Overview
ISO 18668-2:2017 - "Traditional Chinese medicine - Coding system for Chinese medicines - Part 2: Codes for decoction pieces" - defines a standardized coding list for decoction pieces used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Built on the coding rules in ISO 18668-1, this part provides unique digital identifiers for 828 kinds of decoction pieces (processed medicinal materials) and includes Latin names, Chinese names and code assignments in a tabulated format.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and content
- Encodes 828 decoction pieces according to ISO 18668-1 rules and presents these in a structured table (Table 1).
- Coding principles
- Uniqueness: each variety and processed form has a unique code.
- Scientificity: classification is grounded in botanical, taxonomic and TCM professional practice.
- Scalability: coding design allows for future expansion.
- Compatibility: consistent with existing international standards and product classification systems.
- Stability: codes remain unchanged once assigned unless the basic characteristics change.
- Coding structure
- Uses a 17-digit numeric code organized into 10 layers (see ISO 18668-1 for layer definitions and technical rules).
- Layered structure captures medicinal source, medicinal part, specification and processing method, enabling clear digital representation of both basic and commercial attributes.
- Exclusions
- Chinese Patent Medicines (CPM) are not covered by this part and require separate coding rules due to more complex composition and processing.
Practical applications and users
ISO 18668-2 is intended for practical adoption across healthcare, regulatory and commercial environments:
- Clinical medication and hospitals: electronic prescribing, accurate dispensing, and integration into hospital information systems (HIS).
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers and suppliers: inventory management, product labeling and supply-chain traceability.
- Regulators and public health bodies: statistical reporting, market surveillance and quality control.
- Researchers and educators: standardized referencing in scientific studies, teaching materials and databases.
- IT and e-health vendors: building interoperable systems, barcoding, and electronic exchange of TCM product data.
Adoption of ISO 18668-2 supports digitalization, traceability and consistent international trade of Chinese medicines by converting complex decoction-piece nomenclature into stable, machine-readable codes.
Related standards
- ISO 18668-1 - Coding rules for Chinese medicines (mandatory companion document).
- GS1 general standards, Central Product Classification (CPC) and ISO/IEC 15420 (barcode standards) are referenced in the development and interoperability considerations of the coding system.
Keywords: ISO 18668-2, Traditional Chinese Medicine, decoction pieces, coding system, decoction pieces codes, Chinese medicines coding, ISO 18668-1, TCM traceability, bar code, digitalization.