Provides specifications for a 1/2-inch (12, 7 mm), 9-track magnetic tape to be used for information interchange among information processing systems, communication systems, and associated equipment utilizing a standard code as agreed upon by the interchange parties. This standard deals solely with recording on magnetic tape and support and complements American National Standard for Unrecorded Magnetic Tape for Information Interchange (9-Track 800 CPI, NRZI; 1600 CPI, PE; and 6250 CPI, GCR), ANSI X3.40:1983.