What does the Catalogue number (REF) symbol look like?

The letters REF in bold capitals inside a rectangular frame. It is also called “Article number”, “Catalog number”, “Catalogue number”, “REF” and “Reference number”.

Which standard defines the Catalogue number (REF) symbol?

It is listed as ISO 15223-1-5.1.6 and ISO 7000-2493.

Catalogue number (REF) symbol: the letters REF in bold capitals inside a rectangular frame — ISO 15223-1-5.1.6, ISO 7000-2493

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Medical device label symbols Medical device & pharmacy labels

Catalogue number (REF)

The letters REF in bold capitals inside a rectangular frame. · also called “Article number”, “Catalog number”, “Catalogue number”, “REF”, “Reference number”

What the Catalogue number (REF) symbol means

Manufacturer's catalogue number

The number next to REF is the manufacturer's catalogue (article or reference) number, which identifies exactly which product this is. The same number may also be called the commercial product code.

Source · Official website Medical device manufacturer's digital symbols glossary · checked Nov 11, 2026

Where it appears

Medical device label

ISO 15223-1
—This meaning

Questions about the Catalogue number (REF) symbol

What does the Catalogue number (REF) symbol mean?: The number next to REF is the manufacturer's catalogue (article or reference) number, which identifies exactly which product this is. The same number may also be called the commercial product code.
What does the Catalogue number (REF) symbol look like?: The letters REF in bold capitals inside a rectangular frame. It is also called “Article number”, “Catalog number”, “Catalogue number”, “REF” and “Reference number”.
Which standard defines the Catalogue number (REF) symbol?: It is listed as ISO 15223-1-5.1.6 and ISO 7000-2493.

Checked against the source · Nov 11, 2026 · How we verify

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