ISO IEC 15459-1-2014 (2016) PDF

Full title and description

Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Unique identification — Part 1: Individual transport units. This part defines the rules and a unique string of characters intended to identify individual transport units (physical logistical units) for representation in bar‑code labels or other AIDC media to meet management and operational needs.

Abstract

ISO/IEC 15459-1 specifies the format and rule set for creating unique identifiers for individual transport units so they can be captured by automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) systems. The standard covers identifier structure, representation in AIDC media and examples of use to support tracking, handling and transfer of transport units during logistics operations. A corrected edition was issued in 2016.

General information

• Status: Published (current edition: 2014; corrected version 2016).
• Publication date: November 2014 (Corrected version: September 2016).
• Publisher: ISO/IEC (International Organization for Standardization / International Electrotechnical Commission).
• ICS / categories: 35.040.50 (Automatic identification and data capture techniques).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2014) — corrected version published 2016.
• Number of pages: 8 pages (concise technical specification).

Scope

Defines rules for a unique character string to identify individual transport units (physical loads or pallets, etc.) for the duration of their use as a transport unit. The scope covers the identifier structure, how it is intended to be represented in AIDC media (e.g., linear or 2D bar‑codes) and examples illustrating assignment and use in logistics and supply‑chain processes.

Key topics and requirements

• Specification of identifier format and syntax for individual transport units (unique character string).
• Guidance on representation of the identifier in AIDC media (bar codes, 2D symbols) suitable for labels attached to transport units.
• Rules for assignment, persistence (lifecycle while the unit remains a transport unit) and examples of usage in logistics operations.
• Interoperability with other parts of the ISO/IEC 15459 series (registration procedures, common rules, product/package/RTI and grouping identifiers).
• Concise normative requirements suitable for implementation in labeling and warehouse/transport IT systems.

Typical use and users

Primary users are logistics and supply‑chain organizations (shippers, carriers, 3PLs), warehouse and inventory managers, customs and regulatory agencies, AIDC hardware and software vendors, and standards implementers who need a standardized, machine‑readable unique identifier for transport units to support tracking, traceability and operational interoperability.

Related standards

Part of the ISO/IEC 15459 series (other parts include registration procedures, common rules, individual products and packages, returnable transport items, groupings, etc.). National/adopted equivalents and related AIDC standards (for example ISO 17366 / ISO 17367 referenced in AIDC contexts) and national/adopted versions exist; the series is often used together with supply‑chain and barcode symbology standards.

Keywords

unique identification, transport unit, AIDC, barcode, identifier syntax, logistics, traceability, ISO/IEC 15459, transport labeling.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 15459-1:2014 specifies a standardized unique identifier format and rules for identifying individual transport units (e.g., pallets, containers, other load units) for use with automatic identification and data capture systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the structure and syntax of the unique identifier, guidance for representing that identifier in AIDC media (bar codes/2D symbols), and examples showing use during the lifecycle of a transport unit. The published edition is 2014 with a corrected version issued in 2016.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Logistics providers, shippers, carriers, warehouse and inventory systems, customs/regulatory bodies, AIDC solution vendors and systems integrators — essentially any organization that needs a standardized, machine‑readable unique identifier for transport units.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This edition (ISO/IEC 15459-1:2014, corrected 2016) supersedes earlier editions (for example the 2006 edition). The 2014 edition is the current published edition; national adoptions and confirmations exist. Users should check their national standards body or ISO for the latest confirmation or any subsequent amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1 of the ISO/IEC 15459 series (other parts address registration procedures, common rules, individual products/product packages, returnable transport items, groupings, etc.). These parts are intended to work together to meet different identification requirements across supply‑chain contexts.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Unique identification, transport unit, AIDC, barcode, identifier format, logistics, traceability, ISO/IEC 15459.