Overview
ISO 7372:2005 - Trade data interchange: Trade data elements directory (TDED) defines a standardized directory of data elements to support open, interoperable data interchange in international trade. The standard provides a structured catalogue (Volume I) of reusable data element definitions that can be used on paper trade documents or in electronic systems (EDI, XML, ebXML, etc.). ISO 7372:2005 is maintained jointly by ISO and UNECE and is fully aligned with UN/EDIFACT directories and the UN Codes Library (UNCL).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Data element registry (Volume I): canonical names, tags, descriptions and representation terms for trade-related data elements (e.g., parties, dates, amounts, goods, transport).
- User code lists (Volume II / UNCL): standardized codes and qualifiers that map to data elements (supports UN/EDIFACT code lists).
- Compendium (Volume III): trade facilitation recommendations and class 3 code lists such as ISO country, currency and location codes.
- Interoperability and compliance:
- Technology- and syntax-independent: usable with paper forms, EDIFACT (ISO 9735), XML, ebXML.
- Conforms to naming and metadata rules (ISO 11179 and ebXML Core Components Technical Specification).
- Backward compatible where possible, with migration paths for deleted or superseded elements.
- Maintenance and governance:
- Maintained by a joint ISO–UNECE Maintenance Agency with documented change procedures, Data Maintenance Requests (DMRs), and voting/implementation rules.
- Coordination with UN/CEFACT, WCO, IMO and other international bodies to ensure consistency.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 7372:2005 is used by organizations that need consistent data definitions across systems and borders:
- EDI and XML implementers (UN/EDIFACT, ebXML, UBL)
- Customs administrations, freight forwarders, shipping lines and logistics providers
- Trade finance institutions and banks exchanging invoices, bills of lading, certificates
- Software vendors, data architects and systems integrators building trade/transport solutions
- Standards bodies and domain experts harmonizing code lists (UNCL, ISO 3166, ISO 4217)
Practical benefits include reduced ambiguity in data exchange, improved automation of trade processes, and simplified integration between paper-based workflows and electronic systems.
Related standards (selected)
- ISO 9735 (UN/EDIFACT syntax rules)
- ISO 6422 (Layout Key for trade documents)
- ISO 8601 (date/time formats)
- ISO 3166 (country codes), ISO 4217 (currency codes)
- ebXML Core Components Technical Specification (CCTS)
- UN/EDIFACT UNCL code lists and WCO Customs Data Model
Keywords: ISO 7372:2005, Trade Data Elements Directory, TDED, trade data interchange, UN/EDIFACT, UNCL, ebXML, data elements, international trade.
