Codelist Issue 71 for ONIX 3.0 has been released.* Complete listings of the ONIX codelists can be downloaded from the EDItEUR website.
Issue 71 stand-alone codelist documentation as a readable PDF or HTML file (open and read it in your web browser)
Issue 71 TXT, CSV, XML, JSON files for loading into your data management applications
Issue 71 XSD, RNG, DTD schema modules for use with existing XML schema files (but note that it's better to download the latest 3.1 schemas since they incorporate a couple of small improvements as well as the new Block 8)
The ‘strict’ XSD 1.1 with Issue 71 (the strict XSD must be updated each time there is a new issue of the codelists, as it includes some codelists within the XSD itself)
The online browser for the ONIX code lists at ns.editeur.org/onix has been updated to issue 71
Need help finding and using the documentation? Read this.
There were an exceptional number of additions and changes so everyone should review the document summarizing the changes and update their systems. Ask if you have questions but out of that list, these are of particular note to the Canadian book supply chain.
The big news in two new types support for Indigenous related books. The first is a new addition to
Contributor Place List 151 – code 12
Indigenous to (Indigenous geographies or territorialities)
Use to indicate that an Indigenous contributor has chosen to be publicly identified as an Indigenous person associated with a particular territory or geography. Use with <LocationName> (in addition to country or region) to indicate an Indigenous territoriality or geography.
The second new addition supports a new
Website role List 73 – code 54
Website for Indigenous statement or resource
The URL of a web page providing a statement, protocol, or resource relevant to indigenous publishing. This may include content hosted by the publisher, a contributor, or a third party. Examples include Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs), Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) acknowledgements, cultural protocols, author guidelines, nation, community, or language resources, or contextual references such as Indigenous place names, territories, or treaties (e.g., Native-Land.ca). May apply to either a contributor, an organization, or a product, and additional specifics about the web page should be provided using <WebsiteDescription>.
Look for related announcements on a major project resulting in a new Best Practices document published by EDItEUR: new Application Note coming soon!
Something else to note are the large number of additions to the Religious Text section. While this supports a niche market, some explanation is order. Twenty years ago at the request of the US book supply chain this section was established to support Christian bookselling. EDItEUR, of course, generalized aspects for more general support to religious publishing but sections like List 82 or 83 relating to “Bibles” are by definition Christian specific. Since then there has been little development of the lists or requests by other religious publishers for support for their needs. The lack of development came up and a cursory check by EDItEUR resulted in a large number requests for new Bible support. Anyone interested in this niche market OR concerned about improving support of religious publishing of any type should review what’s there. If you need better support, this is a good time to ask. In general “ONIX for Books” generic support seems to do a good job for most needs.
Accessibility List 175 Product form detail now supports a new code E151 for eBRF — DAISY/APH Braille file standard based on ePUB.
Shiny Book lovers of fancy foil covers and end papers can find new support including:
List 79 for Product Form Feature: Clarification related to foil on covers and edges and new one for the Color of foil on jackets.
List 98 for Binding or page edge color has a code for "Holographic" for you to check out.
List 175 Product Form detail can now support
Removable promotional stickers
Spine panorama — so books in a series can be displayed with a spine out image
Wraparound fore edge flap
List 21 – Edition Type
New code: AVS Anniversary edition
Previously SPE covered anniversary editions but its notes have been clarified to reflect this change.
List 46 – Sales Rights Type / List 71 - Sales Restriction
Clarification on using Sales Rights Type was added in advance of a forthcoming addition to Sales Restriction that will add support for designated subscription services.
List 242 – Battery type and safety
Code 00 "Batteries not required" has been clarified and two new codes added:
WEEE waste — a way to designate the product may qualify as electronic waste even though no batteries are involved.
Battery safety warning text — a way to provide the battery safety warning.
*A note to ONIX 2.1 users
ONIX 2.1 users should note that codelist updates no longer apply to ONIX 2.1 and users should continue to use Issue 36. ONIX 3.0 code lists and schema modules no longer contain codes or lists unique to ONIX 2.1. You can still obtain the correct ONIX 2.1 schema and codelists from the Archived Previous Releases page.
BookNet Canada still recommends that you use and periodically update your copy of EDItEUR's best practices guide. It’s an essential ONIX 3.1 guide, but much of the information in it applies equally to ONIX 2.1.


Insights into the latest updates and additions made to ONIX codelists.