ISO/IEC 18745-1:2014

Information technology - Test methods for machine readable travel documents (MRTD) and associated devices - Part 1: Physical test methods for passport books (durability)

ISO/IEC 18745-1:2014 provides a set of instructions for prototype evaluation of Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) which may incorporate contactless integrated circuits. Prototype evaluation is an instrument to establish the ability in principle of a specific type of document to fulfil the requirements of use. It supplies a structured approach to evaluate Machine Readable Passports by: defining reproducible stress methods to submit the document(s) under evaluation to specific stress or environmental conditions; defining reproducible evaluation methods to measure numerical values for specific document properties; defining test sequences that specify the order in which stress methods and evaluation methods are to be performed; defining test plans to link specific user requirements to test sequences and related parameters. It specifies the minimum criteria to be achieved in order to meet ICAO's expectations for durability of fully personalized MRPs.

Technologies de l'information — Méthodes d'essais pour documents de voyage lisibles par machine et dispositifs associés — Partie 1: Méthodes d'essais physiques pour livrets de passeport (durabilité)

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 27-Feb-2014
• Withdrawal Date: 27-Feb-2014
• ICS: 35.240.15 - Identification cards. Chip cards. Biometrics
• Technical Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17 - Cards and security devices for personal identification
• Drafting Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17 - Cards and security devices for personal identification
• Current Stage: 9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
• Start Date: 23-Jul-2018
• Completion Date: 30-Oct-2025

Relations

• Revised: ISO/IEC 18745-1:2018 - Test methods for machine readable travel documents (MRTD) and associated devices - Part 1: Physical test methods for passport books (durability)
• Effective Date: 08-Nov-2014

Standards Content (Sample)

ISO/IEC
ISO/IEC 18745-1
18745-1
Information
technology
Test methods
for machine readable
travel documents (MRTD)
and associated devices
Part 1 : Physical test methods
for passport books
(durability)
First edition
2014-03-01
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2 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

Executive summary
• The advantages of machine readable travel documents (MRTDs) include the
reduction of errors, faster processing times and a decrease in the instances of
passport forgery.
• The durability and quality of MRTDs are a priority for both travellers and the
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), responsible for the world’s
airways.
• This has become especially important since the introduction of contactless chips
(integrated circuits) into travel documents that have a life cycle of up to 10 years.
• ISO/IEC 18745-1 provides a set of instructions for the process of testing the
design of machine-readable passports (MRPs), often using new technologies and
components.
• It supplies a means for ranking and comparing the main factors affecting the
service life of MRPs.
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 3

Contents Page
Executive summary .3
Foreword .7
0 Introduction .8
1 Scope . 10
2 Normative references . 10
3 Terms and definitions . 11
4 Abbreviations. 12
5 Methodology . 13
6 Guidance to the Tester . 14
6.1 Number of Samples .14
6.2 Preparation .14
6.3 Sampling .15
6.4 Storage .15
7 Common Method Information . 15
7.1 Default Environment .15
7.2 Climatic conditions .15
7.3 Tolerances .15
7.4 Default MRP holder .15
8 Stress Methods . 15
8.1 Conditioning Stress Method .16
8.2 Thermal Cycling Stress Method .17
8.3 Storage Temperature Stress Method .17
8.4 Operational Temperature Stress Method .19
8.5 Impact Stress Method .19
8.6 Book Bend Stress Method (Back Pocket) .22
8.7 Dynamic Bend Stress Method .24
8.8 Torsion Stress Method .28
8.9 Sheet Turning Stress Method .29
8.10 Sheet Pull Stress Method .30
8.11 Abrasion Stress Method .31
8.12 Pen Stress Method .33
8.13 Resistance to Chemicals Stress Method .35
8.14 Artificial Daylight Exposure Stress Method .37
8.15 X-Ray Stress Method .38
9 Evaluation methods . 38
9.1 Functional PIC Evaluation Method .39
9.2 Physical Damage Evaluation Method .39
9.3 Peel Strength Evaluation Method .40
9.4 Colour Fastness Evaluation Method .41
9.5 Datapage and Cover Warpage Evaluation Method .42
9.6 Book Warpage Evaluation Method .44
10 Test sequences . 46
10.1 General .46
10.2 Instructions for using the Sequence Table .46
10.3 Sheet Binding Sequence .47
10.4 Storage Climate Sequence .47
4 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

10.5 Operational Climate Sequence .48
10.6 Impact Sequence .48
10.7 Back Pocket Sequence .49
10.8 Torsion Fatigue Sequence .50
10.9 Delamination Sequence .51
10.10 Bending Fatigue Sequence .51
10.11 Thermal Cycling Sequence .52
10.12 Colour Fastness Sequence .53
10.13 Resistance to Chemicals Sequence.53
10.14 Pen Sequence .54
10.15 Datapage Abrasion Sequence .55
10.16 X-Ray Sequence .56
11 Test plans. 56
11.1 General .56
11.2 Minimum Level Test Plan .57
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 5

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International
Electrotechnical Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardiza-
tion. National bodies that are members of ISO or IEC participate in the development of
International Standards through technical committees established by the respective
organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC technical
committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the
work. In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint techni-
cal committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC
Directives, Part 2.
The main task of the joint technical committee is to prepare International Standards.
Draft International Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated
to national bodies for voting. Publication as an International Standard requires approval
by at least 75 % of the national bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be
the subject of patent rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any
or all such patent rights.
ISO/IEC 18745-1 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information
technology, Subcommittee SC 17, Cards and personal identification.
ISO/IEC 18745 consists of the following parts, under the general title Information technol-
ogy — Test methods for machine readable travel documents (MRTD) and associated devices —
— Part 1: Physical test methods for passport books (durability)
— Part 2: Test methods for the contactless interface
— Part 3: Test methods for the LDS and security protocols
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 7

0 Introduction
0.1 General
ICAO Doc 9303 provides the basic functional specification for Machine Readable Travel
Documents (MRTDs) and, together with the Supplement, which is published from time
to time, describes all relevant properties of MRTDs. Machine Readable Passports (MRPs)
th
are a subset of all MRTDs. The publication of the Part 1 of the 6 edition of Doc 9303
introduces the contactless integrated circuit to the MRP. Such a passport containing a
contactless integrated circuit is commonly referred to as an e-Passport.
This part of ISO/IEC 18745 provides a set of instructions for prototype evaluation of
Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) which may incorporate contactless integrated
circuits. Prototype evaluation is an instrument to establish the ability in principle of a
specific type of document to fulfil the requirements of use. The procedure of prototype
evaluation, therefore, is also referred to as “Type Evaluation”.
This document is a companion to ICAO Doc 9303. It specifies the minimum criteria to be
achieved in order to meet ICAO’s expectations for durability of fully personalized MRPs.
Therefore, by its existence, and endorsement by ICAO, this document implicitly defines
additional requirements for passports above and beyond Doc 9303. Some of the tests
described herein are also intended to serve as an instrument for the assessment of the
ageing behaviour of the MRP and its components.
This part of ISO/IEC 18745 updates and replaces document “Technical Report – Durability
Of Machine Readable Passports – Version 3.2 – Date 2006-08-30” published by ICAO
(International Civil Aviation Organization).
0.2 Future Considerations
Where technologies or combinations of technologies are to be applied in a MRP, which are
not covered by the test methods described below, it is recommended to define such test
methods based on available methods described in ISO/IEC or any other accepted inter-
national standard organization in cooperation with the suppliers of such technologies.
Today, there is no stable state of the art regarding the correlation between stress and
ageing, neither for previously existing nor for oncoming types of MRP. The tests that can
be described at the present stage may contribute to improve such knowledge but need
to be considered preliminary. It is important to notice that ultimately, reliable and pre-
dictably useful correlations can only be achieved by continuously comparing the ageing
behaviour of documents in real use to the predictions made. Such predictions are based
on assumptions that, in particular if novel and unusual technologies and components are
used, are in many cases unproven and preliminary in nature.
It is one of the aims of this standard to help in the task of establishing sound correlations.
This is done by providing tools for executing tests with comparable results for a multitude
of acting parties. Comparable results are a prerequisite to encourage the execution of
field surveys in quality related research and their use for a continuous improvement not
only of this standard but also of the quality of MRPs on a global basis.
0.3 Other Uses for this Document
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

The tests defined in this document may also be appropriate for other forms of MRTD,
however, they may require modification before use.
Where applicable, tests may be used to evaluate characteristics of non-personalized MRPs
or materials used to make MRPs.
Type Evaluation is usually a one-time exercise in the life cycle of a specific type of docu-
ment. However the same test procedures may be useful for the proper definition of qual-
ity assurance procedures during the regular production of MRTDs. In the framework of
the contractual relationship between a manufacturer and his customer(s) it is common
practice to establish an expected quality level for the MRTDs in the delivery contract,
and also to specify acceptance criteria for individual deliveries in executing the contract.
On the other hand, it is good practice to leave it with the manufacturer to decide on the
production quality measures to assure this quality level.
This International Standard has been carefully designed to provide the user with a set
of tools for evaluating MRPs, whether it be Prototype Evaluation, Delivery Acceptance,
or any other purpose.
0.4 Terminology
For ICAO, keywords are SHALL, which means mandatory, and SHOULD, which is optional
but is considered best practices.
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 9

1 Scope
This part of ISO/IEC 18745 provides a set of instructions for prototype evaluation of
Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) which may incorporate contactless integrated circuits.
Prototype evaluation is an instrument to establish the ability in principle of a specific
type of document to fulfil the requirements of use. It supplies a structured approach to
evaluate Machine Readable Passports by:
— defining reproducible stress methods to submit the document(s) under evaluation
to specific stress or environmental conditions;
— defining reproducible evaluation methods to measure numerical values for specific
document properties;
— defining test sequences that specify the order in which stress methods and
evaluation methods are to be performed;
— defining test plans to link specific user requirements to test sequences and related
parameters.
It specifies the minimum criteria to be achieved in order to meet ICAO’s expectations for
durability of fully personalized MRPs.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this docu-
ment and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited
applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
ISO 105-A02:1993, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing
change in colour
ISO 105-B02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part B02: Colour fastness to artificial
light: Xenon arc fading lamp test
ISO 105-E04, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part E04: Colour fastness to perspiration
ISO 1302, Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) — Indication of surface texture in tech-
nical product documentation
ISO 1817, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of the effect of liquids
ISO 2439:2008, Flexible cellular polymeric materials — Determination of hardness (inden-
tation technique)
ISO/IEC 7810, Identification cards — Physical characteristics
ISO/IEC 7810:2003/Amd.1:2009, Identification cards — Physical characteristics —
Amendment 1: Criteria for cards containing integrated circuits
ISO/IEC 7816-1, Identification cards — Integrated circuit cards — Part 1: Cards with con-
tacts — Physical characteristics
10 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

ISO 9227, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres — Salt spray tests
ISO 9352:2012, Plastics — Determination of resistance to wear by abrasive wheels
ISO/IEC 10373-1, Identification cards — Test methods — Part 1: General characteristics
ISO/IEC 10373-6, Identification cards — Test methods — Part 6: Proximity cards
ISO/IEC 10373-6:2001/Amd.7:2010, Identification cards — Test methods — Part 6: Proximity
cards — Amendment 7: Test methods for ePassport
ISO 12040:1997, Graphic technology — Prints and printing inks — Assessment of light fast-
ness using filtered xenon arc light
ISO 12757-1:1998, Ball point pens and refills — Part 1: General use
ISO 12757-2:1998, Ball point pens and refills — Part 2: Documentary use (DOC)
ASTM E 832 - 81 (Reapproved 2003), Standard Specification for Laboratory Filter Papers
1)
ICAO Doc 9303, Part 1, 6th edition, 2006, Machine Readable Travel Documents
2)
ICAO Supplement to Doc 9303 as published from time to time
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
chip sheet
sheet containing a chip
3.2
constant
fixed values that can be given to parameters (within methods) when defining a sequence
or test plan
3.3
evaluation method
method to measure numerical values for specific document properties
3.4
evaluation result
all numerical values related to document properties measured upon performing a test
sequence
3.5
method
instruction or set of instructions defining equipment and related tools and materials in
an experimental setup, including general advice on their use in a specific test procedure.
1) Published on the ICAO web site under http://www.icao.int/ .
2) Published on the ICAO web site under http://www.icao.int/ .
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 11

3.6
page
any single side of an individual sheet of the MRP
3.7
parameter
variable quantity within a test procedure that is not part of the instructions describing
the procedure; in particular, experimental parameters that need to be controlled dur-
ing the test sequence but whose values and/or tolerances are not explicitly defined in a
specific stress or evaluation method or sequence
3.8
sheet
any structure having a free edge and an opposite edge attached to the spine making up
the MRP including covers, datapage, visa pages, observation pages, and chip sheet
Note 1 to entry: Each sheet has 2 pages.
3.9
stress method
experimental setup and procedure that may or may not deteriorate or destroy the docu-
ment under examination
3.10
test instruction
distinct piece of information required within the framework of test execution
3.11
test plan
list of test sequences and their specific test parameters and expected evaluation results
3.12
test procedure
set of instructions to be followed in order to obtain a test result
3.13
test sequence
test procedure that comprises a number of different methods in a defined order of execution
3.14
type evaluation
type approval
process of testing a design (type of documents produced while using a common material
and component basis and the same manufacturing processes, including same production
quality assurance process) to ensure it is compliant-in-principle with the specifications
4 Abbreviations
IC Integrated Circuit
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
12 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

MRP Machine Readable Passport
MRTD Machine Readable Travel Document
PCD Proximity Coupling Device
PIC Proximity Integrated Circuit (note, Doc 9303 uses CIC (contactless integrated cir-
cuit) and PIC interchangeably)
5 Methodology
The systemic approach used in this document provides three structural levels to define
a complete test specification for MRPs.
The first level deals with methods to exert defined stresses to documents and to evaluate
the results of such stresses. The second level deals with predefined sequences of stresses
and related evaluations using the methods defined in level 1. The third level specifies
the lists of test sequences and the individual quantities of test specimens to be subject to
each sequence. The purpose is to include in such lists all sequences that are considered
necessary to achieve type approval for a specific type of MRP with specific lifetime and
usage expectations. This is referred to as a test plan.
This approach provides flexibility in creating individual test plans appropriate for varying
user requirements and MRP specifications without increasing the variety of basic test-
ing methods beyond a strict minimum. It also allows the use of a parameterized method
description; parameters, which may be explicitly specified on the sequence and/or test,
plan level.
In this way this Test Specification provides the entire toolset for prototype evaluation
of MRPs.
Table 1 — Hierarchical Approach for Test Methodology
Level Subject Description Degree of Clause
variance
1 Stress methods The purpose is to submit the document(s) under Parameters 8
evaluation to specific stress or environmental
conditions in a well-defined experimental setup
that ensures reproducibility.
1 Evaluation methods The purpose is to measure numerical values for Parameters 9
specific document properties using well-defined
and reproducible experimental setups that may
or may not deteriorate or destroy the document
under examination.
2 Test sequences Sequence of use of the above methods in per- Constants 10
forming a complete test. and Param-
eters
3 Test plans Scenarios which link the user requirements to Constants 11
specific test sequences and related parameters
used for the tests on the one hand and to specific
test results on the other.
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 13

Each sequence is composed of stress methods and evaluation methods executed in a spe-
cific order. A test plan is composed of one or more individual sequence(s) that is linked
to a specific set of documents and user requirements. See Figure 1.
Figure 1 — Relationship between Methods, Sequences and Test Plans
6 Guidance to the Tester
6.1 Number of Samples
References are given to a single MRP. However, multiple MRP samples may be tested
simultaneously depending on the size and construction of the test apparatus.
6.2 Preparation
Test samples shall be either finished MRPs or be prepared from finished MRPs having
passed the entire production process including visual personalization with a dataset
considered typical for the specific type of passport. Initialisation and personalization of
the chip may be done in an arbitrary way as long as the chip is able to support the neces-
sary tests within the intended test sequence.
14 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

MRPs shall be conditioned in accordance with ‎7.1 Default Environment.
Test pieces shall, as necessary, be prepared from the test samples in the particular form
required by the test apparatus used.
6.3 Sampling
In certain cases samples may be taken from the base material before MRP manufacture
if it can be demonstrated that no significant change in the property to be tested can arise
during subsequent processing. The samples used to prepare a set of test pieces shall be
taken from the same batch of MRP base materials.
6.4 Storage
Any test samples or test pieces retained for reference shall be stored under the environ-
mental conditions specified in ‎7.1 Default Environment.
All such samples shall be clearly cross-referenced to the test report and any relevant
supplementary documentation.
7 Common Method Information
7.1 Default Environment
Unless otherwise specified, testing shall take place in an environment having a default
temperature of 23 °C ± 3 °C and relative humidity of 40 % RH to 60 % RH.
7.2 Climatic conditions
Climatic conditions defined in the test methods are the conditions within the chamber.
The resulting temperature in the MRP is not specified or defined in the methods.
7.3 Tolerances
Unless otherwise specified, a tolerance of ± 5 % shall be applied to the quantity values
given in this document.
7.4 Default MRP holder
A structure for holding the MRP while maximizing air space around the MRP during test-
ing shall have the general construction as shown in Figure 2 — MRP rack. There are no
size or quantity limitations for the holder rack, any number of MRP positions may be used.
8 Stress Methods
Stress methods are designed to apply reproducible stresses to the travel document.
Methods that describe how to measure the effect of these stresses are given in Clause 9
Evaluation methods.
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 15

Figure 2 — MRP rack
Dimensions in millimetres
The fundamental philosophy behind all stress methods is to define conditions that mimic
real daily use (as much as possible). In cases where the correlation between real life and
the stress method is tenuous, every attempt has been made to define conditions that
produce similar rates of deterioration.
8.1 Conditioning Stress Method
8.1.1 Introduction
The MRPs to be tested shall be conditioned to the test environment as described below.
8.1.2 Input Parameters
t = time of conditioning. If t is not specified, assume 24 hours.
8.1.3 Apparatus
— Default MRP holder.
8.1.4 Method
— Remove MRP from any box and protective packaging.
— Place MRP in default MRP holder with spine up. MRP shall not be forced open but
may open on its own. Minimum spacing between MRP and any other MRP shall be
10 mm in all directions.
16 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

— Expose MRP to a temperature of 23 °C ± 3 °C and relative humidity of 40 % RH to
60 % RH for at least time t.
8.2 Thermal Cycling Stress Method
8.2.1 Introduction
This stress method subjects the MRP to cycling between two temperature extremes. This
stress simulates the thermal shock the MRP could experience due to thermal expansion
and contraction of each MRP component. The test is conducted over a short period of
time for each stress cycle.
8.2.2 Input Parameters
n = number of cycles
8.2.3 Apparatus
— Two climate controlled chambers. Where applicable, a single fast-response climate
controlled chamber may be used in place of a second test chamber.
— Default MRP holder
8.2.4 Method
— Control of relative humidity in the climate chambers is not required for this test
but the test chamber should be located in a test environment as defined in ‎7.1.
— Place in a climate controlled chamber at temperature of 77 °C ± 3 °C for 15
minutes.
— Transfer the MRP in the default MRP holder to a second climate controlled
chamber held at a temperature of –32 °C ± 3 °C in less than 60 seconds (a transfer
time of 15 seconds is recommended). The position of the MRP in the holder should
not be modified during the transfer process.
— Subject the MRP to a temperature of –32 °C ± 3 °C for 15 minutes.
— Repeat the process for n cycles as depicted in Figure 3 — Thermal Cycling.
— At the end of the cycling process remove MRP and return to the default
environment. Leave MRP in holder and condition according to ‎8.1.
8.3 Storage Temperature Stress Method
8.3.1 Introduction
This stress method applies high or low temperature and humidity to the document for
specified amounts of time. This stress simulates a document’s exposure to various storage
conditions. The purpose of the test is to demonstrate the resistance of MRP construction
to such conditions in principle.
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 17

Figure 3 — Thermal Cycling
Dimensions in millimetres
The test refers to temperature stability defined in ICAO Doc 9303. Evaluate according
to ‎9.2.
8.3.2 Input Parameters
T = temperature at which the passport is stored
H = relative humidity for storage
8.3.3 Apparatus
18 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

— Climate controlled chamber.
— Default MRP holder
8.3.4 Method
— Place MRP in climate controlled chamber at temperature T ± 3 °C and H ± 5 %
Relative Humidity for 168 hours.
— Remove MRP.
8.4 Operational Temperature Stress Method
8.4.1 Introduction
This stress method applies high or low temperature and humidity to the document for
specified amounts of time. This stress simulates a document’s exposure to various climatic
conditions. The purpose of the test is to demonstrate the resistance of MRP construction
to such conditions in principle.
The test refers to temperature stability defined in ICAO Doc 9303.
Evaluate according to ‎9.2.
8.4.2 Input Parameters
T = temperature at which the passport is expected to operate
8.4.3 Apparatus
— Climate controlled chamber.
— Default MRP holder
8.4.4 Method
— Place MRP in climate controlled chamber at temperature T ± 3 °C for 1 hour.
— Evaluate the MRP within the climate chamber and note the used method in the test
report.
8.5 Impact Stress Method
8.5.1 Introduction
This stress method applies a certain forced impact to the sample to simulate stamping
of the document at a border control point.
8.5.2 Input Parameters
S = sheet to be affected by impact. Note, as only visa pages will be impacted, sheet S may
not be impacted directly.
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 19

8.5.3 Output Parameters
None
8.5.4 Apparatus
— Stamp:
The face of the stamp is a flat solid surface, steel or equivalent, with a diameter 29 mm.
Concentric circles are etched into the surface. The profile of the grooves is rectangular,
with a minimum groove depth 0,3 mm. The width of the grooves is 1 mm ± 0,1 mm, and
the nominal distance between grooves is 1,5 mm. See Figure 4 and Figure 5.
The nominal diameter of the central circular groove is 1 mm.
The accumulated tolerance of groove distances is ± 0,5 mm.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 4 — Impact Pattern Resulting from Specified Stamp
— The stamp/weight shall be constructed as a single-piece stamp of mass M.
— Flat surface made of steel at least 12 mm thick with a 2 mm surface material.
— The surface material shall have a Shore D value of 50.
20 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 5 — Stamp geometry
— Suitable guiding for stamp to maintain stamping face parallel to MRP surface at
the point of impact.
— Holder for retaining pages of the MRP against the flat surface during testing.
— Description of stamp parameters:
H = nominal height (mm) from which an impact stamp is dropped onto the document
or weight is dropped onto the stamp, thereby defining an impact velocity according
to the formula for acceleration of inert bodies under earth gravitation.
H shall be between 0,05 m and 0,20 m
M = weight (kg) of the impact stamp
D = displacement between two impacts
The product P = H·M shall have a value of 0,02 kg·m.
If the apparatus is composed of a stamp that is impacted by a separate weight, the
weight shall have mass M, and be dropped from a height H above the stamp. The mass
of the stamp is not considered.
8.5.5 Method
— Locate the sheet S.
— Locate the nearest visa page that could require stamping and turn this over on
top of the sheet under test. Depending on location, it is possible that there could be
several sheets between the sheet S and the nearest visa page.
— Open MRP to 180 degrees and place on flat hard surface so the outer cover is
directly against the flat surface.
— Drop impact stamp of mass M from a height H at each of the locations as shown in
Figure 6 — Impact stamp locations. Move from first to last location progressing
from left to right and from top to bottom.
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 21

— If there are visa pages that could require stamping on the opposite side of the sheet
under test, repeat the above process on the other side, but using a different MRP.
Figure 6 — Impact stamp locations
8.5.6 Alternate Method
— If the fragile area is obvious it is acceptable to limit drops to this area.
8.6 Book Bend Stress Method (Back Pocket)
8.6.1 Introduction
This test simulates on the stresses of sitting on a MRP, this method applies a force to the
MRP and forces it to bend around a curved surface. The resulting stresses acting on the
MRP are a combination of compression and bending stresses.
8.6.2 Input Parameters
n = number of cycles to apply force
22 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

8.6.3 Output Parameters
None
8.6.4 Apparatus
— A test apparatus to load the MRP in a manner consistent with Figure 7 —
Schematic of the test apparatus to load the MRP in the Back Pocket Bending
Method below.
— An anvil of non-elastic material with spherical impact area of radius r = 150 mm.
— Diameter of anvil: >= 95 mm x 125 mm
— A cushion of foam having density of 45 g/l to 55 g/l and hardness 150 N to 240 N
as defined in ISO 2439 method A. The minimum thickness of the cushion is 100
mm. The minimum dimension, in any direction, of the cushion surface on which
the sample is placed shall be larger than 200 mm and shall be larger than the anvil.
— Alternatively an air cushion inflated to a pressure of 30 kPa may be used.
— Notes:
The test results do not depend on the exact properties of the cushion as long as
(a) its resistance to the force exerted by the sample under the anvil is sufficient to so
that the force is not deviated from the sample (i.e. the activated anvil shall not touch
the cushion directly as long as the bending of the sample is not entirely following
the anvil shape),
(b) its elasticity is sufficient to follow the anvil shape without irregular deforma-
tions, and
(c) its resistance to the exerted pressure is not subject to local deviations or irregularities.
8.6.5 Method
— Place and centre the MRP with respect to the cushion and the spherical anvil. Start
with front cover (hot stamped).
— Secure the MRP on the test machine so that the centred placement can be
maintained during testing. A flexible support pocket constructed from fabric such
as denim may be used.
— Press the spherical anvil into the MRP and cushion support to a maximum force of
350 N. Maintain the applied force of 350 N for 5 s ±1 s.
— Lift the spherical anvil so that it does not touch the MRP or cushion. Repeat the
loading and unloading process for a total of n times.
— Turn the MRP over and repeat the loading and unloading process n times.
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 23

Figure 7 — Schematic of the test apparatus to load the MRP in the Back
Pocket Bending Method
8.7 Dynamic Bend Stress Method
8.7.1 Introduction
The purpose of this test is to determine the bending fatigue resistance of the booklet
construction to fully reversed loading. This method differs from the back pocket stress
method by avoiding directly applied pressure. This method accelerates fatigue due to
imposed bending, especially in the area of the antenna and associated connections if
present.
8.7.2 Input Parameters
n = Number of bending cycles with the MRP
O = orientation of book in the bender
8.7.3 Output Parameters
None
8.7.4 Apparatus
— Dynamic flexion machine as illustrated in Figure 8.
— The pushing rollers shall be set to ensure that the centreline deflection of the MRP
is equal on each segment of the stroke.
24 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 8 — Apparatus to impose cyclic motion
— The distance H between the clamped edge of the MRP and the pushing rollers on
centre is adjustable between 40 mm and 58 mm.
— Pushing rollers and fixed rollers are separated by 35 mm (H ) on centre.
— Pushing rollers have an outer diameter D of 23 mm and are separated by 55 mm
(L ) on centre.
— Fixed rotating rollers are separated by a distance of 30 mm (L ) on centre and
have an outer diameter D of 20 mm.
8.7.5 Calibration of movement Method
— Taking into account, the specified orientation, O, the MRP shall be clamped at one
extremity and allowed to freely move at the opposite edge.
— H should be adjusted depending on the orientation of the book
— Move the pushing rollers so that they just push the passport up against the fixed
rollers without bending the passport, as illustrated in Figure 9. The amount of
roller movement is b0 and is called the initial position.
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 25

Orientation (O) H
Spine clamped 40 mm
Top clamped 58 mm
Figure 9 — Initial position of Pushing Rollers
— Allow the pushing rollers to move freely, however set the maximum travel of the
pushing rollers to b0 + 20 mm.
— Apply smoothly a force of 40 N in the direction of the bold arrow in Figure 10 —
Bending movement for 1 minute.
26 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

Figure 10 — Bending movement
— Measure the amount of travel of the pushing rollers. If the maximum travel is
reached with a force of less than 40 N then the travel to be used for the test i
...

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 18745-1
First edition
2014-03-01
Information technology — Test
methods for machine readable travel
documents (MRTD) and associated
devices —
Part 1:
Physical test methods for passport
books (durability)
Technologies de l’information — Méthodes d’essais pour documents
de voyage lisibles par machine et dispositifs associés —
Partie 1: Méthodes d’essais physiques pour livrets de passeport
(durabilité)
Reference number
©
ISO/IEC 2014
© ISO/IEC 2014
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail [e-mail]
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .v
0 Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Abbreviations. 3
5 Methodology . 4
6 Guidance to the Tester . 5
6.1 Number of Samples . 5
6.2 Preparation . 5
6.3 Sampling . 5
6.4 Storage . 6
7 Common Method Information . 6
7.1 Default Environment . 6
7.2 Climatic conditions . 6
7.3 Tolerances . 6
7.4 Default MRP holder . 7
8 Stress Methods . 7
8.1 Conditioning Stress Method . 7
8.2 Thermal Cycling Stress Method . 8
8.3 Storage Temperature Stress Method . 9
8.4 Operational Temperature Stress Method .10
8.5 Impact Stress Method .10
8.6 Book Bend Stress Method (Back Pocket) .13
8.7 Dynamic Bend Stress Method .15
8.8 Torsion Stress Method .18
8.9 Sheet Turning Stress Method .20
8.10 Sheet Pull Stress Method .21
8.11 Abrasion Stress Method .22
8.12 Pen Stress Method .23
8.13 Resistance to Chemicals Stress Method .25
8.14 Artificial Daylight Exposure Stress Method .27
8.15 X-Ray Stress Method .27
9 Evaluation methods .28
9.1 Functional PIC Evaluation Method .28
9.2 Physical Damage Evaluation Method .28
9.3 Peel Strength Evaluation Method .29
9.4 Colour Fastness Evaluation Method .30
9.5 Datapage and Cover Warpage Evaluation Method .31
9.6 Book Warpage Evaluation Method .33
10 Test sequences .35
10.1 General .35
10.2 Instructions for using the Sequence Table .35
10.3 Sheet Binding Sequence .35
10.4 Storage Climate Sequence .36
10.5 Operational Climate Sequence .36
10.6 Impact Sequence .37
10.7 Back Pocket Sequence .38
10.8 Torsion Fatigue Sequence .38
10.9 Delamination Sequence .39
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved iii

10.10 Bending Fatigue Sequence .39
10.11 Thermal Cycling Sequence .40
10.12 Colour Fastness Sequence .41
10.13 Resistance to Chemicals Sequence.42
10.14 Pen Sequence .42
10.15 Datapage Abrasion Sequence .43
10.16 X-Ray Sequence .43
11 Test plans.44
11.1 General .44
11.2 Minimum Level Test Plan .44
iv © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are
members of ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical
committees established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical
activity. ISO and IEC technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the
work. In the field of information technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee,
ISO/IEC JTC 1.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of the joint technical committee is to prepare International Standards. Draft International
Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies
casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO/IEC 18745-1 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 17, Cards and personal identification.
ISO/IEC 18745 consists of the following parts, under the general title Information technology — Test
methods for machine readable travel documents (MRTD) and associated devices —
— Part 1: Physical test methods for passport books (durability)
— Part 2: Test methods for the contactless interface
— Part 3: Test methods for the LDS and security protocols
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved v

0 Introduction
0.1 General
ICAO Doc 9303 provides the basic functional specification for Machine Readable Travel Documents
(MRTDs) and, together with the Supplement, which is published from time to time, describes all relevant
properties of MRTDs. Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) are a subset of all MRTDs. The publication of
th
the Part 1 of the 6 edition of Doc 9303 introduces the contactless integrated circuit to the MRP. Such a
passport containing a contactless integrated circuit is commonly referred to as an e-Passport.
This part of ISO/IEC 18745 provides a set of instructions for prototype evaluation of Machine Readable
Passports (MRPs) which may incorporate contactless integrated circuits. Prototype evaluation is an
instrument to establish the ability in principle of a specific type of document to fulfil the requirements
of use. The procedure of prototype evaluation, therefore, is also referred to as “Type Evaluation”.
This document is a companion to ICAO Doc 9303. It specifies the minimum criteria to be achieved in
order to meet ICAO’s expectations for durability of fully personalized MRPs. Therefore, by its existence,
and endorsement by ICAO, this document implicitly defines additional requirements for passports above
and beyond Doc 9303. Some of the tests described herein are also intended to serve as an instrument for
the assessment of the ageing behaviour of the MRP and its components.
This part of ISO/IEC 18745 updates and replaces document “Technical Report – Durability Of Machine
Readable Passports – Version 3.2 – Date 2006-08-30” published by ICAO (International Civil Aviation
Organization).
0.2 Future Considerations
Where technologies or combinations of technologies are to be applied in a MRP, which are not covered
by the test methods described below, it is recommended to define such test methods based on available
methods described in ISO/IEC or any other accepted international standard organization in cooperation
with the suppliers of such technologies.
Today, there is no stable state of the art regarding the correlation between stress and ageing, neither for
previously existing nor for oncoming types of MRP. The tests that can be described at the present stage
may contribute to improve such knowledge but need to be considered preliminary. It is important to
notice that ultimately, reliable and predictably useful correlations can only be achieved by continuously
comparing the ageing behaviour of documents in real use to the predictions made. Such predictions are
based on assumptions that, in particular if novel and unusual technologies and components are used,
are in many cases unproven and preliminary in nature.
It is one of the aims of this standard to help in the task of establishing sound correlations. This is done by
providing tools for executing tests with comparable results for a multitude of acting parties. Comparable
results are a prerequisite to encourage the execution of field surveys in quality related research and
their use for a continuous improvement not only of this standard but also of the quality of MRPs on a
global basis.
0.3 Other Uses for this Document
The tests defined in this document may also be appropriate for other forms of MRTD, however, they may
require modification before use.
Where applicable, tests may be used to evaluate characteristics of non-personalized MRPs or materials
used to make MRPs.
Type Evaluation is usually a one-time exercise in the life cycle of a specific type of document. However
the same test procedures may be useful for the proper definition of quality assurance procedures
during the regular production of MRTDs. In the framework of the contractual relationship between
a manufacturer and his customer(s) it is common practice to establish an expected quality level for
the MRTDs in the delivery contract, and also to specify acceptance criteria for individual deliveries in
vi © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

executing the contract. On the other hand, it is good practice to leave it with the manufacturer to decide
on the production quality measures to assure this quality level.
This International Standard has been carefully designed to provide the user with a set of tools for
evaluating MRPs, whether it be Prototype Evaluation, Delivery Acceptance, or any other purpose.
0.4 Terminology
For ICAO, keywords are SHALL, which means mandatory, and SHOULD, which is optional but is
considered best practices.
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved vii

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 18745-1:2014(E)
Information technology — Test methods for machine
readable travel documents (MRTD) and associated
devices —
Part 1:
Physical test methods for passport books (durability)
1 Scope
This part of ISO/IEC 18745 provides a set of instructions for prototype evaluation of Machine Readable
Passports (MRPs) which may incorporate contactless integrated circuits. Prototype evaluation is an
instrument to establish the ability in principle of a specific type of document to fulfil the requirements
of use. It supplies a structured approach to evaluate Machine Readable Passports by:
— defining reproducible stress methods to submit the document(s) under evaluation to specific stress
or environmental conditions;
— defining reproducible evaluation methods to measure numerical values for specific document
properties;
— defining test sequences that specify the order in which stress methods and evaluation methods are
to be performed;
— defining test plans to link specific user requirements to test sequences and related parameters.
It specifies the minimum criteria to be achieved in order to meet ICAO’s expectations for durability of
fully personalized MRPs.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 105-A02:1993, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
ISO 105-B02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part B02: Colour fastness to artificial light: Xenon arc
fading lamp test
ISO 105-E04, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part E04: Colour fastness to perspiration
ISO 1302, Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) — Indication of surface texture in technical product
documentation
ISO 1817, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of the effect of liquids
ISO 2439:2008, Flexible cellular polymeric materials — Determination of hardness (indentation technique)
ISO/IEC 7810, Identification cards — Physical characteristics
ISO/IEC 7810:2003/Amd.1:2009, Identification cards — Physical characteristics — Amendment 1: Criteria
for cards containing integrated circuits
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 1

ISO/IEC 7816-1, Identification cards — Integrated circuit cards — Part 1: Cards with contacts — Physical
characteristics
ISO 9227, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres — Salt spray tests
ISO 9352:2012, Plastics — Determination of resistance to wear by abrasive wheels
ISO/IEC 10373-1, Identification cards — Test methods — Part 1: General characteristics
ISO/IEC 10373-6, Identification cards — Test methods — Part 6: Proximity cards
ISO/IEC 10373-6:2001/Amd.7:2010, Identification cards — Test methods — Part 6: Proximity cards —
Amendment 7: Test methods for ePassport
ISO 12040:1997, Graphic technology — Prints and printing inks — Assessment of light fastness using filtered
xenon arc light
ISO 12757-1:1998, Ball point pens and refills — Part 1: General use
ISO 12757-2:1998, Ball point pens and refills — Part 2: Documentary use (DOC)
ASTM E 832 - 81 (Reapproved 2003), Standard Specification for Laboratory Filter Papers
1)
ICAO Doc 9303, Part 1, 6th edition, 2006, Machine Readable Travel Documents
2)
ICAO Supplement to Doc 9303 as published from time to time
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
chip sheet
sheet containing a chip
3.2
constant
fixed values that can be given to parameters (within methods) when defining a sequence or test plan
3.3
evaluation method
method to measure numerical values for specific document properties
3.4
evaluation result
all numerical values related to document properties measured upon performing a test sequence
3.5
method
instruction or set of instructions defining equipment and related tools and materials in an experimental
setup, including general advice on their use in a specific test procedure.
3.6
page
any single side of an individual sheet of the MRP
1) Published on the ICAO web site under http://www.icao.int/ .
2) Published on the ICAO web site under http://www.icao.int/ .
2 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

3.7
parameter
variable quantity within a test procedure that is not part of the instructions describing the procedure;
in particular, experimental parameters that need to be controlled during the test sequence but whose
values and/or tolerances are not explicitly defined in a specific stress or evaluation method or sequence
3.8
sheet
any structure having a free edge and an opposite edge attached to the spine making up the MRP including
covers, datapage, visa pages, observation pages, and chip sheet
Note 1 to entry: Each sheet has 2 pages.
3.9
stress method
experimental setup and procedure that may or may not deteriorate or destroy the document under
examination
3.10
test instruction
distinct piece of information required within the framework of test execution
3.11
test plan
list of test sequences and their specific test parameters and expected evaluation results
3.12
test procedure
set of instructions to be followed in order to obtain a test result
3.13
test sequence
test procedure that comprises a number of different methods in a defined order of execution
3.14
type evaluation
type approval
process of testing a design (type of documents produced while using a common material and component
basis and the same manufacturing processes, including same production quality assurance process) to
ensure it is compliant-in-principle with the specifications
4 Abbreviations
IC Integrated Circuit
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
MRP Machine Readable Passport
MRTD Machine Readable Travel Document
PCD Proximity Coupling Device
PIC Proximity Integrated Circuit (note, Doc 9303 uses CIC (contactless integrated circuit) and
PIC interchangeably)
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 3

5 Methodology
The systemic approach used in this document provides three structural levels to define a complete test
specification for MRPs.
The first level deals with methods to exert defined stresses to documents and to evaluate the results
of such stresses. The second level deals with predefined sequences of stresses and related evaluations
using the methods defined in level 1. The third level specifies the lists of test sequences and the
individual quantities of test specimens to be subject to each sequence. The purpose is to include in such
lists all sequences that are considered necessary to achieve type approval for a specific type of MRP
with specific lifetime and usage expectations. This is referred to as a test plan.
This approach provides flexibility in creating individual test plans appropriate for varying user
requirements and MRP specifications without increasing the variety of basic testing methods beyond a
strict minimum. It also allows the use of a parameterized method description; parameters, which may
be explicitly specified on the sequence and/or test, plan level.
In this way this Test Specification provides the entire toolset for prototype evaluation of MRPs.
Table 1 — Hierarchical Approach for Test Methodology
Level Subject Description Degree of Clause
variance
1 Stress methods The purpose is to submit the document(s) under eval- Parameters 8
uation to specific stress or environmental conditions
in a well-defined experimental setup that ensures
reproducibility.
1 Evaluation methods The purpose is to measure numerical values for Parameters 9
specific document properties using well-defined
and reproducible experimental setups that may or
may not deteriorate or destroy the document under
examination.
2 Test sequences Sequence of use of the above methods in performing a Constants 10
complete test. and Param-
eters
3 Test plans Scenarios which link the user requirements to spe- Constants 11
cific test sequences and related parameters used for
the tests on the one hand and to specific test results
on the other.
Each sequence is composed of stress methods and evaluation methods executed in a specific order. A
test plan is composed of one or more individual sequence(s) that is linked to a specific set of documents
and user requirements. See Figure 1.
4 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

Figure 1 — Relationship between Methods, Sequences and Test Plans
6 Guidance to the Tester
6.1 Number of Samples
References are given to a single MRP. However, multiple MRP samples may be tested simultaneously
depending on the size and construction of the test apparatus.
6.2 Preparation
Test samples shall be either finished MRPs or be prepared from finished MRPs having passed the entire
production process including visual personalization with a dataset considered typical for the specific
type of passport. Initialisation and personalization of the chip may be done in an arbitrary way as long
as the chip is able to support the necessary tests within the intended test sequence.
MRPs shall be conditioned in accordance with ‎7.1 Default Environment.
Test pieces shall, as necessary, be prepared from the test samples in the particular form required by the
test apparatus used.
6.3 Sampling
In certain cases samples may be taken from the base material before MRP manufacture if it can be
demonstrated that no significant change in the property to be tested can arise during subsequent
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 5

processing. The samples used to prepare a set of test pieces shall be taken from the same batch of MRP
base materials.
6.4 Storage
Any test samples or test pieces retained for reference shall be stored under the environmental conditions
specified in ‎7.1 Default Environment.
All such samples shall be clearly cross-referenced to the test report and any relevant supplementary
documentation.
7 Common Method Information
7.1 Default Environment
Unless otherwise specified, testing shall take place in an environment having a default temperature of
23 °C ± 3 °C and relative humidity of 40 % RH to 60 % RH.
7.2 Climatic conditions
Climatic conditions defined in the test methods are the conditions within the chamber. The resulting
temperature in the MRP is not specified or defined in the methods.
7.3 Tolerances
Unless otherwise specified, a tolerance of ± 5 % shall be applied to the quantity values given in this
document.
6 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

7.4 Default MRP holder
A structure for holding the MRP while maximizing air space around the MRP during testing shall have
the general construction as shown in Figure 2 — MRP rack. There are no size or quantity limitations for
the holder rack, any number of MRP positions may be used.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 2 — MRP rack
8 Stress Methods
Stress methods are designed to apply reproducible stresses to the travel document. Methods that
describe how to measure the effect of these stresses are given in Clause 9 Evaluation methods.
The fundamental philosophy behind all stress methods is to define conditions that mimic real daily use
(as much as possible). In cases where the correlation between real life and the stress method is tenuous,
every attempt has been made to define conditions that produce similar rates of deterioration.
8.1 Conditioning Stress Method
8.1.1 Introduction
The MRPs to be tested shall be conditioned to the test environment as described below.
8.1.2 Input Parameters
t = time of conditioning. If t is not specified, assume 24 hours.
8.1.3 Apparatus
— Default MRP holder.
8.1.4 Method
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 7

— Remove MRP from any box and protective packaging.
— Place MRP in default MRP holder with spine up. MRP shall not be forced open but may open on its
own. Minimum spacing between MRP and any other MRP shall be 10 mm in all directions.
— Expose MRP to a temperature of 23 °C ± 3 °C and relative humidity of 40 % RH to 60 % RH for at
least time t.
8.2 Thermal Cycling Stress Method
8.2.1 Introduction
This stress method subjects the MRP to cycling between two temperature extremes. This stress
simulates the thermal shock the MRP could experience due to thermal expansion and contraction of
each MRP component. The test is conducted over a short period of time for each stress cycle.
8.2.2 Input Parameters
n = number of cycles
8.2.3 Apparatus
— Two climate controlled chambers. Where applicable, a single fast-response climate controlled
chamber may be used in place of a second test chamber.
— Default MRP holder
8.2.4 Method
— Control of relative humidity in the climate chambers is not required for this test but the test chamber
should be located in a test environment as defined in ‎7.1.
— Place in a climate controlled chamber at temperature of 77 °C ± 3 °C for 15 minutes.
— Transfer the MRP in the default MRP holder to a second climate controlled chamber held at a
temperature of –32 °C ± 3 °C in less than 60 seconds (a transfer time of 15 seconds is recommended).
The position of the MRP in the holder should not be modified during the transfer process.
— Subject the MRP to a temperature of –32 °C ± 3 °C for 15 minutes.
— Repeat the process for n cycles as depicted in Figure 3 — Thermal Cycling.
— At the end of the cycling process remove MRP and return to the default environment. Leave MRP in
holder and condition according to ‎8.1.
8 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

Figure 3 — Thermal Cycling
8.3 Storage Temperature Stress Method
8.3.1 Introduction
This stress method applies high or low temperature and humidity to the document for specified amounts
of time. This stress simulates a document’s exposure to various storage conditions. The purpose of the
test is to demonstrate the resistance of MRP construction to such conditions in principle.
The test refers to temperature stability defined in ICAO Doc 9303. Evaluate according to ‎9.2.
8.3.2 Input Parameters
T = temperature at which the passport is stored
H = relative humidity for storage
8.3.3 Apparatus
— Climate controlled chamber.
— Default MRP holder
8.3.4 Method
— Place MRP in climate controlled chamber at temperature T ± 3 °C and H ± 5 % Relative Humidity for
168 hours.
— Remove MRP.
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 9

8.4 Operational Temperature Stress Method
8.4.1 Introduction
This stress method applies high or low temperature and humidity to the document for specified amounts
of time. This stress simulates a document’s exposure to various climatic conditions. The purpose of the
test is to demonstrate the resistance of MRP construction to such conditions in principle.
The test refers to temperature stability defined in ICAO Doc 9303.
Evaluate according to ‎9.2.
8.4.2 Input Parameters
T = temperature at which the passport is expected to operate
8.4.3 Apparatus
— Climate controlled chamber.
— Default MRP holder
8.4.4 Method
— Place MRP in climate controlled chamber at temperature T ± 3 °C for 1 hour.
— Evaluate the MRP within the climate chamber and note the used method in the test report.
8.5 Impact Stress Method
8.5.1 Introduction
This stress method applies a certain forced impact to the sample to simulate stamping of the document
at a border control point.
8.5.2 Input Parameters
S = sheet to be affected by impact. Note, as only visa pages will be impacted, sheet S may not be impacted
directly.
8.5.3 Output Parameters
None
8.5.4 Apparatus
— Stamp:
The face of the stamp is a flat solid surface, steel or equivalent, with a diameter 29 mm.
Concentric circles are etched into the surface. The profile of the grooves is rectangular, with a minimum
groove depth 0,3 mm. The width of the grooves is 1 mm ± 0,1 mm, and the nominal distance between
grooves is 1,5 mm. See Figure 4 and Figure 5.
The nominal diameter of the central circular groove is 1 mm.
The accumulated tolerance of groove distances is ± 0,5 mm.
10 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 4 — Impact Pattern Resulting from Specified Stamp
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 5 — Stamp geometry
— The stamp/weight shall be constructed as a single-piece stamp of mass M.
— Flat surface made of steel at least 12 mm thick with a 2 mm surface material.
— The surface material shall have a Shore D value of 50.
— Suitable guiding for stamp to maintain stamping face parallel to MRP surface at the point of impact.
— Holder for retaining pages of the MRP against the flat surface during testing.
© ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved 11

— Description of stamp parameters:
H = nominal height (mm) from which an impact stamp is dropped onto the document or weight
is dropped onto the stamp, thereby defining an impact velocity according to the formula for
acceleration of inert bodies under earth gravitation.
H shall be between 0,05 m and 0,20 m
M = weight (kg) of the impact stamp
D = displacement between two impacts
The product P = H·M shall have a value of 0,02 kg·m.
If the apparatus is composed of a stamp that is impacted by a separate weight, the weight shall have
mass M, and be dropped from a height H above the stamp. The mass of the stamp is not considered.
8.5.5 Method
— Locate the sheet S.
— Locate the nearest visa page that could require stamping and turn this over on top of the sheet
under test. Depending on location, it is possible that there could be several sheets between the sheet
S and the nearest visa page.
— Open MRP to 180 degrees and place on flat hard surface so the outer cover is directly against the flat
surface.
— Drop impact stamp of mass M from a height H at each of the locations as shown in Figure 6 — Impact
stamp locations. Move from first to last location progressing from left to right and from top to
bottom.
— If there are visa pages that could require stamping on the opposite side of the sheet under test,
repeat the above process on the other side, but using a different MRP.
12 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

Figure 6 — Impact stamp locations
8.5.6 Alternate Method
— If the fragile area is obvious it is acceptable to limit drops to this area.
8.6 Book Bend Stress Method (Back Pocket)
8.6.1 Introduction
This test simulates on the stresses of sitting on a MRP, this method applies a force to the MRP and
forces it to bend around a curved surface. The resulting stresses acting on the MRP are a combination of
compression and bending stresses.
8.6.2 Input Parameters
n = number of cycles to apply force
8.6.3 Output Parameters
None
8.6.4 Apparatus
— A test apparatus to load the MRP in a manner consistent with Figure 7 — Schematic of the test
apparatus to load the MRP in the Back Pocket Bending Method below.
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— An anvil of non-elastic material with spherical impact area of radius r = 150 mm.
— Diameter of anvil: >= 95 mm x 125 mm
— A cushion of foam having density of 45 g/l to 55 g/l and hardness 150 N to 240 N as defined in
ISO 2439 method A. The minimum thickness of the cushion is 100 mm. The minimum dimension, in
any direction, of the cushion surface on which the sample is placed shall be larger than 200 mm and
shall be larger than the anvil.
— Alternatively an air cushion inflated to a pressure of 30 kPa may be used.
— Notes:
The test results do not depend on the exact properties of the cushion as long as
(a) its resistance to the force exerted by the sample under the anvil is sufficient to so that the force
is not deviated from the sample (i.e. the activated anvil shall not touch the cushion directly as long
as the bending of the sample is not entirely following the anvil shape),
(b) its elasticity is sufficient to follow the anvil shape without irregular deformations, and
(c) its resistance to the exerted pressure is not subject to local deviations or irregularities.
Figure 7 — Schematic of the test apparatus to load the MRP in the Back Pocket Bending Method
8.6.5 Method
— Place and centre the MRP with respect to the cushion and the spherical anvil. Start with front cover
(hot stamped).
— Secure the MRP on the test machine so that the centred placement can be maintained during testing.
A flexible support pocket constructed from fabric such as denim may be used.
— Press the spherical anvil into the MRP and cushion support to a maximum force of 350 N. Maintain
the applied force of 350 N for 5 s ±1 s.
— Lift the spherical anvil so that it does not touch the MRP or cushion. Repeat the loading and unloading
process for a total of n times.
— Turn the MRP over and repeat the loading and unloading process n times.
14 © ISO/IEC 2014 – All rights reserved

8.7 Dynamic Bend Stress Method
8.7.1 Introduction
The purpose of this test is to determine the bending fatigue resistance of the booklet construction to
fully reversed loading. This method differs from the back pocket stress method by avoiding directly
applied pressure. This method accelerates fatigue due to imposed bending, especially in the area of the
antenna and associated connections if present.
8.7.2 Input Parameters
n = Number of bending cycles with the MRP
O = orientation of book in the bender
8.7.3 Output Parameters
None
8.7.4 Apparatus
— Dynamic flexion machine as illustrated in Figure 8.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 8 — Apparatus to impose cyclic motion
— The pushing rollers shall be set to ensure that the centreline deflection of the MRP is equal on each
segment of the stroke.
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— The distance H between the clamped edge of the MRP and the pushing rollers on centre is adjustable
between 40 mm and 58 mm.
— Pushing rollers and fixed rollers are separated by 35 mm (H ) on centre.
— Pushing rollers have an outer diameter D of 23 mm and are separated by 55 mm (L ) on centre.
1 1
— Fixed rotating rollers are separated by a distance of 30 mm (L ) on centre and have an outer
diameter D of 20 mm.
8.7.5 Calibration of movement Method
— Taking into account, the specified orientation, O, the MRP shall be clamped at one extremity and
allowed to freely move at the opposite edge.
— H should be adjusted depending on the orientation of the book
Orientation (O) H
Spine clamped 40 mm
Top clamped 58 mm
— Move the pushing rollers so that they just push the passport up against the fixed rollers without
bending the passport, as illustrated in Figure 9. The amount of roller movement is b0 and is called
the initial position.
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Figure 9 — Initial position of Pushing Rollers
— Allow the pushing rollers to move freely, however set the maximum travel of the pushing rollers to
b0 + 20 mm.
— Apply smoothly a force of 40 N in the direction of the bold arrow in Figure 10 — Bending movement
for 1 minute.
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Figure 10 — Bending movement
— Measure the amount of travel of the pushing rollers. If the maximum travel is reached with a force
of less than 40 N then the travel to be used for the test is b = b0 + 20 mm; otherwise measure the
amount of travel of the pushing rollers, b, as shown in the figure above.
— Remove 40 N load.
— Note, alternate equipment may be used for calibration.
8.7.6 Method
— Set the travel of the pushing rollers to ±b as measured above.
— Flex the book n times at 0,5 Hz. One cycle is a one deflection in each direction.
8.8 Torsion Stress Method
8.8.1 Introduction
The purpose of this test is to determine adverse mechanical or functional effects in the MRP arising from
torsional fatigue. This method differs from the back pocket stress method by applying only torsional
stresses to the MRP.
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