ISO 20909:2019

Overview

ISO 20909:2019 specifies requirements for using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to individually identify tyres. The standard focuses on passive UHF RFID tyre tags and covers three tag technologies: embedded, patch, and sticker. It applies to all tyre categories and defines functional, environmental and coding requirements to ensure reliable identification throughout a tyre’s lifetime.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Tag technologies: Embedded RFID tyre tags (integrated into the tyre), RFID tyre patches (applied onto the tyre and semi-permanent) and RFID tyre stickers (removable, post‑cure).
• RFID type: Passive UHF RFID (backscatter); operational frequency range 860–930 MHz (location-dependent subsets).
• Protocol and coding: Tags shall comply with GS1 EPC Class 1 Gen2 (ISO/IEC 18000-63 may be used for BAP). The tyre manufacturer is responsible for the unique item identifier (UII) which must include the manufacturer’s GS1 company prefix and be permalocked.
• Memory and security: Support for access password, permalocked Tag Identifier (MB10), optional user memory (MB11) with partial lock capability, and MB01 compatible with SGTIN-96 encoding.
• Environmental ranges: Embedded/patch operating temperature −25 °C to 80 °C (survival −40 °C to 116 °C); stickers operating range −25 °C to 60 °C. During curing, tags must withstand up to 5 MPa pressure and 200 °C.
• Readability and lifetime: Tags must be readable for the tyre’s lifetime. Minimum reading distance is 150 mm when tested per ISO 20912.
• Functional constraints: If multiple tags are present on a tyre they must share the same UII. The kill function must be permanently disabled by the tyre manufacturer.

Applications

• Fleet and asset management: track tyre identity and history across service, repair and replacement.
• Supply chain and logistics: automate tyre inventory and traceability from manufacturer to retailer.
• Retreading and service operations: preserve original UII; if original tag is damaged, reapply a patch encoded with the original UII.
• Warranty, regulatory compliance and safety programs: provide immutable link between tyre records and physical tyre.
• OEM and aftermarket integration: embed or attach RFID tyre tags during manufacturing or post‑manufacture.

Who should use this standard

• Tyre manufacturers and suppliers
• RFID tag and module manufacturers
• Fleet operators, tyre distributors and retreaders
• System integrators, logistics providers and regulators
• Testing labs and conformity assessment bodies

Related standards

• ISO/IEC 18000-63 - UHF RFID air interface (Type C)
• ISO 20910 - Coding for RFID tyre tags
• ISO 20911 - Tyre attachment classification
• ISO 20912 - Conformance test methods for RFID enabled tyres
• EPCglobal GS1 - UHF RFID Class‑1 Gen2 protocol

ISO 20909:2019 provides the technical foundation to deploy robust, interoperable RFID tyre tags that support lifecycle traceability, operational efficiency, and data-driven tyre management.