Open specification for truthful, verifiable, and portable product data across all platforms, marketplaces, and AI systems.
Abstract
The Universal Commerce Data Model (UCDM) is an open specification that defines how to represent any product truthfully, verifiably, and portably across all platforms, marketplaces, and AI systems.
A 13-layer data model that captures the complete commercial identity of any product, from a handmade candle to a jet engine.
A four-level evidence framework (E0–E3) that makes every product claim auditable, with optional W3C Verifiable Credential wrapping at the highest level.
A projection system that renders UCDM data into any target format — Schema.org for search engines, GS1 Digital Link for supply chains, LLM Cards for AI agents, and Digital Product Passports for EU regulatory compliance.
Design Goals
UCDM is built on six non-negotiable principles:
Accuracy takes priority over conversion rates, search rankings, or performance metrics. Every single time. If the data isn't true, nothing built on top of it matters.
Nothing important is left to guesswork. States, attributes, constraints, and evidence are declared openly. What you see is precisely what exists.
Meaningful claims require verifiable proof. Not promises. Not marketing copy. Not 'trust us.' Actual, traceable, auditable evidence.
Merchants own their data completely. Export it, migrate it, take it anywhere. No platform holds your truth hostage.
Every change is tracked. Every claim has a trail. Manipulation doesn't just become difficult — it becomes visible.
Works across every industry, platform, and language on earth. From artisan workshops to global supply chains. Grows without breaking.
Complete Technical Specification
The full specification document includes detailed entity definitions, JSON Schema specifications, conformance levels, and implementation guidelines.
Download Full Specification (PDF)