This practice covers recommendations on permanent marking of metallic and nonmetallic orthopaedic implant components. The practical amounts of information that should be included in the marking are specified. Where implant size and shape allow, it is recommended that the following standard information be included in the permanent marking: (1) manufacturer, (2) material, (3) implant component catalog number or model number, and (4) implant component serial number or lot number. For smaller implants, it is recommended that the following minimum information be included in the permanent marking: symbols or letters selected by the manufacturer which identify (1) the manufacturer and (2) the material from which the component is made. The system of symbols or letters shall be described in the manufacturer’s product literature. Optional information may be included in the permanent marking, such as implant size and whether an implant is intended for right limb or left limb reconstruction.