For each data element the following information is provided: Tag, name and description. In addition for all coded data elements the code values associated with the data element, their names, and descriptions are indicated. Where necessary, an EANCOM^® note has been added.

Additionally some code values which are EANCOM^® specific are also included in the code sets. These codes are not part of the UN/EDIFACT directory and have been allocated as temporary code values in advance of EDIFACT code values being made available.

The temporary code values are easily recognisable by the '(EAN Code)', '(EAN.UCC Code)' '(EAN Code - book)', or '(SWIFT Code)' message immediately following the code. The '(EAN Code - book)' and '(SWIFT Code)' codes were included in the codelist with the approval of respectively the book industry and SWIFT.

Where applicable temporary code values contained in this release of the code sets will be forwarded to UN/EDIFACT for official code values in due course.

Code values with a '+' sign before the code name are codes which have been added to the code sets since the last release of the EANCOM^® 1997 code sets in July 1997. These codes have been added either as a result of successful change requests or following their publication in one of the new messages published in EANCOM^® 1997. Please note that it may not be possible to use these codes in all messages as restricted code lists apply to some data elements in some messages. If in doubt please contact your numbering organisation before using codes in a restricted code list.

Code values with a '@' sign before the code name are codes which have been added to the code sets because UN/EDIFACT has allocated formal values for previous temporary codes. To the right hand side of the name and definition of every code marked with the '@' sign, the code value which has been replaced is detailed. These old code values are provided simply for information purposes to assist users to map previous temporary codes to new EDIFACT ones. Additionally, the "@" sign will be used if the code definition, name or tag, or any combination of these is changed.

Code values with a '++' sign before the code name are codes which have been added to the code sets since the first publication of EANCOM^® '@@' shows modification since the first publication.

Code values with a 'X' sign before the code name are codes which are marked for deletion and will not exist any more in the next release of EANCOM^®.

Code values with a '-' sign before the code name are codes which have been deleted in the current release (not physically).

A number in squared brackets at the beginning of the code name refers to the Trade Data Element Directory UNTDED.

In the column headed with an "S" codes which are only used in syntax 3 messages are marked with a "3", whereas codes used in syntax 4 messages are marked with a "4". Where neither "3" or "4" is marked in the column, the use of the code value is independant from a specific syntax version.

Any user requiring additional code values not currently contained in the EANCOM^® code sets should address their needs to their local EAN.UCC member organisation via the change requests procedure (See Part I, Section 3.6). Accepted change requests for additional code values may be implemented bi-laterally among trading partners before they appear in the EANCOM^® code sets.