European Commission proposes RFID standardization
The European Commission, as one a series of research projects intended to combat terrorism, has proposed creating a network that could initiate 'the international standardization of the technical interface between a secure container or vehicle and a data reader at a port or border crossing.'
The interface would employ radio frequency identification (RFID) technology on frequencies that could be used worldwide. The interface could also be read rapidly and at a range consistent with port operations, possess authentication and data protection features, include optional data fields to support new sensors, and be capable of being implanted in a device with low cost, small size and low power consumption.
'The primary purpose of the interface is to enable law enforcement officials to determine where the container or vehicle has been, and whether items such as weapons of mass destruction or people may have been inserted en route. Secondary purposes are to interface to a cargo tracking system and to provide data for automated cargo handling systems,' the Commission said in a statement.
Project leader for developing the network will be Thales Research and Technology (UK) Ltd., in the United Kingdom.