Products

The chip is an integrated circuit (microchip) embedded in passports for the storage and processing of data. The chip, not visible in most documents , communicates with the card reader via electromagnetic waves (Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)). To start the transmission, proximity to the reader is required. The chip may (as illustrated) be embedded within a thick transparent laminate, within the document cover, or within a special polycarbonate page. In e-passports, biometric data is stored in an embedded microchip (integrated circuit).

Pursuant to ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) specifications, a microchip – contactless as a minimum requirement – stores the data visually displayed in the MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) of the biodata page of the passport and the facial image as the interoperable biometric identifier. Other biometric identifiers, e.g. fingerprint or iris images, can be added optionally. Any ICAO-compliant e-passport will feature the international e-passport symbol on its front cover.

To maintain data security, basic access control (B.A.C.) is used – the contactless chip can be read by the relevant reader only once it has been unlocked by a validated PIN code, as well as extended access control (terminal authentication) – within the document’s MRZ (Machine Readable Zone); data exchange is protected by means of an encoded PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) protocol

PDF 417 bar-code (two-dimensional barcode) storing data along two dimensions and is therefore capable of containing much more information than the 1D barcode.

Booklet paper will offer appropriate ruggedness and absorption characteristics. Fibers with fluorescent properties (visible under UV light) which are mixed into the paper pulp during the paper manufacturing process to serve as a security feature. They may be visible (colored fibers) or invisible under normal light.

The watermark is a picture, text or character motif, which is incorporated into the paper during manufacture by displacement of the paper fibers, leading to a varying thickness of the paper.

Ink containing fluorescent substances (pigments) which is used to print text or motifs. This type of ink fluoresces under UV light.

Image which appears depending on the angle of the oblique light.

Photochromic inks change their color when exposed to sunlight and remain for a certain time before the color reverts to its original state.

This coloring process used in offset printing is used to protect security documents against color separation or copying, by subtly merging colors into each other resulting in a gradual color change.

Lines or motifs made up of very small letters or numbers that are barely perceptible to the eye that basic methods of reproduction can’t reproduce.

Holographic film that is affixed to the personal data page by means of pressure (cold-applied laminate) and/or heat (heat-applied laminate) in order to protect data entries against falsification. Laminates can incorporate specific security features which are not usually available on the market. They are laminated at 165°C on the page for total adhesion.