ISO IEC 15417-2007 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/IEC 15417:2007 — Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Code 128 bar code symbology specification. This international standard (Edition 2, 2007) defines the Code 128 linear barcode symbology, its character encodation, symbol dimensions, check character and decoding rules, and the symbology identifier prefix strings used by applications.

Abstract

The standard specifies the technical rules for the Code 128 symbology: how data characters are translated into bar and space patterns (including Code Sets A, B and C), the symbol structure (start/stop/check characters), dimensional requirements (module width and quiet zone), decoding algorithms and parameters that applications must define. It also defines symbology identifier prefix strings (including conventions related to GS1 usage). The specification provides a single, authoritative reference to ensure interoperable encoding and decoding of Code 128 symbols across equipment and software implementations.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: June 2007 (Edition 2)
• Publisher: ISO and IEC (ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31)
• ICS / categories: 01.080.50; 35.040.50
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2007)
• Number of pages: 25

Scope

ISO/IEC 15417:2007 applies to the Code 128 linear barcode symbology. It specifies symbol elements (start/stop patterns, bar/space encodation), available code sets and special functions, the check-character calculation, minimum/maximum dimensions and quiet‑zone requirements, reference decode behaviour and the symbology identifier prefix strings that identify Code 128 and GS1-related usage. The standard is intended for developers and users who need a definitive specification for producing and decoding Code 128 symbols in interoperable systems.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of Code 128 symbol structure: start codes, stop pattern and check character calculation (modulo 103).
• Character encodation: Code Sets A, B and C and function characters for full ASCII and control-code representation.
• Dimensional rules: module (element) width, symbol length rules, and quiet-zone (clear area) requirements.
• Reference decoding algorithm and recommended error/ambiguity handling to ensure consistent decode results.
• Symbology identifier prefix strings and rules for FNC1 usage where GS1 application identifiers are encoded (GS1‑128 conventions).
• Parameters left to applications: permitted character sets, application identifiers, and printing/scanning tolerances tied to print‑quality testing standards.

Typical use and users

Primary users include barcode printer and scanner manufacturers, AIDC software developers (encoders/decoders), labeling and packaging operations, systems integrators, QA teams performing symbol verification, and end users in logistics, retail, manufacturing, healthcare and postal services that rely on Code 128 (including GS1‑128) for item identification and data capture.

Related standards

ISO/IEC 15417 is part of the AIDC family of standards. Closely related documents include ISO/IEC 15416 (bar code print quality test specification — linear symbols), ISO/IEC 15415 (print quality test specification — two‑dimensional symbols), ISO/IEC 15420 (EAN/UPC), ISO/IEC 15424 (Data Carrier / Symbology Identifiers), ISO/IEC 15426 (verifier conformance), ISO/IEC 15438 (PDF417), ISO/IEC 16022 (Data Matrix) and ISO/IEC 19762 (AIDC harmonized vocabulary). These documents are commonly referenced together when implementing or validating barcode systems.

Keywords

Code 128; Code128; barcode; symbology; AIDC; GS1‑128; FNC1; encodation; check character; module width; quiet zone; linear barcode; print quality.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 15417:2007 is the international specification that defines the Code 128 linear barcode symbology — how characters are encoded into bars and spaces, dimensional and decoding rules, and identifier prefixes used by applications.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers symbol structure (start/stop/check characters), Code Sets A/B/C and function characters, dimensional requirements (module and quiet zone), the reference decode algorithm and symbology identifier prefix conventions (including GS1 usage such as FNC1 in the first position).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Barcode hardware manufacturers, software developers implementing encoders/decoders, label printers and packaging operations, systems integrators, QA/verifier teams and end users in logistics, retail, healthcare and other sectors that use Code 128 or GS1‑128 for data capture and tracking.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Edition 1 (ISO/IEC 15417:2000) was superseded by Edition 2 (ISO/IEC 15417:2007). The 2007 edition remains the core specification and was maintained into the 2020s; an amendment (ISO/IEC 15417:2007/Amd 1:2026) addressing small updates was published in 2026. Users should implement the 2007 text together with any published amendments to be up to date.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO/IEC AIDC (automatic identification and data capture) family of standards maintained by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 and is commonly used alongside related print‑quality, verifier and symbology identifier standards (see Related standards above).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Code 128, barcode, symbology, AIDC, GS1‑128, FNC1, encodation, check character, module width, quiet zone, print quality.