We use BS ISO 18745-1:2018 "Physical test methods for passport books (durability)" as the benchmark for our durability testing of these documents over their intended 10 year lifetime. 

The physical tests conducted at Smithers on ePassports and MRTDs include: 
  • Thermal cycling
  • Simulated storage temperature
  • Operational climate
  • Stamp impact
  • Book bend (back pocket)
  • Dynamic bending
  • Torsion
  • Sheet turning and sheet pull
  • Datapage abrasion
  • Pen stress
  • Resistance to chemicals
  • Colourfastness (artificial daylight)
  • X-ray stress

Our passport bending test machine at Smithers.
Our passport bend test machine at Smithers.

These are designed to replicate actual-use conditions, and our experts will help determine which tests are necessary for your requirements. 

All tests are carried out in accordance with BS ISO/IEC 18745-1:2018 “Physical test methods for passport books (durability)” or the ICAO technical report “Durability of machine-readable passports” v.3.2, both of which Smithers is UKAS accredited to.

We continually make improvements to our laboratory facilities to ensure that we can offer the best level of service to a growing list of clients from all over the world. 

Download a brochure for more information:

Smithers-Secure-Document-Services
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