ISO IEC 15420-2009 PDF
Name in English:
St ISO IEC 15420-2009
Name in Russian:
Ст ISO IEC 15420-2009
Original standard ISO IEC 15420-2009 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
ISO/IEC 15420:2009 — Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — EAN/UPC bar code symbology specification. This International Standard specifies the technical requirements for the EAN/UPC family of linear bar‑code symbologies (EAN‑13, EAN‑8, UPC‑A, UPC‑E and add‑ons), including symbol structure, character encodation, dimensions, tolerances, check digit rules, decoding guidance and symbology identifier prefixes.
Abstract
Manufacturers of bar‑code equipment and users of bar‑code technology require publicly available symbology specifications. ISO/IEC 15420:2009 defines EAN/UPC symbology characteristics, data character encodation, nominal dimensions and tolerances, reference decoding algorithms and application‑level parameters; data content rules are outside its scope and are defined by the GS1 General Specifications.
General information
- Status: Withdrawn (superseded by a later edition).
- Publication date: December 2009.
- Publisher: ISO and IEC (prepared under ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31).
- ICS / categories: 01.080.50; 35.040.50 (Information technology — AIDC).
- Edition / version: Edition 2 (2009).
- Number of pages: 39 pages (ISO published PDF).
Scope
Specifies the requirements for the EAN/UPC bar‑code symbology family: symbol architecture (start/stop/centre guards, add‑ons), numeric character encodation (number sets A/B/C and parity schemes used to represent leading digits), fixed symbol lengths (typical lengths including check digit), module and element widths, magnification factors, bar heights and quiet zones, mandatory single check digit and reference decoding algorithm. It intentionally excludes data content rules and application rules, which are governed by the GS1 General Specifications.
Key topics and requirements
- Symbology characteristics: numeric‑only encoding, continuous linear symbology, omni‑directional decodability, fixed data lengths (e.g., EAN‑13, UPC‑A).
- Character encodation: digits encoded as 7‑module patterns using defined parity/number sets (A, B, C); parity patterns used to implicitly carry leading‑digit information.
- Symbol structure: start/stop/centre guard patterns, human‑readable character placement, add‑on (2‑/5‑digit) specifications and auxiliary delineators.
- Dimensions & tolerances: nominal X‑module size, nominal bar heights for EAN‑13/UPC‑A/UPC‑E/EAN‑8, quiet zone minima and permitted magnification ranges.
- Decoding guidance: reference decoding algorithm and parameters to be set by applications; mandatory single modulo‑10 check digit and decoder behaviour expectations.
- Interoperability notes: clarifies that data content and assignment rules are governed by GS1 and that EAN/UPC symbols are reserved for identification numbers per GS1 rules.
Typical use and users
Used by barcode equipment manufacturers, scanner and verifier manufacturers, software developers, label and packaging designers, supply‑chain integrators, retailers and logistics organizations that implement or validate EAN/UPC encoded identifiers. It is primarily a technical reference for implementers who need precise encoding, sizing and decoding rules.
Related standards
Commonly used alongside GS1 General Specifications (application/data rules), ISO/IEC 15416 (linear symbol print quality test specification), ISO/IEC 15417 (Code 128 symbology specification) and ISO/IEC 15426‑1 (bar code verifier conformance for linear symbols). It was itself a revision of ISO/IEC 15420:2000 and later revised by a 2025 edition.
Keywords
EAN, UPC, barcode, symbology, AIDC, EAN‑13, EAN‑8, UPC‑A, UPC‑E, check digit, module, quiet zone, GS1, ISO/IEC 15420.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ISO/IEC 15420:2009 is the International Standard that defines the EAN/UPC family of linear bar‑code symbologies — their symbol structure, encoding rules, physical dimensions and decoding guidance.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers symbology characteristics (numeric encodation), element/module dimensions and tolerances, guard patterns, add‑ons, check digit rules and a reference decoding algorithm. It does not define application data assignment or GS1 application identifiers.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Barcode hardware and software manufacturers, label/packaging engineers, verifier manufacturers and system integrators who need to implement or verify EAN/UPC symbols to ensure interoperable encoding and reliable scanning.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: ISO/IEC 15420:2009 is listed as withdrawn (it has been superseded by a later edition — ISO/IEC 15420 published in 2025). For current normative requirements consult the latest ISO/IEC 15420 edition and the GS1 General Specifications for application rules.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: Yes — it sits within the ISO/IEC AIDC (automatic identification and data capture) family of standards; related documents include ISO/IEC 15416 (print quality testing for linear symbols), ISO/IEC 15417 (Code 128) and ISO/IEC 15426‑1 (verifier conformance for linear symbols).
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: EAN, UPC, barcode symbology, AIDC, encoding, dimensions, check digit, GS1.