ISO IEC 10373-6-2025 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/IEC 10373-6:2025 — Cards and security devices for personal identification — Test methods — Part 6: Contactless proximity objects. This edition (5) defines test methods specific to proximity cards and objects, proximity coupling devices and proximity extended devices as defined by the ISO/IEC 14443 series (parts 1–4).

Abstract

This document specifies test methods that are particular to contactless proximity cards/objects and their associated coupling devices. Tests are intended to be performed independently (not necessarily sequentially). A conformance test plan is provided in Annex O to identify the tests required for each part of the ISO/IEC 14443 series.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 13 February 2025 (publication stage: International Standard published).
• Publisher: ISO (joint ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17 work item; distributed through ISO and IEC webstores).
• ICS / categories: 35.240.15 (Identification cards and related devices).
• Edition / version: Edition 5.0 (2025).
• Number of pages: 240 pages.

Key bibliographic and lifecycle details above are recorded on the ISO publication record and corresponding webstore entries.

Scope

Specifies test methods that apply to proximity (contactless) cards and objects and to proximity coupling and extended devices defined in ISO/IEC 14443‑1 through 14443‑4. The standard focuses on test procedures used to evaluate the RF interface, communication protocol conformance and functional behaviour of proximity devices; tests may be applied independently according to the conformance plan in Annex O.

Key topics and requirements

• Test methods targeted at proximity cards/objects, proximity coupling devices and proximity extended devices (as per ISO/IEC 14443‑1…4).
• Conformance test plan and mapping of required tests for each part of the ISO/IEC 14443 series (Annex O).
• Procedures intended to verify RF interface behaviour, activation/power handling, timing and protocol-level conformance for contactless proximity operation.
• Guidance that tests are independent (a device is not required to pass tests sequentially).
• Work in progress on related amendments (for example, a committee draft amendment addressing relay-attack protection mechanisms has been registered for this edition).

Typical use and users

Used by contactless card and secure element manufacturers, test laboratories, certification and conformity assessment bodies, system integrators, procurements teams for eID/payment/access-control projects, and standards committees developing related test and interface specifications. Typical applications include production verification, type-approval testing and interoperability assessments.

Related standards

Directly related to the ISO/IEC 10373 series (test methods for identification cards) and to the ISO/IEC 14443 series (proximity card air interface and protocol — parts 1 to 4). It is produced under ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17 (Cards and security devices for personal identification).

Keywords

Contactless, proximity card, proximity object, test methods, ISO/IEC 10373, ISO/IEC 14443, conformance testing, RF interface, protocol conformance, SC17.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 10373-6:2025 is Part 6 of the ISO/IEC 10373 series and provides test methods specific to contactless proximity cards/objects and their coupling devices.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test procedures for proximity (contactless) cards/objects and related coupling devices — focusing on RF interface behaviour, activation, timing and protocol conformance in accordance with ISO/IEC 14443 parts 1–4; Annex O contains the conformance test plan.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, independent test labs, certification bodies, system integrators and procurement/specification teams working on contactless identification, payment, access control and related systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is the current published edition (Edition 5, published 13 February 2025) and replaces the 2020 edition and its amendments, which have been withdrawn.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 6 of the ISO/IEC 10373 series (test methods for cards and security devices for personal identification) and is closely linked to the ISO/IEC 14443 series that defines proximity card interfaces.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Contactless, proximity card, proximity object, test methods, conformance testing, ISO/IEC 10373, ISO/IEC 14443, RF interface, JTC 1/SC 17.