UNECE-REC-16
UNECE Rec 16 is the UN/CEFACT Recommendation establishing UN/LOCODE — a 5-character code identifying a port, airport or international trade location.
Definition
UN/LOCODE is a universal identification system for trade and transport locations. Format: 2-letter ISO 3166-1 country + 3-letter location. Examples: FRPAR (Paris), USNYC (New York), DEFRA (Frankfurt). The list has 110,000+ entries.
Origin
Rec 16 published in 1980 by UN/ECE WP.4. Updated twice a year by UN/CEFACT since. Downloadable on the UNECE site.
Use
In an EDIFACT IFTMIN (transport order), the LOC segment carries a UN/LOCODE: LOC+5+FRPAR:139:6' (Place of departure, code FRPAR, source 6 = UN/LOCODE). The receiver immediately resolves CDG airport or Paris station.