ISO IEC 15424-2025 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/IEC 15424:2025 — Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Data carrier identifiers (including symbology identifiers). This international standard defines the preamble message that an automatic identification reader (for example a barcode reader) generates and that a receiving system can interpret to determine the origin or symbology of transmitted data, together with specified optional processing features associated with that data message.

Abstract

The standard specifies a standardized reporting format for data carriers transmitted by AIDC equipment. It standardizes the preamble information emitted by readers to identify the data carrier type or symbology and to indicate optional processing applied to the captured data. The document is intended to support interoperable communication conventions between readers and host systems.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 26 February 2025
• Publisher: ISO (joint ISO/IEC publication; developed under ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31)
• ICS / categories: 01.080.50, 35.040.50
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2025)
• Number of pages: 19

Scope

This document applies to automatic identification device communication conventions and standardizes the reporting of data carriers from bar code readers and other AIDC equipment. It covers the preamble message structure and the way symbology or origin information and certain optional processing flags are presented so receiving systems can correctly interpret and process transmitted AIDC data. The 2025 edition replaces ISO/IEC 15424:2008.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of the reader-generated preamble message used to indicate data carrier origin and symbology.
• Standard identifiers (symbology identifiers and related codes) for common barcode and AIDC media types.
• Specification of optional processing flags and how they are reported in the preamble.
• Communication conventions between AIDC readers and host/receiving systems for interoperable reporting.
• Backward-compatibility and migration considerations from the 2008 edition.
• Normative structure and field definitions to ensure consistent implementation across devices and vendors.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of barcode and AIDC readers, firmware and device integrators, software developers building host-system interfaces, systems integrators in logistics and retail, healthcare IT teams implementing scanning workflows, and standards or procurement teams specifying AIDC interoperability requirements. It is referenced when ensuring different reader models and host systems consistently report symbology and processing details.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced alongside ISO/IEC 15424 include other AIDC and symbology documents such as ISO/IEC 15416 (bar code print quality test specification — linear symbols), ISO/IEC 19762 (AIDC harmonized vocabulary), ISO/IEC 18004 (QR Code), and various symbology-specific standards and application identifiers used in AIDC ecosystems.

Keywords

data carrier identifiers, symbology identifiers, preamble message, AIDC, barcode reader, communication conventions, interoperability, automatic identification, data capture

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 15424:2025 standardizes the preamble message and identifiers that AIDC readers use to report the origin or symbology of captured data and related optional processing information to receiving systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the structure and content of the reader-generated preamble, symbology and carrier identifiers, optional processing flags, and the communication conventions necessary for interoperable reporting between readers and host systems.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Barcode and AIDC reader manufacturers, firmware developers, system integrators, software vendors interfacing with scanners, and procurement/standards teams ensuring device-host interoperability.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is current. The 2025 edition (Edition 3) was published on 26 February 2025 and replaces the previous 2008 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It belongs to the ISO/IEC AIDC family of standards produced under ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 and is typically used in conjunction with other AIDC and symbology standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Data carrier identifiers, symbology identifiers, preamble, AIDC, barcode reader, interoperability.