In our previous posts, we explored the fundamentals of ISO/IEC 15415 for 2D barcodes and ISO/IEC 15416 for linear barcodes. Since then, both standards have received important updates — ISO/IEC 15415:2024 (published in December 2024) and ISO/IEC 15416:2025 (published in January 2025). These revisions bring more granular grading, improved measurement stability, and better alignment between 1D and 2D verification.
For manufacturers, printers, and especially pharmaceutical companies operating under the EU Falsified Medicines Directive (delegated act 2016/161), these changes are highly relevant. The European Commission has confirmed that the current (updated) versions of the standards should be used.
Why These Updates Matter
The core goal of both revisions is stability and precision. Previously, grades jumped in whole-number steps (0–4), which could cause borderline codes to swing dramatically between pass and fail. The new continuous grading system uses 41 steps (0.0 to 4.0 in 0.1 increments), delivering smoother, more reproducible results. This reduces disputes, improves process control, and gives a clearer picture of print quality.
Key Updates to ISO/IEC 15415:2024 (2D Codes)
The biggest change is the move to continuous grading in steps of 1/10.Here’s how the new grading scale compares to the old system:
| Grades: (Steps of 1/10) | Old Integer Grading | Historical ANSI Grades | Meaning |
| 3.5 – 4.0 | 4 | A | Very Good |
| 2.5 – 3.4 | 3 | B | Good |
| 1.5 – 2.4 | 2 | C | Satisfying |
| 0.5 -1.4 | 1 | D | Adequate |
| 0.0 – 0.4 | 0 | F | Failed |
Other important improvements include:
- Symbol Contrast — Now calculated using the lightest 1% and darkest 1% of pixels (Rmax and Rmin) rather than single extreme pixels. This makes results far more stable and less sensitive to noise or isolated defects.
- Threshold Determination — Improved algorithm based on the image histogram (no longer a simple midpoint between extreme values). The old “Global Threshold” has been replaced by a cleaner “Threshold” parameter.
- New Print Growth (PG) Parameter — Evaluates module size deviation (print growth or loss). A deviation of less than 10% still achieves the top grade of 4.0. Even at grade 1.5, deviations up to ~37% are tolerated in certain conditions.
- Modulation Parameter — “Modulation” and the former “Reflection Margin” have been combined into a single, clearer parameter. Faulty codewords (detected by the error correction algorithm) now consistently receive a Modulation grade of 0.0.
- Synthetic Aperture — Clearer guidance on how to define the aperture used for measurement, based on the smallest permissible module size in the application specification (with practical recommendations such as fixed aperture or 80% of the smallest module size).
These changes make verification results significantly more consistent — especially valuable when codes sit near grade boundaries.
Updates to ISO/IEC 15416:2025 (Linear / 1D Codes)
The 2025 revision of ISO/IEC 15416 aligns closely with the improvements in ISO/IEC 15415:
- Modified threshold calculation for edges in scan reflectance profiles
- Updated Rmax and Rmin calculations (now using averages for greater stability)
- Clarified calculation of continuous grades, particularly affecting lower grades (0.0–1.0)
What This Means for Your Business
- More reliable pass/fail decisions — Fewer “borderline” surprises
- Better process control — Finer granularity helps identify subtle print issues earlier
- Stronger compliance — Especially important for pharmaceutical serialisation and EU FMD requirements
- Future-proof verification — REA JET verification systems are designed to stay current with the latest ISO standards
Whether you print Data Matrix codes for pharma traceability, QR codes for retail, or traditional linear barcodes for logistics, these updates give you a clearer, more trustworthy picture of code quality.
Ready to Verify to the Latest Standards?
REA JET offers a complete range of high-precision barcode verification solutions that support both the new ISO/IEC 15415:2024 and ISO/IEC 15416:2025 standards.
Note for existing REA Verifier Customers:
Devices built BEFORE 1 January 2018 may require a license key to enable ISO/IEC 15416:2025 support.
If you have a device that was manufactured before 2025, feel free to contact us to confirm if it needs updating.
Would you like to discuss how these updates affect your specific codes or processes? Or do you need help ensuring your verification equipment is fully up to date?
Stay compliant.
Stay confident.
Verify with precision.
Contact our team today — we’re happy to help.
