EMVCo certification processes

EMVCo has established certification processes for NFC handsets, just as it did for cards and terminals, to guarantee that phones comply with the EMV specifications. The EMVCo certifications are mandatory for any NFC handset wishing to offer EMV contactless transaction services. This process supports handset or wearable devices using SWP UICC, HCE or embedded secure element as their execution environment for NFC transactions.

There are 4 types of test:

• L1 Analog: check handset RF characteristics

• L1 Digital : check handset contactless communication protocol

• Performance: check transaction time of the handset

• Interoperability: assess the capability of the handset compare to a number of different terminals

EMVCo certification processes is different from GCF/PTCRB approval processes. Type Approval cannot be interrupted and the device under test cannot be modified during the test session. That is why to simplify NFC handset debugging and to speed up certification, FIME offers debugging test sessions. These sessions can be interrupted and the Laboratory and device maker’s teams can work together to solve last-minute issues. Then, once everything is set up, FIME can perform the Type Approval.

Once EMVCo certification process is completed, the device can be considered compliant with other EMVCo member organizations: American Express, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, UnionPay, Visa.