ISO IEC 15415-2024 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/IEC 15415:2024 — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code symbol print quality test specification — Two-dimensional symbols. This international standard defines measurement methodologies, grading rules and reporting for assessing the print and image quality of two‑dimensional (2D) bar code symbols (matrix and multi‑row symbologies) to support consistent verification and quality control in production and verification equipment.

Abstract

ISO/IEC 15415:2024 specifies two measurement methodologies for 2D bar code symbols (one for multi‑row symbologies and one for matrix symbologies), details how to evaluate and grade measured attributes, and describes how to derive an overall symbol quality assessment. The document also provides guidance on common causes of degraded grades and corrective actions. It applies to symbologies with a defined reference decode algorithm and can be applied, fully or partially, to other similar symbologies. For direct part marking (DPM) applications, correlation with scanning performance is improved when used together with ISO/IEC 29158.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 19 December 2024
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) — ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31
• ICS / categories: 35.040.50 — Automatic identification and data capture techniques
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2024)
• Number of pages: 46

Scope

The standard defines test procedures and grading criteria for assessing the print/image quality of two‑dimensional bar code symbols, including matrix and multi‑row types. It is intended for use where a reference decode algorithm exists for the symbology under test. The document is applicable to printed labels, tags and many direct part mark situations (with caveats and recommended cross‑reference to ISO/IEC 29158 for DPM). ISO/IEC 15415:2024 supersedes the earlier edition and consolidates measurement and grading practices to improve consistency across verifiers and production quality control.

Key topics and requirements

• Two complementary measurement methodologies: one for multi‑row symbologies and one for two‑dimensional matrix symbologies.
• Definition of measurable attributes used in grading (e.g., symbol contrast, modulation, reflectance margin, fixed pattern damage, axial non‑uniformity, grid non‑uniformity, unused error correction and decode performance).
• Use of a reference decode algorithm for determining decode results and incorporation of decode into grading.
• Rules for calculating individual parameter grades and deriving the overall symbol grade (overall grade = lowest relevant parameter grade).
• Specification of reporting formats, required test conditions (illumination, aperture, angle) and how to record measurement settings alongside grades.
• Guidance on likely causes of lower grades and recommended corrective actions for printing, imaging and material issues.
• Normative and informative references to related verifier conformance and master/test specification standards.

Typical use and users

ISO/IEC 15415:2024 is used by barcode verifier manufacturers, label and packaging printers, print quality assurance teams, brand owners, supply‑chain integrators, GS1 implementation groups, and any organisation requiring objective, repeatable measurement of 2D symbol quality for production release, compliance or regulatory purposes. It is also used by verifier testing laboratories and standards developers to define conformance and calibration procedures.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards and documents used with ISO/IEC 15415 include ISO/IEC 15426‑2 (bar code verifier conformance specification, 2D symbols), ISO/IEC 15416 (print quality for linear symbols), ISO/IEC 29158 (DPM quality test specification), ISO/IEC 19762 (AIDC vocabulary), GS1 General Specifications and other symbology‑specific specifications (e.g., DataMatrix, QR Code, PDF417 specifications).

Keywords

2D barcode, DataMatrix, QR Code, PDF417, MaxiCode, barcode verification, print quality, AIDC, verifier, grading, symbol contrast, modulation, reflectance margin, fixed pattern damage, DPM.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 15415:2024 is an international standard that specifies measurement methods, grading criteria and reporting for the print and image quality of two‑dimensional bar code symbols.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two measurement methodologies (multi‑row and matrix), definitions of measurable attributes, grading rules for individual parameters and overall symbol grade, required test conditions and guidance on causes of poor quality and corrective actions. It applies where a reference decode algorithm exists for the symbology being tested.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Barcode verifier manufacturers, label/packaging printers, QA teams, verifier test labs, brand owners, supply‑chain operators and GS1 implementers — anyone who needs objective and reproducible verification of 2D symbol quality.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This is the 2024 (third) edition and is the current published edition; it supersedes the previous edition (ISO/IEC 15415:2011).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It is part of the ISO/IEC AIDC family of standards (35.040.50), and is commonly used alongside ISO/IEC 15416 (linear symbol quality), ISO/IEC 15426‑2 (verifier conformance for 2D), ISO/IEC 29158 (DPM) and other related AIDC specifications.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: 2D barcode, DataMatrix, QR Code, PDF417, barcode verification, print quality, AIDC, verifier, grading, symbol contrast, modulation, reflectance margin.