14. Mailmark barcode specification Please note that all specifications set out in this section are requirements unless stated otherwise. A Mailmark barcodes can be either a:
The supported formats from ISO/IEC 16022 and the data content are as specified within the separate document - Mailmark Barcode Definition Document. 2D data matrix Mailmark barcodes must be printed according to the international standard. 14.3 Characteristics of 2D Mailmark barcode • a 2D data matrix Mailmark barcode is a Data Matrix type ECC200 code complying with the international standard ISO/IEC 16022. Version of ISO specification is ISO/IEC 16022:2006; • a 2D Mailmark can be any of the following formats of Data Matrix type ECC200 as defined in ISO/IEC 16022: - 24x24 modules (Also known as Format 7); - 32x32 modules (Also known as Format 9); and - 16x48 modules (Also known as Format 29); • 2D data matrix Mailmark barcodes must have a module size in the range of 0.50 – 0.70mm; • the 2D data matrix Mailmark barcode must not appear within 15mm of the short edges of the Mailing Item, within 18mm of the long edge furthest from the Indicium (for landscape items this is the bottom edge) or in an area that must be kept clear of text or graphics as set out elsewhere in this appendix; • the 2D data matrix Mailmark barcode must be printed on a background that is of consistent contrast by design, with a positive contrast for the symbol (dark on a light background). Note: Certain recycled paper does give an inconsistent background, but this is acceptable so long as the print quality criteria are achieved. Note the codes are always positive contrast. • there must always be a clear zone of at least 4 times the module size around any 2D Mailmark barcode. For example if printed with a 0.5mm module size the clear zone must be at least 2mm. With a 0.7mm module size the clear zone must be at least 2.8mm; • the 2D data matrix Mailmark barcode can be orientated vertically or horizontally but are required to have edges that are parallel with the edges of the Mailing Item; • the 2D data matrix Mailmark barcode is differentiated from other Data Matrix symbols that may be present on the Mailing Item by a defined string of 6 characters in the first part of the data within the code. All systems that are required to read and extract data from the 2D data matrix Mailmark barcode shall have a configurable file that can contain up to 100 different 6 character strings to identify a 2D data matrix Mailmark barcode type from other Data Matrix codes. The configurable file shall, for each of the 2D data matrix Mailmark barcode types defined by the 6 character string: - assign the precedence of each 2D Mailmark barcode string where more than one 2D Mailmark barcode exists on a Mailing Item; and - set the threshold limit for the minimum amount of unused error correction by the ECC algorithm that is allowed before rejecting the code read. The representation of the 6 character string within the configuration file shall comprise of characters A – Z, 0 – 9, or Space. No wild cards will be used;
• 2D data matrix barcode; or • 4-state barcode.
2D data matrix Mailmark barcodes There are three types of 2D data matrix barcodes:
• Type 7 • Type 9 • Type 29
2D data matrix barcodes vary in size and shape and they contain different quantities of spare space. 2D data matrix barcodes are made up of black & white square modules. Each module must be printed with minimum size of 0.5mm x 0.5mm and a maximum size of 0.7mm x 0.7mm. Modules must always be square so it is not acceptable to print with a module size of 0.5mm x 0.6mm or 0.7mm. Important note: No information (confidential or otherwise classified) should be placed in the spare space within the 2D data matrix Mailmark barcode that could or would place anyone in danger of breaching their or our data protection obligations. 4-state Mailmark barcodes There are two types of 4-state barcodes: • Barcode L (long). Length up to 89mm. No spare space • Barcode C (consolidated). Length up to 76.2mm. No spare space 14.1 Background Reflectance (BR) and Reflective Difference (RD) Royal Mail 4-state Mailmark barcode only In order to provide sufficient reflectance from the Mailing Item material that allows sufficient light to be reflected back, a BR value of a minimum of 35% is required. Mailing items not meeting this requirement will appear as a block of dark grey or even black, making it impossible to identify the Mailmark barcode on the Mailing Item. In order to provide sufficient contrast between the Mailing Item material and the printed Mailmark barcode, the RD between the Mailing Item background and the BR must be a minimum of 30%. Mailing items not meeting this requirement will appear as black making it extremely difficult to distinguish the Mailmark barcode from the Mailing Item material. 14.2 2D data matrix Mailmark barcode A 2D data matrix Mailmark barcode is a specified format of a Data Matrix type ECC200 code complying with the international standard ISO/IEC 16022 whose data content matches a configurable set of characters for the first 6 characters of the data.
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