ISO IEC 7812-1-2017 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/IEC 7812-1:2017 — Identification cards — Identification of issuers — Part 1: Numbering system. This international standard specifies the numbering system used to identify card issuers, the format of the Issuer Identification Number (IIN) and the structure of the Primary Account Number (PAN), as maintained under the ISO/IEC 7812 series.

Abstract

Specifies a global numbering system for issuer identification (IIN), defines the format and composition of the PAN (IIN + individual account identifier + check digit), and includes rules for check digit calculation (modulus‑10 / Luhn) and limits on PAN length. The 2017 revision introduced an expanded IIN length (8 digits) and related transitional rules.

General information

• Status: Published (current edition confirmed).
• Publication date: January 2017 (edition 5).
• Publisher: ISO/IEC (International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission).
• ICS / categories: 35.240.15 (Identification cards and related devices).
• Edition / version: 5 (2017).
• Number of pages: 7.

Scope

Defines the numbering system for the unique identification of card issuers (the IIN), the structure and permitted lengths of the Primary Account Number (PAN), the use of the modulus‑10 (Luhn) check digit, and rules for assignment and transition to the expanded IIN format. The standard is maintained alongside Part 2 (application and registration procedures).

Key topics and requirements

• Issuer Identification Number (IIN) format: revised to support eight‑digit IINs (expanded from the traditional six digits); includes Major Industry Identifier (MII) in the leading digit.
• Primary Account Number (PAN) composition: PAN = IIN + individual account identifier (variable length) + check digit; maximum PAN length remains 19 digits.
• Check digit: final PAN digit calculated using the modulus‑10 (Luhn) algorithm (specified in ISO/IEC 7812‑1).
• Transitional rules: procedures for converting existing six‑digit IINs into eight‑digit blocks and minimum PAN length requirements when using eight‑digit IINs.
• Registration and administration: use of a Registration Authority (RA) to assign and manage IINs in accordance with Part 2 procedures.

Typical use and users

Used by payment networks, card issuers (banks and non‑bank issuers), card processors, payment scheme operators, national standards bodies, card manufacturing and personalization services, healthcare and identification program administrators, and software/system implementers that validate or process PANs and route transactions by issuer. Compliance is required where global interoperability of card numbering and issuer identification is needed.

Related standards

Closely paired with ISO/IEC 7812‑2 (Application and registration procedures) which defines the application, assignment and registration processes for IINs. Other referenced standards and code lists commonly used with 7812‑1 include ISO 3166‑1 (country codes) and message/transaction standards such as ISO 8583. Implementers should also review adjacent card identification standards in the ISO/IEC 7812 family and the wider ISO/IEC 781x series.

Keywords

IIN, BIN, PAN, Issuer Identification Number, Primary Account Number, numbering system, Luhn, modulus‑10, Major Industry Identifier (MII), issuer registration, card issuer, ISO/IEC 7812.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 7812‑1:2017 is the part of the ISO/IEC 7812 series that defines the global numbering system used to identify card issuers (the IIN) and the structure of the Primary Account Number (PAN).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the format and composition of IINs and PANs, check digit calculation (Luhn/mod‑10), length limits, and rules introduced to expand IINs from six to eight digits plus transitional arrangements. It does not itself handle the administrative procedures for requesting and registering IINs (see Part 2).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Payment scheme operators, card issuers, processors, acquirers, card manufacturers, national registration authorities and software vendors that validate, route or manage card numbers and issuer identities.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2017 edition (edition 5) is the published version; it replaced the 2015 edition. The document is maintained and reviewed periodically (standard review cycles apply). Users should confirm the current status with the official maintenance/registration authority if in doubt.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO/IEC 7812 is a two‑part series: Part 1 (numbering system) and Part 2 (application and registration procedures). Implementers will typically use both parts together.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: IIN, PAN, BIN, Luhn, MII, issuer identification, issuer registration, numbering system, ISO/IEC 7812.