scope:

ICAO Doc. 9303 provides the basic functional specification for Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs) and, together with the Supplement, which is published from time to time, describes all relevant properties of MRTD's. Machine Readable Passports (MRP's) are a subset of all MRTD's. The publication of the Part 1 of the 6th edition of Doc 9303 introduces the contactless integrated circuit to the MRP. Such a passport containing a contactless integrated circuit is commonly referred to as an e-Passport. This Test Specification provides a set of instructions for prototype evaluation of MRP's which may incorporate contactless integrated circuits. Prototype evaluation is an instrument to establish the ability in principle of a specific type of document to fulfil the requirements of use. The procedure of prototype evaluation, therefore, is also referred to as "Type Evaluation". This document is a companion to ICAO Doc. 9303. It specifies the minimum criteria that shall be achieved in order to meet ICAO's expectations for durability of fully personalized MRP's. Therefore, by it's existence, and endorsement by ICAO, this document implicitly defines additional requirements for Passports above and beyond Doc. 9303. Some of the tests described herein are also intended to serve as an instrument for the assessment of the ageing behaviour of the MRP and its components.