13-Digit ISBN Conversion Overview

January 1, 2005 marks the book industry’s “Sunrise” or beginning of the conversion to the 13-Digit ISBN. By January 1, 2007, retailers and suppliers in U.S. and Canada are required to have the ability to read, process and store all ISBNs as 13 digits. This will enable the book industry to resolve a pending shortage of new ISBN assignments and allows ISBNs to become integrated with Global Trade Identifier Numbers (GTINs), including the UCC/EAN-14.

As a result of this mandate, all current and future 10-Digit ISBNs will be converted to a new 13-Digit ISBN format -- known as the Bookland EAN by January 1, 2007. At this point, the 13-Digit ISBNs will permanently replace 10-Digit ISBNs completing the conversion and soon after that the 13-Digit ISBN will integrate directly with the UCC/EAN-14.

Addressing this change, Pubnet is currently taking steps to ensure all services remain uninterrupted during the 2005-2007 transition. The most notable of these steps is allowing the inclusion of 10-Digit ISBN, 13-Digit ISBN (a.k.a Bookland EAN) and/or UCC/EAN-14 identifiers in all electronic trading documents. However, both retailers and suppliers still may need to make necessary changes on their end, before and during this transition, to make certain Pubnet orders are properly sent and received.

Use the links at the top of this page to receive more information specific to your organization and needed changes to ensure uninterrupted service.

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