This International Standard - defines minimum requirements for identifying items; - provides guidelines for item marking with machine-readable symbols; - covers both labels and direct marking of items; - includes testing procedures for label adhesive characteristics and mark durability; - provides guidance for the formatting on the label of data presented in linear bar code, two-dimensional symbol or human readable form; - is intended for applications which include, but are not limited to, support of systems that automate the control of items during the processes of: - production; - inventory; - distribution; - field service; - point of sale; - repair, and -is intended to include, but it is not limited to, multiple industries including: - automotive; - aerospace; - chemical; - consumer items; - electronics; - health care; - marine; - rail; - telecommunications. The location and application method of the marking are not defined (these will be reviewed and agreed upon by suppliers and manufacturers and their trading partners before implementing this International Standard). This International Standard does not supersede or replace any applicable safety or regulatory marking or labeling requirements. This International Standard is meant to satisfy the minimum item marking requirements of numerous applications and industry groups and as such its applicability is to a wide range of industries, each of which may have specific implementation guidelines for it. This International Standard is to be applied in addition to any other mandated labeling direct-marking requirements. The labeling and direct marking requirement of this International Standard and other standards can be combined labeling into one label or marking area or appear as separate labels or marking areas.