ISO 17262:2012 defines generic numbering and data structures for unambiguous identification of equipment used for Intermodal goods transport. These data are known as "Intermodal Goods Transport Numbering and Data Structures".

It defines data independently of the data carrier. The modelling of data is based on Abstract Syntax Notation One (ASN.1) as defined in ISO/IEC 8824. It excludes any physical aspects such as interfaces, dimensions, etc. Data that form part of transmission or storage protocols (headers, frame markers and checksums) are excluded.

Data defined in ISO 17262:2012 require a system for control and distribution of number series independent of the different AVI/AEI systems. This is required in order to avoid ambiguity and to provide the necessary level of security where appropriate. For this reason the registration authority defined in ISO 14816 applies for ISO 17262:2012.

ISO 17262:2012 enables the use of optimised encoding schemes such as ASN.1 Packed Encoding Rules (PER).