Overview
ISO/IEC 15459-5:2014 specifies a standardized method for uniquely identifying individual returnable transport items (RTIs) using a concise string of characters encoded on a bar code label or other AIDC (automatic identification and data capture) media. The identity is intended to remain valid for the complete lifecycle of the RTI and to act as a prime key for database lookup, tracking, and management across multiple parties in the supply chain.
Keywords: ISO/IEC 15459-5, Returnable Transport Items, RTI identification, AIDC, unique identification, barcode, supply chain asset tracking
Key Topics
- Identity structure: An RTI identity typically includes an Issuing Agency Code (IAC), Company Identification Number (CIN) and a string/component (ID) uniquely assigned by the identity issuer.
- Maximum length: The identity string is limited to 50 characters; for efficiency in linear barcodes it is recommended to keep the string to 20 characters or fewer where possible.
- Permissible characters: Characters must come from the invariant character set ISO/IEC 646. Using only uppercase letters and digits yields more compact encodings.
- Qualifiers and formats: Qualifiers can follow formats supported by ISO/IEC 15434 or ISO/IEC 9834-1. Examples include GS1 Application Identifiers 8003/8004, ASC MH10 Data Identifier 25B, or object identifiers for high-capacity AIDC carriers (e.g., OID forms like "1 0 15459 5").
- Issuing Agency rules: Identity issuance and additional character-repertoire rules are governed by the authorized Issuing Agency (e.g., GS1, ODETTE).
- AIDC implementation: Any AIDC technology (e.g., GS1-128 bar codes, high-capacity carriers) can carry the identity; application standards may be built on the ISO/IEC 15459 identity as the primary key.
Applications
- Reusable packaging and pooling: Unique marking of pallets, crates, cages, totes and other RTIs for return logistics and pooling operations.
- Asset lifecycle management: Persistent identifier for maintenance records, inspection history, and ownership tracking through the RTI lifecycle.
- Logistics and warehousing: Automated scanning for inbound/outbound processing, inventory control, and reverse logistics.
- Industry adoption: Automotive (e.g., ODETTE), retail and logistics organizations (e.g., GS1), pool operators, manufacturers and 3PLs that manage reusable transport assets.
Who should use it
- Logistics managers, asset managers, supply chain engineers, carriers, pool operators, barcode/AIDC integrators and standards implementers who need consistent, interoperable RTI identifiers across organizations.
Related Standards
ISO/IEC 15459-5 provides a practical, interoperable foundation for RTI identification to reduce errors, enable automated scanning and support cross-company tracking of reusable transport items.
