ISO 22742

ISO/DISPRF 22742:2025(en)
ISO/TC 122
Secretariat: JISC
Date: 2025-112026-03-25
Packaging — Linear bar code and two-dimensional symbols for
product packaging
Emballages — Code-barres linéaire et symboles bidimensionnels pour emballage de produits
PROOF
ISO/PRF 22742:####(X:2026(en)
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© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
ii
ISO/DISPRF 22742:20252026(en)
Contents
Foreword . iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 2
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Data content and requirements . 5
4.1 General . 5
4.2 Rules for encoding mandatory and optional data elements in machine-readable symbols
and human-readable information . 7
4.3 Basic data elements . 9
4.4 Additional data elements . 14
4.5 Data representation . 19
4.6 Data carriers . 27
4.7 Label size and layout . 30
Bibliography . 39

iii
ISO/PRF 22742:####(X:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 122, Packaging.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 22742:2010), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— — Addedadded URL formats;
— — Preferencepreference on formats with concatenated fields;
— — Preferencepreference on 2D matrix symbologies
— A list of all parts in the ISO 22742 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
iv
ISO/DISPRF 22742:20252026(en)
Introduction
Bar code marked product package labels are in widespread use in global industries. A number of different
standards exist, each designed to meet the requirements of that specific industry sector. For effective and
economic use within and between industry sectors, one common multi industry standard is a necessity.
A bar code marked product package label is designed to facilitate the automation of inventory, distribution,
repair and point of purchase operations. The bar code information on the product package label can be used
as a key to access the appropriate database, which contains detailed information about the product including
information transmitted via electronic data interchange (EDI). In addition, a product package label can contain
other information as agreed between the trading partners.
Two dimensional symbols can be included to assist moving greater amounts of product data from sender to
recipient.
Labelers can include a code containing a URL on product package for marketing and information purposes by
the labellerlabeler to enable direct access via smart phone.
[2][2]
Whereas ISO 15394 is intended to support the transportation function within the supply chain (e.g. from
[9][9]
the shipping dock, through the transportation processes, and to the receiving dock) and ISO 28219 handles
marking of the product itself, this document is intended to support the logistic functions preceding and
following transportation. At the origin point, this document is designed for use from manufacture to storage,
to picking and packing, to delivery to the shipping dock, and all associated inventory processes. At the
destination point, it is designed for use from the receiving dock to order checking, to storage, to consumption,
and to all associated inventory processes and reverse logistic processes.
v
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 22742:2025(en)

Packaging — Linear bar code and two-dimensional symbols for
product packaging
1 Scope
This document:
a) a) specifies the minimum requirements for the design of labels containing a linear bar code and
two dimensional (2D) symbols on product packages to convey data between trading partners,;
b) b) provides guidance for the formatting on the label of data presented in a linear bar code, 2D
symbols or human-readable form,;
c) c) provides specific recommendations regarding the choice of linear bar code and 2D
symbologies, and specifies quality requirements and classes of bar code density,;
d) d) provides specific recommendations regarding both linear and 2D symbologies, which allow a
broad choice for general use of scanning hardware (e.g. area imagers, linear imagers, single line laser
scanners, and raster laser scanners), );
e) e) makes recommendations as to label placement, size and the inclusion of free text and any
appropriate graphics.
This document supports item identification and supply chain processes, at the product package level, such as
inventory control, picking, and point of use.
[2][2]
NOTE 1 ISO 15394 supports the distribution and transportation business processes, so aiding the tracing and
tracking of unique shipments.
NOTE 2 ISO 28219 addresses the direct part marking.
The purpose of this document is to establish the machine readable (e.g. bar code) and human-readable data
content of labels applied to product packages.
Intended applications include, but are not limited to, inventory, warehouse management, maintenance and
point of purchase.
While guidance is provided, specific label dimensions or marking areas and the location of the information are
not defined in this document. Before implementing this specification, suppliers and manufacturers are advised
to review and mutually agree on these details with their trading partners.
This document does not supersede or replace any applicable safety or regulatory marking or labelling
requirements. It is intended to satisfy the minimum product package requirements of numerous applications
and industry groups. As such, it is applicable to a wide range of industries, each of which has specific
implementation guidelines. This document is also applicable to any other labelling requirements.
ISO/PRF 22742:2026(en)
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 3166--1, Codes for the representation of names of countries and their subdivisions — Part 1: Country code
ISO/IEC 15415, Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code symbol print quality test
specification — Two-dimensional symbols
ISO/IEC 15416, Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Bar code print quality test specification
— Linear symbols
ISO/IEC 15459--3, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Unique
identification — Part 3: Common rules
ISO/IEC 15418, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — GS1
Application Identifiers and ASC MH10 Data Identifiers and maintenance
ISO/IEC 15434, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Syntax for
high-capacity ADC media
ISO/IEC 18975, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Encoding
and resolving identifiers over HTTPISO/IEC 15438, Information technology — Automatic identification and data
capture techniques — PDF417 bar code symbology specification
ISO/IEC 16022, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Data Matrix
bar code symbology specification
ISO/IEC 18004, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — QR code bar
code symbology specification
ISO/IEC 18975, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Encoding
and resolving identifiers over HTTP
ISO/IEC 19762, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) techniques —
Vocabulary
ISO 21067, Packaging — VocabularyIEC 61406--1, Identification Link - Part 1: General requirements
IEC 61406--2, Identification link Part 2: Types/models, lots/batches, items and characteristics
ANSI MH 10MH10.8.2, Data Application Identifier Standard
GS1, General Specifications Standard
DIN 16598, Syntax keyboard and Web compatible encoding of data elements in machine readable symbols
applied with ASC Data Identifiers
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 21067, ISO/IEC 19762 and the
following apply.
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
ISO/DISPRF 22742:20252026(en)
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— — ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— — IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1 3.1
Code 128
[1]
continuous, variable length, bar code symbology capable of encoding all 128 (code 0-127) ISO/IEC 646 IRV
[1] [14]
characters, , the 128 upper characters of ISO/IEC 8859-1 (codes 128-255), and four non-data function
characters
[3][3]
Note 1 to entry: See ISO/IEC 15417 for the Code 128 symbology specification.
3.2 3.2
component
part, assembly or raw material that is a constituent of a higher-level assembly
3.3 3.3
country of origin
manufacturing country wherein the product obtained its present identity as a part, subassembly or finished
product
3.4 3.4
data element title
part of the data area title for linear code that gives a brief description of the data element
EXAMPLE Part number and customer number.
Note 1 to entry: The data element can contain abbreviations.
3.5 3.5
Data Matrix
error correcting two-dimensional matrix symbology defined by ISO/IEC 16022
3.6 3.6
dot
localized region with a reflectance that differs from that of the surrounding surface
3.7 3.7
GS1 system
specifications, standards and guidelines administered by GS1
3.8 3.8
EAN/UPC
family of bar code symbols including EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, and UPC-E bar code symbols as defined by
ISO/IEC 15420
3.9 3.9
error correction
mathematical procedure that allows the detection and rectification of errors to take place
3.10 3.10
format
high capacity ADC medium comprising one or more segments (3.15(3.15))
ISO/PRF 22742:2026(en)
Note 1 to entry: A format contains one format type.
3.11 3.11
format trailer
character used to identify the end of a format envelope
Note 1 to entry: this This term is defined by ISO/IEC 15434.
3.12 3.12
PDF417
error correcting two-dimensional multi row symbology defined by ISO/IEC 15438
3.13 3.13
product package
first tie, wrap or container of a single item or quantity thereof that constitutes a complete identifiable pack
Note 1 to entry: A product package can be an item packaged singularly, multiple quantities of the same item packaged
together, or a group of parts packaged together. For the purposes of this document, the term “product package” includes
component packages and packaging intended for storage and transport.
3.14 3.14
QR Code
error correcting matrix symbology, consisting of an array of nominally square modules arranged in an overall
square pattern, including a unique finder pattern located at three corners of the symbol and intended to assist
in easy location of its position, size and inclination
Note 1 to entry: See ISO/IEC 18004 for the QR Code symbology specification.
3.15 3.15
segment
logical group of data elements, specifically a logical portion of an electronic data interchange (EDI) or high
capacity ADC message
Note 1 to entry: this This term is defined by ISO/IEC 15434.
3.16 3.16
semantics
means by which the purpose of a field of data is identified
Note 1 to entry: Semantic examples used in automatic data capture include ISO/IEC 15418, ASC MH 10ANSI MH10.8.2
Data Identifiers, GS1 Applications Identifiers, EDI (X12/EDIFACT/CII) Data Element Qualifiers.
3.17 3.17
serial number
code assigned by the supplier (3.19(3.19)) to an entity for its lifetime
EXAMPLE Computer serial number, traceability number and contract tool identification.
3.18 3.18
structure
order of data elements in a message
3.19 3.19
supplier
party that produces, provides or furnishes an item or service
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ISO/DISPRF 22742:20252026(en)
3.20 3.20
syntax
way in which data are put together to form messages
Note 1 to entry: Syntax also includes rules governing the use of appropriate identifiers, delimiters, separator
character(s), and other non-data characters within the message. Syntax is the equivalent to grammar in spoken language.
The syntactic example used in automatic data capture includes ISO/IEC 15434.
3.21 3.21
traceability identification
code assigned to identify or trace a unique group of entities (e.g. lot, batch, item, revision or serial number)
3.22 3.22
traceability number
code assigned by the supplier (3.19(3.19)) to identify and trace a unique group of entities (e.g. lot, batch)
3.23 3.23
Global Location Number
GLN
GS1 identification key to identify locations or parties
4 Data content and requirements
4.1 General
Before implementing this specification, suppliers and manufacturers should review and mutually agree on
specific labelling details with their trading partners. The labelling requirements of this document and other
standards can be combined into one label or appear as separate labels. The common rules as defined by
ISO/IEC 15459-3 shall be applied.
The label format accommodates both mandatory and optional data elements.
The number included in the character count is exclusive of overhead characters such as start and stop
characters and any other characters required by a standard symbology specification to properly encode data.
All data elements encoded in a machine-readable medium shall be preceded by a qualifier. Qualifiers may be
Data Identifier defined in ISO/IEC 15418 and ANSI MH 10 MH10.8.2 Data Identifiers or Application Identifiers
as defined in ISO/IEC 15418 and the GS1 General Specifications Standardstandard.
The choice of appropriate qualifiers (e.g. GS1 applications identifiers, data identifiers etc.) for any user will
normally be defined in the applicable industry convention being followed.
Any industries developing product or shipment identification conventions should consider business practices,
information requirements and systems capabilities of the trading partners based on the common rules as
defined by ISO/IEC 15459-3. Frequently used are Data Identifiers or GS1 Applications Identifiers. In this case
users may also recognise the following guidelines.
a) a) GS1 applications identifiers
1) 1) The definitions of the GS1 applications identifiers are supported by application guidelines. The
GS1 AIs, and associated guidelines, have been designed for international and multi sectorial trading
purposes.
2) 2) The GS1 item identification system and related encodation specification are complemented by
the GS1 maintained Application Identifiers, hereafter referred to as “GS1 Applications Identifiers”
ISO/PRF 22742:2026(en)
(GS1 AIs). This specification comprises two principal elements that are the key to any encoding
system: the data content and the data carrier.
3) 3) The use of GS1 AIs is subject to the rules established by GS1.
4) 4) GS1 AIs identify generic and simple data fields for use in cross sectorial and international
supply chain applications. The GS1 General Specifications standard provide rules for the definition,
format and structure of the data fields.
5) 5) Each GS1 AI consists of two up to four digits. A list of existing and future AIs and their data
fields are contained within the GS1 AI lengths table in the GS1 General Specifications
Standardstandard.
b) b) Data Identifiers
1) 1) The descriptions in the Data Identifier list are general in nature and are used in industrial and
international applications. Specific application guidelines provide the detailed definition used
amongst trading partners.
2) 2) The full list of registered Data Identifiers and the full specification for their use are found in
ANSI MH 10 MH10.8.2.
3) 3) DIs may be used with any alphanumeric data carrier and are designed to ensure cross industry
commonality of Data Identifiers used in automatic identification technologies.
4) 4) DIs have a format of one alphabetic character alone, or one alphabetic character prefixed by
one, two or three numeric characters.
[8]
When using specific qualifiers, the Issuing Agency Code (IAC) established in ISO/IEC 15459-2 [8] and the
Company Identification Number (CIN) assigned by the issuing agency is used as prefix within data fields.
Examples for this usage are the DIs 25P, 25S, 37S and 25T, and the AIs 00 and 01. In the GS1 General
Specifications Standardstandard, this coding structure is the GS1 company prefix (GCP).
The format of values is described by a sequence of character set and character count range. The character set
is described as follows:
— — a: alphabet;
— — n:digit;
— — an: alphanumeric.
The character count may be defined by:
— — number: field of given fix length;
— — number.number: character count is between the given count. If one number is omitted, the
minimum/maximum applies, e.g. ".5" describes 0 to 5 characters, "3." describes minimum 3three
characters.
Multiple encoded fields are represented by a plus sign (+). The plus sign is not encoded in the data.
EXAMPLE "an3+n.3" describes 3three alphanumeric characters directly followed by up to 3three digits. A data
string in compliance conformity with this example is "A3B45". "A3B" is the 3 three-character alphanumeric string. "45"
are two digits, which is in conformance to the specification of up to 3three digits.
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ISO/DISPRF 22742:20252026(en)
NOTE Some data fields contain the “+” character as separator within a data field. E, e.g. 37S etc. These appearances
of the “+” character isare not meant in this context.
Other data structures with a scope on a limited application field are not covered by this document. One
[12][12]
example is the HalthHealth industry business code (HIBC) for medical devices .
4.2 Rules for encoding mandatory and optional data elements in machine-readable
symbols and human-readable information
4.2.1 General rules
The choice to encode in linear bar code, 2D symbol, or both shall be agreed between trading partners.
The appropriate qualifier (e.g. Data Identifier or Application Identifier) shall precede all machine-readable
data elements. The Data or Application Identifiers should be selected from the options given in 4.14.1 and shall
be in accordance with ISO/IEC 15418.
4.2.2 Rules for mandatory data elements
4.2.2.1 Encoding mandatory elements in machine readable symbols
Mandatory data elements shall be encoded in a machine-readable symbol, as follows.
a) a) If only a linear bar code is used, the mandatory data shall be in the linear bar code.
b) b) If both a linear bar code and 2D symbol are used on the label, the mandatory data shall be in
the linear bar code and the 2D symbol.
c) c) If a 2D symbol is used, all coded data shall be in the 2D symbol.
4.2.2.2 Human-readable information for encoded data elements
Human-readable information for mandatory data elements shall be on the label in all cases, as follows.
a) a) For linear symbols, the human readable shall be human-readable interpretation (HRI).
b) b) For 2D symbols, the human readable shall be any combination of HRI and human translation.
When mandatory data are only in the 2D symbol, the mandatory human readable shall be adjacent to the 2D
symbol.
NOTE The human-readable information can be presented in another syntax than data in codes. E.g. parenthesisFor
example, parentheses are used to highlight qualifiers. These parenthesisparentheses are not allowed to be used in code
contents.
4.2.3 Rules for additional data elements (defined in 4.3 )
4.2.3.1 Encoding in machine-readable symbols
Additional data elements should be encoded in a machine-readable symbol, as follows.
a) a) If only linear bar codes are used, the data should be in the linear bar code.
b) b) If both linear bar codes and the 2D symbol are used

Additional data elements are defined in 4.3.
ISO/PRF 22742:2026(en)
1) — data should be in the linear bar code and should be included in 2D,;
2) — if the data are included in the linear bar code, the data shall also be included in the 2D symbol.;
1) — if the same additional data occur in multiple data carriers on a single item, the data values shall
be the same.
3) if the same additional data occur in multiple data carriers on a single item, the data values shall be the
same.
c) c) If only a 2D symbol is used, the data should be in the 2D symbol.
4.2.3.2 Human-readable information for encoded data elements
Human-readable information for optional data elements encoded in a linear symbol shall be on the label in all
cases. In this case, human-readable interpretation shall be present and human translation may be added.
For data elements encoded in 2D symbols, the human-readable information should be on the label and it shall
be any combination of HRI and human translation.
4.2.3.3 Human-readable information for data elements not encoded
Human-readable information for additional data elements that are not encoded in machine-readable symbols
may be shown in human-readable information only.
4.2.4 Rules for data elements not specified in this document
4.2.4.1 Encoding additional data elements in machine-readable symbols
a) a) If only linear bar codes are used, the data may be in the linear bar code.
b) b) If both linear bar codes and 2D symbols are used:
2)1) 1) data may be in linear bar code and should be included in 2D;
2) if the same additional data occur in multiple data carriers on a single item, the data values shall be the
same.
3)1) 2) if the same additional data occur in multiple data carriers on a single item, the
data values shall be the same.
c) c) If only a 2D symbol is used, the data should be in the 2D symbol.
4.2.4.2 Human-readable information for encoded data elements
For data elements encoded in a linear symbol, the human-readable information shall be on the label in all
cases, see Table 1. See Table 1. In this case, human-readable interpretation shall be present and human-
readable translation may be added.
For data elements encoded in 2D symbols, the human-readable information shall be on the label. This
information may be in the form of a HRI or human translation. Relevant legal demands or industry
specifications need to be observedcan apply.
4.2.4.3 Human-readable information for data elements not encoded
Other data elements may be shown in free text only.
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
ISO/DISPRF 22742:20252026(en)
EXAMPLE Product description and parametric values.
Table 1— Machine-readable symbols and human-readable information
Requirement for encoding Requirement for
Data element Machine-readable
human-readable
status symbols on label
Linear bar code 2D
information
Bar code required not applicable required
Mandatory Bar code + 2D required required required
2D not applicable required required
Bar code optional encoding  required if encoded
Optional required if encoded
b
Bar code + 2D optional encoding optional encoding
in bar code
Specified
a a
(See )specified 2D not applicable optional encoding optional if encoded
None not applicable not applicable inclusion possible
Bar code encoding possible not applicable required if encoded
required if encoded
Optional
Bar code + 2D encoding possible encoding possible
in bar code
not Specified
a a
(See )specified 2D not applicable optional encoding possible if encoded
None not applicable not applicable inclusion possible
a In this document, “specified optional data elements” are supplier item identification, country of origin, and date. All others belong
to the category “optional data elements not specified”.
b If the data element is encoded in linear bar code, it shall also be included in the 2D symbol. If the same additional data occur in
multiple data carriers on a single item, the data values shall be the same.
4.3 Basic data elements
4.3.1 General
Whether a data element is mandatory or optional is dependent on industry, market, or individual trading
partner requirements, see Table 2. See Table 2. These data elements may be human readable, machine
readable, or both. If machine readable, the data elements shall be in accordance with ISO/IEC 15418.
Certain data elements are mandatory to a broad range of product package applications. These are:
— — item identification code,
— — quantity without or quantity with unit of measure,
— — traceability identification,
— — serial number or traceability number.
Table 2— Data element usage
Data element Requirement
Item identification code Mandatory.
Mandatory, if the package contains more than one of an item and the quantity
Quantity
may not be found in the master data of the product.
ISO/PRF 22742:2026(en)
Data element Requirement
Note that some manufacturers may change the product code to represent a
change in quantity.
Optional, but may be mandatory due to applicable legal demands or industry
Traceability identification
specifications.
4.3.2 Item identification
Either the supplier or the customer may assign item identification. Either the customer item identification, or
the supplier item identification, or both may be shown on the label as agreed between the trading partners. If
both are shown on the label, at least one of the two item identifiers shall be encoded in a machine-readable
symbol.
The supplier's part number shall be used for item identification in the absence of a different agreement
between trading partners.
The maximum length of this data element is 25 alphanumeric characters, not including the appropriate
identifier (AI or DI).
The item identification data field shall be in one of the formats shown in Tables 3Tables 3 and 44. These
identifiers represent the most frequently used formats for product package. The complete list of possible item
identification codes shall be found in ANSI MH 10.8.2 or the GS1 general specificationsGeneral Specifications
standard.
Table 3— Data Identifiers used in item identification
Data Data characteristics type
Data field Description
Identifier and length
P Product number an1 + an.25 Customer assigned part number.
1P Product number an2 + an.25 Supplier assigned part number.
Combined manufacturer
identification code/item code under
3P Product number an2 + n12.13 + n2.5
the 12/13 digit GS1 GTIN formats,
plus supplemental codes, if any.
8P Product number an2 + n14 GS1 GTIN
Component of an item (one product
19P Product number an3 + an.32
contained in multiple packages).
Internationally unique item code.
25P Product number an3 + an.32
Combined IAC/CIN and item code
assigned by the supplier.
The value is the concatenation of the
Versioned product following fields: IAC/CIN, literal plus
51P an3+an.50
number ("+"), Product code, literal plus ("+"),
product version
The value is the concatenation of the
EU Marine following fields: conformity
53P an3+a1+n4+an5.20
Equipment assessment module, notified body,
certificate
Pharmacy product number
IFA Pharmacy
9N an2+an2+an15.26+n2
maintained by IFA. The value is
Product Number
comprised of the following fields:
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
ISO/DISPRF 22742:20252026(en)
Data Data characteristics type
Data field Description
Identifier and length
two characters product registration
code (PRAC), product reference
(PR), two PPN check digits
Table 4— Application Identifiers used in item identification
Application Data
identifier Data field characteristics Description
Identifier type and length
Global Trade Item Number: shorthand term
n8
Not applicable when
for the GS1 Global Trade Item Number.
Global Trade Item n12
used in UPC-A, EAN-
Number (GTIN) n13
A GTIN may use the GTIN 8, GTIN-12, GTIN
13, EAN-8 or ITF-14
n14
13 or GTIN 14 standard numbering structure.
01 GTIN n2 + n14 GTIN identification of trade items.
GTIN identification of made to order trade
03 GTIN n2 + n14
item.
Product version number defined by the
22 Product version n2 + an.20
manufacturer.
241 Part number n3 + an.30 Customer assigned part number.
Roll products – width, length, core diameter,
8001 Roll products n4 + n14
direction and splices.
Identification of the GS1 identification of a fixed measure trade
8006 components of a n4 + n14 + n2 + n2 item (GTIN) packed in separate parcels (n of
trade item x).
4.3.3 Quantity
Unless otherwise specified, the implied quantity of the product identified on the outside of the product
package is one.
Two primary methods exist of identifying the quantity inside a product package.
a) a) The first situation is where the product package identifies the product code and the quantity
contained therein on the product package label. This may be analogous to a raw material being received
where ten of an item are received in the same box and the product package identifies ten products having
the same product code. In this situation, the quantity would be ten.
b) b) The second situation is where a quantity of product and its packaging are identified by a
product code different from the product code assigned to the product inside. This may be analogous to a
consumable unit (e.g. batteries) where the combination of the items, quantity and packaging constitutes
a unique product code. In this situation, the quantity would be one.
If used, the quantity shall be the quantity in the package or container to which the label is affixed. The default
unit of measure for Data Identifier “Q” is EACH or PIECES. The default unit of measure for Application Identifier
“30” is EACH or PIECES (count of items).
When Data Identifiers are used and when a different unit of measure is required, as agreed between trading
partners, the Data Identifier “7Q” shall be used with the quantity followed by two alphanumeric characters
representing the ANS X12.3 unit of measurement code. In the special case where multiple containers comprise
a single product (the contents of each container shall be combined with the content of the other containers to
ISO/PRF 22742:2026(en)
constitute a single product), the Data Identifier “6Q” or Application Identifier “8006” shall be used to link the
various containers.
When Application Identifiers are used and when a different unit of measure is required, as agreed between
trading partners, one of the Application Identifiers in the “3nn” series, as specified in the GS1 General
Specifications Standardstandard, shall be used with a decimal point indicator and the quantity.
When the GS1 system is used, the identification always relates to the complete package (packaging + contents).
Fixed measure trade items are those that are always produced in the same version and composition (type,
size, mass, quantity of contents, design, etc.). Like a “fixed” measure trade item, a “variable” measure trade
item is an entity with predefined characteristics (e.g. the nature of the product or its contents). Unlike a “fixed”
measure trade item, a “variable” measure trade item has at least one characteristic that varies whilst other
characteristics of the trade item remain the same. The variable characteristic may be mass, dimension, number
of items contained or volume information. The complete identification of a variable measure trade item
consists of both an identification number and information about the variable data.
The quantity data field should be in one of the formats shown in Tables 5 and 6. These identifiers represent
the most frequently used formats for product package applications.
Tables 5 and 6. These identifiers represent the most frequently used formats for product package applications.
Table 5 Table 5— Data Identifiers used to identify quantity
Application Data characteristics
a
Data field Description
identifier type and length
The number of products (pcs) in the
Quantity in
shipment container.
Q an1 + n.14
package
EXAMPLE 1 Q2000.
The actual mass of package (kilograms
implied by convention). (This includes an
2Q Actual mass an2 + n.14
encoded decimal point, if necessary.)
EXAMPLE 2 2Q200.1.
Data
Application
a
Data field characteristics Description
Identifier
type and length
The number of products (pcs) in the
shipment container.
Q Quantity in package an1 + n.14
EXAMPLE 1  Q2000.
The actual mass of package (kilograms
implied by convention). (This includes an
2Q Actual mass an2 + n.14
encoded decimal point, if necessary.)
EXAMPLE 2  2Q200.1.
Where multiple containers comprise a single
product (the contents of each container shall
be combined with the content of the other
containers to constitute a single product) to
One package over
6Q an2 + n.1/n.2 link the various containers. The format # of #
multiple containers
(“this is the nth piece of x pieces to define the
product”). Presented in the format “n/x”,
where the “/” (slash) is used as a delimiter
between two values.
Print only the significant digits for the human-readable quantity. Do not print leading zero.
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
ISO/DISPRF 22742:20252026(en)
Data
Application
a
Data field characteristics Description
Identifier
type and length
a Examples show encoded characters. Spaces are shown for clarity but are not encoded.
Table 6— Application Identifiers used to identify quantity
Application Data
a
identifier Data field characteristics Description
Identifier type and length
Count of items contained in a variable
measure trade item.
30 Quantity in package n2 + n.8
EXAMPLE 1  302 000.
Defined quantity and unit measure of the
Quantity with
package (mass, sqm, volume, length, etc.) in a
specific unit of
metric and non-metric system. Possible
b
3nn measure (with n4 + n6
combinations of AIs: about 50.
decimal point
EXAMPLE 2  310 100 002 5 equals 2,5 kg net
indication)
mass.
For AI 30, print only the significant digits for the human-readable quantity. Do not print leading zeros.
a Examples show encoded characters. Spaces are shown for clarity but are not encoded.
b Plus one digit for decimal point indication.
4.3.4 Traceability identification
The supplier assigns the traceability identification if applicable. Traceability identification is mandatory if
required by legal demands or industry specifications. This category of identification includes product
information, such as serial numbers, lot or batch numbers.
When Data Identifiers are used, traceability identification should be either a serial number, a lot/batch
number or a manufacturing date.
When Application Identifiers are used, traceability identification should be either a serial number (using the
Application Identifier “21”) or a lot/batch number (using the Application Identifier “10”).
In certain circumstances, both the serial number and the lot/batch number may be shown on the label. In this
case, the one sufficient for tracing the device shall be at least included in the machine-readable symbol.
The maximum length of this data element is 32 alphanumeric characters, if not specified by Table 7Table 7 or
88. Applicable industry specifications may specify other maximum length values and may extend the length
until 50 alphanumeric characters.
The product traceability data field should be in one of the formats shown in Tables 7 and 8Tables 7 and 8.
These identifiers represent the most frequently used formats for product package applications.
Table 7 These identifiers represent the most frequently used formats for product package applications.
ISO/PRF 22742:2026(en)
Table 7— Data Identifiers used for traceability information
Data Data characteristics type
Data field Description
Identifier and length
Serial number or code assigned by
S Serial number an1 + an.25 the supplier to an entity for its
lifetime.
Electronic serial Electronic serial number for cellular
22S an3 + an.25
number mobile telephones.
Combined IAC/CIN and the serial
25S Serial number an3 + an.32
number assigned by the supplier.
Unique item an3+an.50 Combined IAC/CIN, part number,
37S
identifier literal plus ("+") and serial number
Lot/batch number defined by the
1T Lot/batch number an2 + an.25
manufacturer.
Combined IAC/CIN and entity
25T Lot/batch number an3 + an.32 identification and lot/batch number
assigned by the supplier.
Table 8— Application Identifiers used for traceability information
Application Data
identifier Data field characteristics Description
Identifier type and length
Batch or lot Traceability code defined by the
10 n2 + an.20
number manufacturer.
Serial number or code assigned by the
21 Serial number n2 + an.20
supplier to an entity for its lifetime.
Secondary serial Secondary serial number of a component of a
250 n3 + an.30
a
number trade item.
An attribute of a trade item, used to refer
Reference to source
251 n3 + an.30 back to the original item the trade item was
entity
derived from.
UN/ECE meat
United Nations (UN/ECE) meat carcasses and
7002 carcasses and cuts n4 + an.30
cuts classification.
classification
Electronic serial Electronic serial number for cellular mobile
8002 n4 + an.20
number telephones.
a If this AI 250 is being used, a trade item shall be a symbol marked with the following element strings:
AI 01 representing the identification number (GTIN) of the trade item;
AI 21 representing the serial number of the trade item;
AI 250 representing the serial number of a component of the trade item.
4.4 Additional data elements
4.4.1 General
Whether a data element is mandatory or optional may be dependent on industry, market, or individual trading
partner requirements. Beyond those identified in Table 2Table 2,, the following data elements may find
© ISO #### 2026 – All rights reserved
ISO/DISPRF 22742:20252026(en)
common usage. These data elements may be human readable, machine readable, or both. If machine readable,
the data elements shall be in accordance with ISO/IEC 15418:
— — supplier identification,
— — country of origin,
— — date element,
— — others.
4.4.2 Supplier identification
The supplier identification shall uniquely identify the supplier to which the component is traceable. The
supplier identification should be assigned by the supplier or recognized body assigning supplier identification
and in mutual agreement between trading partners; it may be assigned by the customer.
As recom
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