The ICUMSA® Methods Book 2024 uses only the new (shortened) numbering system introduced with the
ICUMSA® Methods Book 2019 in a preliminary version.
The secondary ICUMSA® General Subject numbers have been eliminated from the Method Numbers in the
ICUMSA® Methods Book 2024. In the 2019 and 2022 Methods Books they had been printed in a reduced font size in order to reduce their prominence. The new writing is also used on the internet on www.icumsa.org and www.sugarindustry.info (for ordering).
In future, ICUMSA® Methods should be cited in statutes, specifications, contracts etc. as:
GS1-13 (2004)
This citation Method Number is referred to as the Shortened Method Number. Any future change to the applicability or scope of a Method, will not affect the Shortened Method Number for citation purposes.
Owners of ICUMSA® Methods Book updated with the Supplement 2024 will have Methods with the old numbering system. They can keep the Methods with the old numbering system in their Methods Book as long the respective Method is not replaced by a revised version.
In common with other standardised international methods of analysis, the Scope and Applicability of all ICUMSA® Methods are described in the respective clauses of methods. A reference table in the introductory section of the ICUMSA® Methods Book also indicates the applicability of methods, the ICUMSA® General Subject Number and the Secondary General Subject Numbers. The table also shows the status of the methods for the various ICUMSA® General Subjects. For that reason, when the transition is made to Shortened Method Numbers, the information currently contained within method numbers will still be available to users.
The advantage of this modification is that method numbers will no longer need to be modified. The year of publication will of course be amended and users of ICUMSA® methods are reminded that this component of a method number is important. Only the most recent versions of ICUMSA® methods are valid.
Explanatory note on ICUMSA® Method numbering system
New Numbers for GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4, GS5, GS6, GS7, GS8 and GS9