Overview
ISO 9735-1:2002 defines the application-level syntax rules for EDIFACT messages used in administration, commerce and transport. As Part 1: Syntax rules common to all parts, it establishes the common grammar, service characters and terminology needed to format both batch and interactive Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) messages. This part also consolidates terms and definitions used across the ISO 9735 series and sets conformance identifiers (syntax version number 4, syntax release number 01).
Keywords: ISO 9735-1, EDIFACT, EDI syntax rules, UN/EDIFACT, UNTDID, UN/CEFACT
Key Topics
- Scope and conformance
- Common syntax rules for formatting interchanges, groups and messages.
- Mandatory use of Syntax version number = 4 and conditional Syntax release number = 01 in UNB.
- Terms and definitions
- Consolidated definitions for all parts of ISO 9735 to ensure consistent message design.
- Service characters and UNA
- Rules for service characters (delimiters, escape/representation) and the UNA service string advice.
- Character repertoires
- Syntax structures
- Formal structures for interchange, group, message, segment group, segment, composite and simple data elements.
- Inclusion/exclusion & suppression rules
- How to determine presence/absence of segments and data elements; suppression of insignificant characters and handling significant zeros/spaces.
- Numeric representation & dependency notes
- Rules for numeric data element values and a notation for dependency notes to express inter-element relationships.
- Segment collision prevention
- Use of UGH/UGT segment group to avoid ambiguous segment identification on receipt.
- Syntax release identification
- Mechanism to identify specific releases tied to the syntax version, enabling minor-standard updates.
Applications
ISO 9735-1 is used wherever standardized EDIFACT message structure is required:
- EDI software vendors implementing EDIFACT parsers and generators.
- System integrators and IT architects designing trading partner interfaces.
- Government agencies, transport and logistics providers, wholesalers/retailers, banks and customs authorities exchanging structured trade documents.
- Message designers and data-mapping analysts who produce UN/EDIFACT message specifications in the UNTDID framework.
Related Standards
- Other parts of ISO 9735 series (Parts 2–10) for batch/interactive specifics, message types (e.g., CONTRL, AUTACK, KEYMAN) and service directories.
- UNTDID (United Nations Trade Data Interchange Directory) and UN/CEFACT guidance for message design.
- Character encoding standards referenced: ISO 8859, ISO 2022, ISO/IEC 10646-1.
ISO 9735-1:2002 is essential reading for teams implementing robust, standards-compliant EDIFACT EDI solutions and for organizations aiming to ensure interoperable electronic commerce across sectors.
Open preview (PDF)Electronic data interchange for administration, commerce and transport (EDIFACT) — Application level syntax rules (Syntax version number: 4, Syntax release number: 1) — Part 1: Syntax rules common to all parts