UNECE Recommendation n°2 was originally approved at the same time as UNECE Recommendation n°1 on the United Nations Layout Key and underlined the importance of clearly defining the information in documents and using code lists as much as possible in order to facilitate mutual understanding. It was quickly integrated into the UN Layout Key. However, this message is equally important in electronic data exchanges and finds its pertinence in today’s digitalized environment.
Ensuring that all parties understand the same information in the same way is perhaps even more pertinent today as multiple data exchange methods are emerging. The semantic meaning – or the base meaning – of each individual data element, whether it be on a paper document or within an electronic message, needs to be clearly defined and understood by all parties involved in order to avoid errors, miscomprehension, misalignment or non-interoperability. 

The importance of this topic is further accentuated by the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement in its article 10.3 on the use of international standards. The reason that international standards are proposed in such an agreement is rightly to ensure interoperability and effective data exchange, especially in an electronic environment.

Outline the importance of codes, code lists and semantics as used within the UN/CEFACT environment. Describe the process of digitization (document centric) and dematerialization (process-driven) and how this is approached within the UN/CEFACT environment.
Build upon the International Supply Chain Reference Model (ISCRM) and propose a pre-Buy phase and a post-Pay phase in order to address issues of sustainable consumption.
Outline within the recommendation and its annex the key semantic anchors within UN/CEFACT.
Provide a list in annex of all code lists which are developed, maintained and published by UN/CEFACT (either as recommendations or integrated within UN/EDIFACT or other syntax).

The project deliverable:
     •	A revised Recommendation 2.

The exit criteria will be:
     • A revised Recommendation 2 ready for publication and the comment log from its Public Review demonstrating how all comments have been addressed.

Membership is  open to UN/CEFACT experts with broad knowledge in the area of: Semantics, UN/CEFACT recommendations, ISCRM.
In addition, Heads of Delegations may invite technical experts from their constituency to participate in the work.
Experts are expected to contribute to the work based solely on their expertise and to comply with the UN/CEFACT Code of Conduct and Ethics and the policy on Intellectual Property Rights

The geographical focus of the project is global.

• International Supply Chain Reference Model, 2001
• Reference Data Models and all UN/CEFACT e-business standard BRS
• UNECE Recommendation 34 on Data Simplification and Standardization for International Trade
• UNECE Code List Recommendations (3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 28)
• UN/EDIFACT Code Lists

Participants in the project shall provide resources for their own participation. The existence and functioning of the project shall not require any additional resources from the UNECE secretariat