ISO IEC 16390-2007 PDF

Full title and description

Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Interleaved 2 of 5 bar code symbology specification. This international standard defines the Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) linear barcode symbology used for compact numeric encoding in logistics, packaging and industrial applications, including symbology identifiers and application-definable parameters.

Abstract

ISO/IEC 16390:2007 specifies Interleaved 2 of 5 symbology characteristics, the method for encoding numeric data as pairs of digits, start/stop patterns, symbol dimensions and tolerances, recommended quiet zones, decoding considerations and the Symbology Identifier prefix strings. The document also describes decoding algorithm parameters that applications may define.

General information

• Status: Published (Edition 2, 2007; confirmed current at last systematic review).
• Publication date: June 2007 (Edition 2).
• Publisher: ISO/IEC (published under ISO/IEC JTC 1, SC 31).
• ICS / categories: 01.080.50; 35.040.50 (graphical symbols; automatic identification and data capture techniques).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2007).
• Number of pages: 17 pages (typical published PDF/print length reported by issuing bodies).

Reference and lifecycle information (publication, edition and confirmation status) as recorded by the issuing organization.

Scope

This standard establishes the formal specification for the Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode symbology: how numeric data are encoded as interleaved bar/space patterns, the physical relationships and tolerances for element widths and heights, the required start/stop patterns and quiet zones, options for application-defined parameters, and the Symbology Identifier prefixes used to identify ITF symbols in automated systems. It is intended to provide a consistent basis for symbol creation, printing and decoding across equipment and applications.

Key topics and requirements

• Encoding: pairs of numeric digits are encoded by interleaving bar patterns for the first digit with space patterns for the second digit (symbol encodes even number of digits; leading zero may be added by implementations when needed).
• Start and stop patterns: defined start (narrow bar/space sequence) and stop (wide bar — narrow space — narrow bar) patterns with no human-readable meaning; decoders must not transmit start/stop as data.
• Element dimensions and tolerances: bar/space element widths, recommended wide-to-narrow width ratios (commonly between about 2:1 and 3:1), and symbol height recommendations to ensure reliable scanning and decoding.
• Quiet zones and margins: minimum quiet zone requirements (measured in multiples of the narrow bar width) to reduce misreads and partial-scan errors.
• Decoding considerations: recommended decoding algorithm behaviour and parameters; applications may define additional checks (length checks, check digit handling, transmission of check digit) as needed.
• Optional check digit: the symbology itself does not mandate a check digit, but modulo-10 check digits are commonly used in associated applications (e.g., ITF-14 shipping case symbol); implementations often offer optional check-digit calculation and transmission modes.
• Symbology Identifier prefixes: specified identifier strings that allow automated systems to recognize Interleaved 2 of 5 symbols when multiple symbologies are in use.

Technical details on character pairing, start/stop patterns and element sequencing are specified in the standard; implementation notes and common options (such as optional modulo-10 checks and practical wide/narrow ratios) are described in implementation references.

Typical use and users

Commonly used by logistics, warehousing and packaging operations, manufacturers and print shops, barcode hardware and software vendors, systems integrators and application developers who require compact numeric-only linear codes (for carton, pallet or internal tracking). ITF is frequently used where dense numeric encoding and robust handling of printed labels is required, and variants (such as ITF-14) are used for trade item and shipping-container marking.

Related standards

Standards related to ISO/IEC 16390 include ISO/IEC 15416 (bar code print quality test specification for linear symbols), ISO/IEC 15420 (EAN/UPC), other linear symbology specifications (e.g., ISO/IEC 15417 for Code 128), and the earlier ISO/IEC 16390:1999 edition (withdrawn and superseded by the 2007 edition). Industry specifications that reference or build on ITF for shipping/container barcodes (for example ITF-14 practice rules) are also commonly consulted alongside this standard.

Keywords

Interleaved 2 of 5; ITF; ITF-14; barcode; linear symbology; automatic identification and data capture (AIDC); quiet zone; start/stop pattern; modulo-10 check digit; symbol identifier; ISO/IEC 16390:2007.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 16390:2007 is the international specification that defines the Interleaved 2 of 5 linear barcode symbology, covering encoding rules, symbol structure, dimensions and identifiers.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers how numeric data are encoded as interleaved pairs of bars and spaces, the required start/stop patterns, dimensional recommendations and tolerances, quiet zones, Symbology Identifier prefixes and guidance for decoding parameters and application-defined options.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Users include logistics and shipping operations, packaging and manufacturing, barcode label producers, scanner and printer vendors, and software/system integrators implementing AIDC solutions for numeric-only linear coding.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2007 edition (Edition 2) is the published version; the previous 1999 edition was withdrawn and superseded by the 2007 edition. The 2007 version was reviewed and confirmed in ISO’s systematic review cycle (confirmed as current at the latest review recorded).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one of the AIDC/graphical-symbols family of standards under ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 (standards covering linear and 2D symbologies, print quality, test methods and related topics). Implementers commonly use it together with related ISO/IEC AIDC standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Interleaved 2 of 5; ITF; barcode symbology; AIDC; start/stop patterns; quiet zone; element width; modulo-10; ITF-14; ISO/IEC 16390:2007.