ONIX – Online Information Exchange

Publishers should use the ONIX (Online Information Exchange) data-exchange standard. ONIX establishes rules for electronic file transfers to ensure accurate, quick data exchange between trading partners. The standardized communication format applies to data fields, style (for titles, descriptions, etc.), data submission timelines, and data definitions, nomenclature, action/status codes (such as out of print, back order, etc.), and other information.

ONIX standards are maintained by EDItEUR, an international organization that coordinates international electronic-commerce standards for books and periodicals. About 90 countries are represented in this organization, including the Book Industry Study Group's BISAC standards committee.