Overview
ISO 22742:2010 - "Packaging - Linear bar code and two-dimensional symbols for product packaging" defines minimum requirements and guidance for designing bar‑coded labels on product packages. The standard establishes the machine‑readable and human‑readable data content, recommends suitable linear and 2D symbologies, specifies quality and density classes, and gives practical advice on label placement, size and inclusion of free text and graphics. It is intended to support item identification and supply‑chain processes at the product‑package level (inventory, picking, packing, receiving, point of purchase).
Keywords: ISO 22742:2010, product packaging, bar code, two-dimensional symbols, label design, barcode symbology.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Data content and formatting: Rules for encoding mandatory and optional data elements (item identification, quantity, traceability, supplier ID, country of origin, date elements, etc.) in machine‑readable symbols and human‑readable form.
- Symbology selection: Recommendations for linear bar codes (e.g., Code 128, Code 39) and 2D symbologies (e.g., Data Matrix, QR Code, PDF417 referenced in normative documents) to ensure broad scanner compatibility.
- Data carriers and readers: Guidance to support a wide choice of scanning hardware (area imagers, linear imagers, single‑line laser scanners, rastering laser scanners).
- Quality and verification: References to print quality test specifications (ISO/IEC 15416 for linear symbols and ISO/IEC 15415 for 2D symbols) and classes of bar‑code density.
- Label size, layout and placement: Recommendations on label layout examples, minimum requirements for design and placement on packages; advises trading partners to agree on specific dimensions and locations.
- Interoperability: Compatibility with GS1 Application Identifiers, ANS MH10.8.6 and related AIDC practices for data exchange.
Applications and users
ISO 22742:2010 is practical for:
- Packaging engineers and label designers creating compliant product package labels
- Supply chain and logistics managers implementing inventory control, warehouse management, receiving and distribution processes
- Manufacturers and suppliers defining traceability and supplier identification on packages
- Retailers and distribution centers optimizing scanning reliability at point of purchase and receiving docks
- Barcode integrators and QA teams applying print‑quality verification and scanner selection
Benefits include improved data capture reliability, interoperability between trading partners, and reduced scanning errors across diverse industries.
Related standards
Using ISO 22742 helps organizations standardize package labeling for robust automated identification and smoother supply‑chain operations.