GOST ISO/IEC 15417-2013 PDF

Full title and description

GOST ISO/IEC 15417-2013 — Information technology. Automatic identification and data capture techniques. Code 128 bar code symbology specification. This GOST is the interstate (Russian) adoption identical to ISO/IEC 15417 (Code 128) and specifies the Code 128 symbology: encodation of characters, symbol structure, dimensions, check calculation, decoding rules and symbology identifier prefix strings.

Abstract

This standard defines the technical rules and parameters for the Code 128 linear barcode symbology used in automatic identification and data capture. It covers the mapping of characters to bar/space patterns, symbol start/stop and check characters, recommended sizes and quiet zones, and parameters that applications must specify when using Code 128. The GOST edition reproduces the international specification for use within the Russian/interstate standards framework.

General information

• Status: Active / adopted national (GOST) standard; identical adoption of the ISO specification.
• Publication date: Approved in 2013 (approval recorded 28 Aug 2013); published/issued under GOST listing 1 July 2014 (publisher editions show 2014 issuance).
• Publisher: Published under the Russian/interstate GOST system (published editions distributed by Standardinform / national standards publishers).
• ICS / categories: 01.080.50 (Information technology — Graphical symbols) and 35.040.50 (Automatic identification and data capture techniques).
• Edition / version: GOST ISO/IEC 15417-2013 (national adoption year 2013; text identical to ISO/IEC 15417:2007 adoption).
• Number of pages: Typically published as ca. 31 pages in GOST editions (some distributors list 31 or 32 pages depending on publisher formatting).

Scope

The standard provides the full symbology specification for Code 128 linear barcodes including: symbol composition (start/stop patterns, code sets A/B/C), character encodation and switching rules between code sets, check character calculation, minimum and recommended magnification and dimensions, quiet zones, recommended decoding algorithms and the symbology identifier prefixes used to identify Code 128 symbols in applications. It defines the parameters that applications must set when implementing or using Code 128.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of Code 128 character sets (Code Set A, B and C) and rules for switching between them.
• Specification of start/stop patterns, symbol structure and check character calculation algorithm.
• Nominal symbol dimensions, magnification (X-dimension), and minimum/maximum sizes for reliable reading.
• Quiet zone (margin) and printing/contrast recommendations for reliable scanning.
• Symbology identifier prefix strings and their use in application contexts.
• Parameters applications must define (e.g., character set selection, application-specific limits, permissible reductions/enlargements).

Typical use and users

Code 128 is widely used in logistics, transport, warehousing, manufacturing, parcel tracking, ticketing and other sectors that require compact, high-density linear barcodes. Typical users include barcode hardware manufacturers (printers, scanners), software developers (labeling and WMS/TMS systems), integrators, GS1 implementers and enterprises needing reliable numeric and alphanumeric encoding at variable densities. Implementers refer to this GOST when complying with national/interstate requirements while using the internationally standardized Code 128 specification.

Related standards

Related and complementary standards include ISO/IEC 15420 (EAN/UPC symbology), ISO/IEC 15426 (barcode verifier conformance specifications), ISO/IEC 15459 (unique identification) and other automatic identification standards such as ISO/IEC 16388 (Code 39). Implementers often use GS1 General Specifications alongside Code 128 where GS1 application identifiers are required. GOST listings for related barcode standards reflect the same family of international standards adopted nationally.

Keywords

Code 128, barcode, symbology, automatic identification, data capture, AIS, barcode specification, encodation, check character, quiet zone, GOST adoption, ISO/IEC 15417.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: GOST ISO/IEC 15417-2013 is the Russian/interstate adoption of the international Code 128 barcode symbology specification (ISO/IEC 15417). It reproduces the symbology rules for use in the national/interstate standards framework.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the complete technical specification for Code 128: code sets A/B/C, encoding and switching rules, start/stop and check characters, symbol dimensions, quiet zone requirements, and the parameters applications must define to ensure consistent encoding and decoding.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Barcode printer and scanner manufacturers, labeling software developers, logistics and warehouse systems integrators, regulatory and standards professionals, and organizations that require reliable high-density linear barcodes for tracking and identification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The GOST adoption (ISO/IEC 15417-2013) is listed as active in national catalogs; internationally, ISO/IEC 15417:2007 remains the base international specification (subject to periodic review and amendments at the ISO level). Users should check for any later ISO amendments or national updates when strict currency is required.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it belongs to the family of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) standards (ISO/IEC JTC1/SC31 work) and is commonly used together with other AIDC standards such as ISO/IEC 15420 (EAN/UPC), ISO/IEC 15426 (verifier conformance) and ISO/IEC 15459 (unique identification).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Code 128, symbology, barcode, encodation, start/stop, check character, quiet zone, magnification, automatic identification and data capture.