The purpose of this guideline is to establish the machine readable (i.e. linear and two-dimensional symbols) and human readable content of labels applied to product packages for industrial and non-retail applications.

Scope: This clause defines minimum requirements for identifying product packages that are distributed internationally outside the originating location. These specifications provide maximum flexibility for size, location, and identification information.

It addresses the marking of product packaging, e.g. reels, tubes, and the packaging of one or more assemblies and finished products. Product package markings are intended to insure that products or parts can be identified once the items have been separated from their original shipping labels.

Intended applications include, but are not limited to, systems that automate the control of product packages during production, inventory, distribution and repair.

Label dimensions or marking areas, and the location of the information are not defined in this guideline. Before implementing this specification, suppliers and manufacturers should review and mutually agree on these details with their trading partners.