ONIX Codelist 70 released

Codelist Issue 70 for ONIX 3.0 has been released.* Complete listings of the ONIX codelists can be downloaded from the EDItEUR website.

• Issue 70 stand-alone codelist documentation as a readable PDF or HTML file (open and read it in your web browser)

• Issue 70 TXT, CSV, XML, JSON files for loading into your data management applications

• Issue 70 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 70 (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 70

Need help finding and using the documentation? Read this.

It should go without saying that everyone should review the document summarizing the changes and update their systems, but we've highlighted some changes of particular note for you below. While codelist 70 contains a lot of uncontroversial clarification to notes, as well as a lot of small but useful additions to various lists, we encourage you to read the whole document, not just the following highlights, as issue 70 is one of the biggest updates in recent years, although many of the changes are minor clarifications and improvements to the wording of usage notes associated with each code.

Newly deprecated codes

The codes for ISTC (the International Standard Text Code that was withdrawn as a standard in 2021) found in List 16 (Work Identifier) and List 42 (Text Item Identifier) are now deprecated. It's unlikely many ONIX implementers are using them but we're highlighting that deprecation is now meaningful and this code will no longer be part of the ONIX standard, likely with the next version. Note as well that List 69 deprecated BIC Subject Codes.

List 9 – Product classification type

Recently, EDItEUR fielded a query in the international ONIX implementation group — a mailing list that you really should follow for ONIX announcements and discussion — from an ONIX user asking how to supply import and export information via ONIX. This discussion inspired an update to list 9, including the new code 20 for TARIC additional codes and exceptions, and a number of edits to clarify codes 05, 13, and 16, or TARIC, HTSUS, and CN (EU Combined Nomenclature), respectively. Refer to the document summarizing the changes for a complete list of changes.

List 27 – Subject scheme identifier

Please note the addition to List 27 (Subject scheme identifier) that is designed to support Australian Indigenous languages. The project, Austlang, comprehensively documents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. It was created and maintained by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), which maintains the searchable database of over 1,000 languages and dialects at https://aiatsis.gov.au/austlang/search.

List 74 – Language – based on ISO 639-2/B

List 74 (Language) contains a new Indigenous language code for "O'odham". Note that EDItEUR has listed this code as as covering both associated dialects Tohono O'odam / Akimel O'odham.

List 79 – Product form feature type

Intended to support the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), EDItEUR has added new code 56, for “EUDR beyond scope attestation,” and clarifications to the note for existing code 47, for “EUDR raw material location (interior or full product).” New code 56 could apply to, for example, a bath book printed on plastic without any forestry (wood paper) component, or a book made wholly (including cover & jacket) from recycled materials.

List 145 – Usage type

Of interest to lovers of language, EDItEUR has clarified and distinguished the difference between “lend” (indicating consumer to consumer) and “loan” (as in the stock and trade of libraries). Refer to the edits made to existing codes 06 and 08, and the new code 16 (library loan):

Loanable by the purchaser (usually a library) to other device owner or account holder or patron, e.g., library lending (whether or not the library product has a separate <ProductIdentifier> from the consumer product). The ‘primary’ copy becomes unusable while the secondary copy is ‘on loan’ unless a number of concurrent borrowers is also specified. Use code 08 to specify any limit on loan renewals.

List 156 – Cited content type

New code 07 covers "interview,” for example with a contributor, in a third-party publication in any medium. This new code should see immediate pickup.

List 163 – Publishing date role

Codelist 70 includes new Publishing Date Role codes for digital products. New code 32 for “Download embargo date” (the earliest date it can be downloaded where the download availability is later than the streamed version) and new code 33 for “Purchase embargo date” (the earliest date a product can be purchased where the subscription package may be available earlier) help to clarify specific digital sales conditions.

List 196 – E-publication accessibility details

List 196 includes two new codes for for Certifier credentialled: code 88 “by name" and code 89 "by URL.”

*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.