ISO 15394-2017 PDF
Name in English:
St ISO 15394-2017
Name in Russian:
Ст ISO 15394-2017
Original standard ISO 15394-2017 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
Packaging — Bar code and two-dimensional symbols for shipping, transport and receiving labels. Specifies minimum design, formatting and material recommendations for labels used on transport units to convey data between trading partners and to support traceability of transported units via a unique transport unit identifier (licence plate).
Abstract
ISO 15394:2017 sets out requirements and guidance for the content, layout and production quality of shipping, transport and receiving labels that contain linear bar codes and two‑dimensional symbols. It covers data formatting (human‑readable and machine‑readable), recommendations on symbology choice and print/quality classes, label size and placement, inclusion of free text/graphics, and guidance on label materials. The document explicitly excludes direct printing onto kraft‑coloured corrugated surfaces.
General information
- Status: Published (International Standard; stage marked for review/revision as per ISO lifecycle).
- Publication date: 9 November 2017 (2017-11).
- Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
- ICS / categories: 35.040.50 (Automatic identification and data capture techniques); 55.020 (Packaging and distribution of goods).
- Edition / version: 3rd edition — ISO 15394:2017 (replaces ISO 15394:2009).
- Number of pages: 68 pages (official ISO published length).
Scope
ISO 15394:2017 applies to labels placed on transport units (for example, pallets, containers and other logistic units) to communicate key shipment and handling data between trading partners. It defines minimum requirements for label content and layout, machine‑readable symbols and print quality, recommendations on symbology and data formats, and guidance on label materials, size and placement. The standard does not apply to direct printing onto kraft‑coloured corrugated surfaces.
Key topics and requirements
- Minimum data elements and arrangement for shipping/transport/receiving labels (including human‑readable layout and machine‑readable encoding).
- Use of a unique transport unit identifier (licence plate) to support traceability.
- Recommendations on choice of bar code and two‑dimensional symbologies and associated print quality criteria (references to relevant print‑quality test specifications).
- Label size, placement and minimum clear zones, plus guidance on inclusion of free text and graphics.
- Guidance for selection of label materials and considerations for substrate and adhesive performance in transport environments.
- Exclusion: not intended for direct printing onto kraft‑coloured corrugated surfaces.
Typical use and users
Used by supply‑chain managers, shippers, carriers, warehouse and distribution operators, packaging and label designers, label manufacturers, systems integrators working on automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) solutions, and conformity assessment bodies implementing or auditing transport‑labeling practices. The standard helps ensure interoperable, machine‑readable labelling across trading partners.
Related standards
Commonly referenced alongside: ISO/IEC 15415 and ISO/IEC 15416 (bar code and 2D symbol print‑quality test specifications), ISO 28219 (labelling and direct marking of products with linear barcodes and two‑dimensional symbols), and industry specifications such as GS1 General Specifications for transport labels. ISO 15394:2017 supersedes the 2009 edition.
Keywords
packaging, shipping label, transport label, receiving label, barcode, two‑dimensional symbol, transport unit identifier, licence plate, traceability, label placement, print quality, AIDC.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ISO 15394:2017 is an international standard that specifies requirements and guidance for bar code and two‑dimensional symbol content, layout and production quality on shipping, transport and receiving labels for transport units.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers the minimum design and data formatting for labels (human‑readable and machine‑readable), recommendations on symbology and print quality classes, label size and placement guidance, and label material selection. It excludes direct printing onto kraft‑coloured corrugated surfaces.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Supply‑chain stakeholders — shippers, carriers, warehouses, packaging and label suppliers, systems integrators for AIDC — and conformity assessors seeking interoperable, machine‑readable transport labelling.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: ISO 15394:2017 is the current published edition (published 9 November 2017) and replaced earlier editions (including 2009). The ISO lifecycle indicates the document is to be reviewed/revised as part of routine maintenance.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: It sits within ISO/TC 122 (Packaging) and relates to other AIDC and labelling standards such as ISO/IEC 15415, ISO/IEC 15416 and ISO 28219; it is commonly used together with industry (e.g., GS1) specifications for transport and logistics labelling.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Keywords include: barcode, 2D symbol, transport label, shipping label, licence plate (transport unit identifier), traceability, print quality, label placement, packaging.