ISO/IEC 15434 Barcode Specifications

Barcode Information | Tutorials | Examples

Data Matrix DOD UID SymbolISO/IEC 15434 is a specification and syntax for automatic identification and data capture techniques commonly used in 2D barcodes such as Data Matrix. This FAQ focuses on formats of the ISO/IEC 15434 specification that are commonly used with IDAutomation products. Implementation of the ISO/IEC 15434 specification may require additional data formatting. Always refer to the ISO/IEC 15434 specification before implementation in a production environment.

Popular ISO/IEC 15434 Barcode Formats

The ISO/IEC 15434 barcode specification defines a header, group separator, and trailer to use when encoding data in a barcode for specific purposes. The <RS>, <GS>, and <EOT> are non-printable ASCII Functions, which can be identified when scanned with the free Barcode Data Decoder Verifier App or Scanner ASCII String Decoder. Refer to the links provided in the chart below for implementation examples.

 FormatHeaderSeparatorTrailerPurpose and Example Links
 01[)><RS>vv<GS><GS><RS><EOT>Transportation, such as UPS MaxiCode and FEDEX PDF417
 05[)><RS>05<GS><GS><RS><EOT>GS1 AIs, including MIL-STD-130 UID
 06[)><RS>06<GS><GS><RS><EOT>ASC MH 10 DIs, including MIL-STD-130 UID
 12[)><RS>12<GS><GS><RS><EOT>Structured data, including ATA and CEA UID

vv represents the version of the symbol being used. Usually, this is version 96.

Verifying Proper Encoding

IDAutomation suggests verification of symbol encoding to ensure compliance. IDAutomation recommends using the Barcode Decoder Verification App because it reveals the hidden RS, GS, and EOT ASCII characters.

Data Matrix DOD UID Symbol:

Format 06 Example:
[)><RS>06<GS>17V98897<GS>1P4L0014-163B<GS>SSA10197<RS><EOT>

Format 06 using IDAutomation Data Matrix products:
[)>~d03006~d02917V98897~d0291P4L0014-163B~d029SSA10197~d030~d004

Format 06 Barcode:

Data Matrix DOD UID Symbol

Result when scanned with the Barcode Decoder Verification App.

Result when scanned with the IDAutomation 2D Scanner and the Scanner ASCII String Decoder.