Overview
ISO/IEC 15434:2025 - "Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Syntax for high-capacity ADC media" specifies the transfer structure, syntax, coding of messages and data formats for high-capacity ADC media. Published as the fifth edition in 2025, this International Standard defines a two-level envelope model (message envelope and format envelope), a set of format indicators (two-digit codes) and a standardized method for encoding multiple fields of data into media such as 2D symbols, RFID transponders, contact memories and smart cards.
Key 2025 updates include the assignment of format 14 for JSON-structured data and format 15 for ISO/IEC 20248 verifiable data constructs, plus the addition of Annex B with practical examples.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Message structure: A message envelope (header/trailer) encapsulates one or more format envelopes that carry discrete data formats.
- Format indicators: Two-digit codes identify the data structure in use (e.g., transportation, EDI, GS1 Application Identifiers, JSON, binary).
- Supported data formats: Document lists formats including transport (01), complete EDI (02), ASC X12 (03), UN/EDIFACT (04), GS1 AIs (05), ASC MH10 identifiers (06), free text (07), CII (08), binary (09), text element identifiers (12), blocked data (13), JSON (14), ISO/IEC 20248 constructs (15), and reserved ranges for future use.
- Control characters: Non‑printable separators are specified (record separator RS, group separator GS, field separator FS, sub-element separator US and end-of-transmission EoT) with defined ISO/IEC 646 encodings to reliably delimit and parse fields.
- Documentation and examples: Annex A includes ISO/IEC 646 subsets; Annex B provides encoding examples for varied ADC media.
Practical applications and users
ISO/IEC 15434 is intended for implementers and integrators who need robust, interoperable encoding/decoding of multi-field data on high-capacity ADC media, including:
- RFID solution providers and hardware manufacturers
- Supply chain, logistics and transportation systems that exchange structured shipping and tracking data
- Software developers building scanner/reader middleware and host-system parsers
- Standards bodies and industry consortia defining industry-specific data applications (e.g., GS1 implementations)
- Manufacturing and inventory management systems requiring consistent data mapping across media types
Benefits include reduced integration effort, one-to-many media interoperability, and adaptive parsing via format indicators.
Related standards
Normative and related references include ISO/IEC 646, ISO/IEC 19762, ISO/IEC 21778 (JSON), ISO/IEC 20248, GS1 General Specifications, ANS MH10.8.2, and EDI standards such as ASC X12 and UN/EDIFACT.
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