4 summarizes the content.
Table 4 — Segmented memory: memory bank “01”
Protocol control bits run from 10 to 1F

HEX HEX
0/1 0/1 0/1
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 1A 1B 1C 1D 1E 1F
Length indicator User memory XPC bit EPC/ISO Application family identifier (AFI)/ Haz
Numbering system identifier (NSI) Mat
7.5 Data elements
7.5.1 Unique RTI identifier
The UII – RTI shall be present on all conformant RTI tags. For non-retail tags, the unique RTI identifier shall
conform to ISO/IEC 15459-5 and shall be used as described in 5.2.2. For retail tags, the unique RTI identifier
shall conform to EPCglobal, Tag Data Standards, Version 1.3 for the GRAI-96 and shall be used as described
in 5.2.3.
One tag represents the unique RTI identification and the second represents the shipment unique identification.
Shipment unique identification is addressed at length in ISO 17365.
For full read/write tags, additional tag data shall include the appropriate IS
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