ISO 21308-3:2020

Overview

ISO 21308-3:2020 - Road vehicles - Product data exchange between chassis and bodywork manufacturers (BEP) - Part 3 defines a standardized set of codes for exchanging general, mass and administrative information between truck chassis manufacturers and bodywork manufacturers. It is part of the ISO 21308 series and applies to commercial vehicles (see ISO 3833) with a maximum gross vehicle mass above 3 500 kg. The standard supports reliable, unambiguous data exchange to improve design, prefabrication and manufacturing efficiency.

Key topics and technical requirements

• BEP coding system: All items use a structured BEP code prefix (BEP-...) with a defined format (bodywork category, measure type, three‑digit code and optional indices). This ensures unique identification of characteristics across suppliers.
• Measure types: Codes use type letters to indicate the data category - e.g. M = mass, G = general, A = administrative, C = coordinates, F = force, T = moment, V = angle - enabling clear interpretation of parameters.
• Code numbering and indexing: Three‑digit sequential numbers (001 onward) and optional indices (.n, .p, .q, .s, .t) support repeated items (axles, tanks), object numbering and side/type designators.
• Priority and loading context: Each code entry includes priority (A = essential, B = useful) and loading condition (1 = unladen, 2 = laden), guiding what information is critical for bodybuilders.
• Presentation and exchange formats: The standard describes recommended presentation (2D drawing, 3D model, technical data sheet) and references XML mapping in Annex B. Data exchange can be via spreadsheets, XML or STEP-based systems.
• Scope of content: Part 3 covers general vehicle data (manufacturer, vehicle type, chassis/frame, cab), axle and drivetrain info, tanks and electrical interfaces, mass entries and administrative metadata needed for commercial and technical handover.

Applications and users

ISO 21308-3 is designed for practical use in:

• Chassis manufacturers, importers and dealers - to supply consistent technical data to bodybuilders
• Bodywork manufacturers and component suppliers (demountable bodies, cranes, tipping equipment) - to prefabricate superstructures and integrate components confidently
• Design and engineering teams - for accurate CAD/3D modelling, vehicle integration and load/mass calculations
• Procurement and documentation - to create unambiguous technical data sheets, drawings and handover packages

Practical benefits include reduced lead times, fewer errors in fitment, improved quality and efficient cross‑vendor communication.

Related standards

• ISO 21308-1: General principles for BEP data exchange
• ISO 21308-2: Dimensional bodywork exchange parameters
• ISO 612, ISO 1176, ISO 7656: referenced vocabularies and dimensional/mass codes
• ISO 3833: vehicle classification applicability

Keywords: ISO 21308-3:2020, BEP codes, product data exchange, chassis and bodywork manufacturers, truck chassis data, mass and administrative parameters, vehicle data exchange, XML mapping.