e-Passports and MRTDS

Security document testingDurability testing of e-Passport and Machine Readable TravelDocuments (MRTDs) against ICAO specifications Pira test the durability of e-Passports over an intended 10 year lifetime in accordance with the latest International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) specifications.

Physical testing includes storage temperature stress, thermal cycling, operational temperature stress, impact stress, book bend stress, dynamic bending stress, pen stress, torsion stress, sheet turning & sheet pull stress, delamination, abrasion, exposure to social chemicals including saltspray as detailed in ISO 10373-1, artificial daylight in accordance to ISO 105 B-02 and X-ray exposure (ISO-7816-1).

Security document testingAll tests are carried out in accordance with ICAO technical report "Durability of machine-readable passports", reference: ISO/IEC/JTC1/SC17/WG3/TF4.

 

 



New Stamp/Pen/Abrasion Tester

Pira has recently taken delivery of a Stamp/Pen/Abrasion Tester from French supplier BG INGENIERIE.

Pira's security testing laboratory has seen a significant increase in the volume of e-passport durability testing in 2011 and the replacement of older equipment will improve the level of service we can offer to a growing list of clients from all over the world.

Says Michael Chamberlain Chief Consultant Secure Documents-' Pira has developed a great deal of expertise in this area since we started testing in 2005 and we have steadily improved our equipment and laboratory facilities to comply with both client and International Standards requirements.'


Expert Profile

  • Maggie is Principal Consultant for Print and Document Security and has over 30 years experience in the print industry with a broad knowledge of printing, finishing, foil blocking, inks and coatings. Experienced in problem solving and mediating in resolution of print-related issues. Maggie is also secretary of the Associates of Print and Paper Technologists (APPT).

    Maggie Carnegie
    Maggie Carnegie

    Pira International

    +44(0)1372 802158

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