Regula Document Reader SDK, a leading software solution for identity document verification, has been updated to fully support the ISO/IEC 39794-5 standard. This standard, which governs the methods of facial data storage and verification in e-passport chips, is set to be adopted by passport issuers by 2030, with compliance required from document readers and verification systems by 2026. Regula’s update ensures seamless compatibility with this new standard, positioning the company as a key player in the transition to more secure and accurate global identity verification.
The ISO/IEC 39794-5 standard marks a significant advancement over the previous ISO/IEC 19794-5:2005, introducing a more robust framework for facial image data. The new format includes detailed facial landmarks, eye and hair colour, and other biometric attributes, all of which improve interoperability and recognition accuracy. By storing this richer set of data, the standard eliminates the need for face detection and feature extraction during the verification process. This speeds up processing times and guarantees consistent and high-quality recognition, regardless of the local algorithm being used.
One of the key benefits of the new format is that the metadata is pre-recorded, so identity verification systems can use the pre-stored information to make decisions faster and more accurately. The previous system required systems to calculate these key facial points from scratch, which led to delays and potential inaccuracies. With the updated standard, face recognition across different countries becomes much more reliable and efficient, enhancing global interoperability.
In addition to improved accuracy and processing speed, the ISO/IEC 39794-5 standard also offers flexibility for future extensions. As new attributes are added, systems supporting the standard will be able to accommodate them without requiring extensive updates. This is a significant upgrade over the old standard, which often necessitated major changes across all ID verification systems to process new data formats.
Regula has been ahead of the curve in adapting to the upcoming changes. Its long-standing expertise in secure RFID chip reading and data verification made the transition to the new standard seamless. The company’s software already supports the updated ISO standard and has been successfully tested in real-world scenarios, including a recent event in Australia. As a result, Regula’s technology is future-proof, ensuring compatibility with the new standard as countries begin to roll it out in the coming years.
Another major advantage of Regula’s solution is that it is compatible with most document readers currently on the market. Organizations from banks to border control agencies will not need to replace their existing hardware to comply with the new standard, making the transition smooth and cost-effective.
“The shift to ISO/IEC 39794-5 is a major step forward in improving compatibility and efficiency in biometric verification,” says Ihar Kliashchou, Chief Technology Officer at Regula. “With more detailed metadata now embedded in e-passports, identity verification systems can achieve faster processing and more accurate recognition results. Our expertise in RFID chip processing ensures that Regula’s technology is already fully equipped to support this transition.”
For more information about the latest update to Regula Document Reader SDK, or to learn more about RFID chip data processing, visit the official website.
