CNS 16282: Graphical Symbols – General Public and Basic Safety Pictograms

 
About the Public Pictogram Project

 

The Public Pictogram Project was initiated by the Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI) in 2023. This collaborative effort involves four major government agencies: the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), the National Land Management Agency (NLMA) of the Ministry of the Interior, and the Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) of the Ministry of Environment. The project aims to integrate agency requirements into a neutral public pictogram system that aligns with international standards and domestic regulations, addressing long-standing issues regarding the lack of consistency and application difficulties in public environments.

 

Guided by the principles of universality, simplicity, visibility, and consistency, the project covers approximately 300 pictograms across nine categories, including: Public Facilities, Transportation Facilities, Travel and Tourism, Sports Activities and Facilities, Commercial Facilities, Public Behavior and Directions, Basic Safety, Accessibility, and General Waste.

 

To ensure effective implementation and correct application, TDRI has compiled the "Public Pictogram Guidebook" and produced "Online Instructional Courses. " These resources serve as practical references for government agencies, design professionals, and related industries. Through this initiative, we aim to enhance the quality of Taiwan's public environments progressively. Furthermore, to establish a fundamental reference standard for Taiwan, TDRI drafted and applied for the inclusion of this project into the National Standards in January 2024.

 

 

CNS 16282:Graphical Symbols – General Public and Basic Safety Pictograms

This standard was established and promulgated by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs in March 2026. It includes 253 pictograms across eight categories: Public Facilities, Transportation Facilities, Travel and Tourism, Sports Activities and Facilities, Commercial Facilities, Public Behavior and Directions, Basic Safety, and Accessibility.

 

  • Open Source Pictograms: The pictograms mentioned in this standard are available for open-source download. They are licensed under CC BY 4.0 DEED, allowing users to freely share, modify, and use them for commercial purposes. However, when making modifications, users must ensure the pictograms remain compliant with relevant regulations.
  • Scope and Limitations: This standard applies to general public spaces. It does not apply to signaling for railways, waterways, maritime, or air traffic, nor to warning, prohibition, or mandatory information for road signs, markings, or signals. For such uses, please refer to the specific regulations, such as the "Regulations on the Installation of Road Traffic Signs, Markings, and Light Signals. " Additionally, Basic Safety pictograms do not include safety signs used in professional workplaces.
  • Color Specifications: As this standard serves as a reference for pictogram forms, public pictograms are presented in monochrome. However, Basic Safety pictograms follow the color specifications of CNS 9328 and thus have specific color requirements.

CNS 16282 Standard: Search and view the full text at the CNS Online Service System

 

 
 
 

 

Other Pictograms

Pictograms related to resource recycling, religious facilities, and road-related facilities are categorized under "Others" for reference. These were not included in the National Standard due to varying regulations by competent authorities and religious/cultural diversity:

 

Category Description Application
Resource Recycling Not included in CNS as regulations vary by local authorities. Please refer to the local guidelines for the application. Choose appropriate pictograms based on local regulations.
Religious Facilities Not included in CNS due to diverse international prayer forms and characteristics. Applying units should adapt usage based on the actual context of the venue. Applicable for regional maps and surroundings.
Road-Related Facilities Road signs, markings, and signals must follow the "Regulations on the Installation of Road Traffic Signs, Markings, and Light Signals. " For non-road scenarios like parking lots or regional maps, these may be used as a reference. Applicable for non-road scenarios (e.g., parking lots, regional maps, etc. ).

 

For questions regarding pictogram downloads or applications, please contact: designcanhelp@tdri.org.tw