Codelist Issue 59 for ONIX 3.0 has been released.* Complete listings of the ONIX codelists in PDF and HTML formats can be downloaded from the EDItEUR website:

Issue 59 stand-alone codelist documentation as readable PDF or HTML file (open and read it in your web browser)
Issue 59 TXT, CSV, XML, JSON files for loading into your data management applications
Issue 59 XSD, RNG, DTD schema modules for use with existing XML schema files (but note that it is better to download the latest 3.0.8 schemas since they incorporate a couple of small improvements as well as the new Block 8)
The ‘strict’ XSD 1.1 with Issue 59 (the strict XSD must be updated each time there is a new issue of the codelists, as It includes some codelists within the XSD itself)
The online browser for the ONIX code lists at ns.editeur.org/onix has been updated to issue 58

Need help finding and using the documentation? Read this.

It should go without saying that everyone should review the document summarizing the changes and update their systems, but we've highlighted some changes of particular note for you below.

List 21 Edition type

Clarification of code SMP to indicate a “simplified language edition” for books that use simplified language, “usually for second or additional language learners.” Recall code ETR from codelist 58, which is intended for use for books that use highly simplified wording, clear page layout, and typography to ensure the content can be understood by those with intellectual disabilities (visit this website for guidelines).

List 51 Product relation

Creation of new code 46 to indicate when a book “may be substituted by” the indicated ISBN. If ordered, <Product> may (at the publisher’s or supplier’s discretion) be substituted and the <RelatedProduct> supplied instead. For use in ONIX 3.0 only.

List 58 Price type

Creation of new code 36 to indicate a book’s nominal value for claims purposes, such as accounting for copies lost or damaged during fulfillment, excluding tax. For use in ONIX 3.0 only.

List 74 Language code (based on ISO 639-2/B)

Creation of multiple codes to support ONIX local codes. Of particular interest to Canadian market users will be the creation of code ikt for Western Canadian Inuktitut language Inuinnaqtun, equivalent to ikt in ISO 639-3. For use in ONIX 3.0 only.

List 151 Contributor place relator

Creation of new code 11 to indicate books “eligible for geographical marketing programs” such as national, regional or local marketing efforts. Use with country code, region code or country/region plus location, as appropriate.

List 153 Text type

Creation of a number of new codes that may appeal to publishers looking to describe their entities. Codes include:

33 Short description/annotation of the imprint/brand (length limited to a maximum of 350 characters)
34 Description of the imprint/brand (length unrestricted)
35 Short description/annotation of the publisher (length limited to a maximum of 350 characters)
36 Description of the publisher (length unrestricted)

*A note to ONIX 2.1 users

ONIX 2.1 users should note that codelist updates no longer apply to ONIX 2.1 and users should continue to use Issue 36. ONIX 3.0 code lists and schema modules no longer contain codes or lists unique to ONIX 2.1. You can still obtain the correct ONIX 2.1 schema and codelists from the Archived Previous Releases page.

BookNet Canada still recommends that you use and periodically update your copy of EDItEUR's best practices guide. It’s an essential ONIX 3.0 guide, but much of the information in it applies equally to ONIX 2.1.