Overview
ISO 6881:2023 specifies how to encode an animal identification code into the UII memory bank (MB 01) of an ISO 18000-63 (UHF RFID) transponder. It defines the 96‑bit UII structure, related protocol-control fields and integrity checks so UHF RFID tags can be used reliably for animal identification using ISO coding (not EPC coding). The standard is intended for transponders used exclusively for animal ID and references mechanisms such as the Application Family Identifier (AFI) to enable selective bulk reading.
Key topics and requirements
- Memory bank model (ISO 18000-63): Defines four memory banks - MB00 (Reserved), MB01 (UII), MB10 (TID) and optional MB11 (User memory).
- UII structure: A 96‑bit UII containing the DSFID (Data Storage Format Identifier), a 16‑bit animal identification header, a 64‑bit animal identification code and an 8‑bit CRC. UII Trailer bits (if present) default to zero.
- Animal identification code (64 bits): Encodes either a country code or manufacturer’s code (10 bits), a national identification code (38 bits), plus control bits (16 bits). The 64‑bit format aligns with ISO 11784 definitions.
- Control bits: Include the animal application bit, retagging counter, user information field, reserved bits, the RUDI‑bit (indicates MB11 data) and the data block bit. The UMI in StoredPC must match RUDI.
- StoredPC and storedCRC: MB01 holds protocol-control info (StoredPC) - Length Indicator, UMI, XI, Toggle Bit and AFI. A 16‑bit storedCRC covers StoredPC + UII. An 8‑bit CRC protects UII bit integrity.
- Security / passwords: MB00 stores Kill and Access passwords; for ISO 6881 transponders the Kill command is disabled (Kill Password set to zero and locked).
- TID: A 64‑bit Tag Identifier (MB10) is write‑perm‑locked by the IC manufacturer to ensure uniqueness.
- ISO coding vs EPC: This document mandates ISO coding and AFI usage (ISO/IEC 15961) for application selection rather than EPC schemes.
- Backward compatibility: Clause 6 addresses compatibility considerations with previous generation systems (including LF reference).
Applications and users
- Livestock management & traceability: Tagging cattle, sheep, pigs and other animals for identification, movement controls and disease tracing.
- Regulatory bodies & veterinarians: Enforcing animal ID regulations and compliance audits.
- RFID tag manufacturers & IC vendors: Implementing MB01 UII encoding, StoredPC, CRCs and disabling Kill functionality per the standard.
- System integrators & reader manufacturers: Ensuring readers recognize AFI/DSFID, interpret UII fields and support optional MB11 user memory.
- Databases and traceability software providers: Storing and processing the standardized 64‑bit animal code and associated metadata.
Related standards
- ISO 18000-63 (UHF RFID air interface)
- ISO 11784 (animal code structure)
- ISO/IEC 15961 (AFI and data storage format rules)
- ISO 11785 (contactless identification - complementary LF/HF references)
Keywords: ISO 6881:2023, UHF RFID, animal identification, ISO 18000-63, UII MB01, AFI, DSFID, TID, CRC, livestock traceability, ICAR.