In brief: GS1 ratifies new EPC standard for RFID

Coding standards organisation GS1 has ratified the new version of its electronic product code (EPC) for radio-frequency identification (RFID), adding more memory and support for security features.

The new Gen2v2 interface standard provides support for cryptographic authentication of RFID tags and readers "to verify origin, restrict access, and reduce the risk of counterfeiting", according to GS1. It also offers improved privacy features such as hiding and restricting access to tag data, as well as supporting embedded tagging of electronics and more user memory.

"Consumers will ultimately benefit as EPC-enabled RFID tagging at item level makes better customer service possible and protects against counterfeit products," said GS1.

Mike Rose, vice president of supply chain visibility for Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems, welcomed the news saying: "Securing the supply chain is one of the most critical issues for industry today, and EPC Gen2v2 should help advance supply chain integrity efforts through improved product authentication and trading partner visibility and interoperability."

GS1 anticipates that ISO will incorporate Gen2v2 into the ISO/IEC 18000-63 standard during 2014, adding this will be followed by enhancements to its EPC Tag Data Standard (TDS) to support the Gen2v2.