Overview
ISO/IEC 15459-3:2014 - “Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Unique identification - Part 3: Common rules” defines the common rules for constructing and processing unique identities so they remain fully compatible across different systems and identity types. It is part of the ISO/IEC 15459 series and complements registration procedures and application-specific parts by standardizing how identities are formed, distinguished and processed for AIDC (Automatic Identification and Data Capture) implementations.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Identity structure: An identity combines a qualifier and a string. The string must begin with issuer identification: Issuing Agency Code (IAC) followed by Company Identifying Number (CIN).
- Qualifier usage: Identities always start with a qualifier (examples: GS1 Application Identifiers, ASC MH10 Data Identifiers, ISO/IEC 9834-1 Object Identifiers). Qualifiers distinguish identity types and sub‑types (e.g., transport units, serialized items).
- Unambiguity and lifecycle: A string must be unambiguous within its qualifier - issuers must not re‑issue the same string for the same qualifier during the identity’s relevant lifecycle.
- Length rule: Identities should be kept as short as possible to support multiple AIDC technologies (one‑line linear barcodes, 2D symbols, RFID) and to minimize barcode size and reading errors.
- Character set: The permitted characters come from the invariant character set of ISO/IEC 646. Data systems should support the full ISO/IEC 646 repertoire.
- Issuer rules and records: Issuing Agencies must define allocation rules (per ISO/IEC 15459-2) to prevent duplicate assignment and to specify maximum lengths and character repertoires per qualifier.
- Compliance claim: Organizations can claim compliance with ISO/IEC 15459 when they allocate and process identities according to ISO/IEC 15459‑3 plus registration procedures.
Applications and users
Who uses ISO/IEC 15459-3:
- Supply chain and logistics managers implementing traceability and serialization
- AIDC integrators (barcode/RFID systems) and labeling engineers
- Issuing Agencies and registration authorities issuing company identifiers
- Software developers building identity storage, lookup and EDI/database interfaces
- Manufacturers, transport operators, and asset managers requiring interoperable unique IDs
Practical applications:
- Encoding unique IDs in barcodes, 2D symbols and RFID tags
- Linking physical items, transport units and returnable assets to databases for inspection, recall, quality or regulatory data
- Ensuring interoperability between multiple partners and systems across a product lifecycle
Related standards
ISO/IEC 15459-3 is essential for any organization that needs robust, interoperable unique identification across AIDC technologies and multi‑party supply chains.