ISO 24631-1:2025

Overview

ISO 24631-1:2025 - "Radiofrequency identification of animals - Part 1" defines how to evaluate conformance of animal RFID transponders with ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 and governs the granting and use of a manufacturer code (MFC). The third edition standard specifies test categories, application procedures, and the roles and obligations of manufacturers, registration authorities (RA) and RA‑recognized test centres. It applies to common animal transponder types (injectable, ear tag, ruminal bolus, leg tag and tag attachments) and is recognized by veterinary organizations such as FECAVA and WSAVA.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Conformance testing framework: Procedures for verifying transponder compliance with ISO 11784 (code structure) and ISO 11785 (technical concept), including reporting to the RA.
• Test categories:
  • Category A (Full test) - for new manufacturers, new silicon/technology (HDX/FDX‑B) or coil technology changes.
  • Category B (Limited test) - for packaging changes, coil dimension changes or reuse of registered silicon in different packaging.
  • Category C (Listing update) - for reuse of an RA‑registered transponder without modification.
• Test logistics: Sample quantities (50 for full, 10 for limited/listing update), provisioning of test transponders carrying test country code “999” or an existing MFC, and use of a laboratory reference transceiver able to read FDX‑B and HDX.
• Technical references: Activation field frequency 134.2 kHz, definitions for identification code, country code (3‑digit per ISO 3166‑1), user information and retagging counters.
• Manufacturer code (MFC): Three‑digit number issued by the RA; rules for application (Annex C), use and obligations (Annex B / ISO 11784:2024 annexes).
• Conformity and oversight: RA maintains recognized test centres (ISO/IEC 17025 conformity recommended), issues product codes, and enforces actions if code-of-conduct conditions are breached.

Practical applications and users

• Who uses it: RFID transponder manufacturers, test laboratories, registration authorities, veterinary organizations, livestock and companion animal industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies managing animal identification programs.
• Use cases:
  • Certifying injectable microchips or ear‑tag transponders for international traceability.
  • Registering manufacturer and product codes for mass‑produced animal IDs.
  • Ensuring compatibility between transponders and transceivers (FDX‑B/HDX) in agricultural, veterinary and pet identification systems.
  • Supporting conformity assessment programs, trade compliance and animal traceability initiatives.

Related standards

• ISO 11784 - Radio frequency identification of animals - Code structure
• ISO 11785:1996 - Radio frequency identification of animals - Technical concept
• ISO/IEC 17025 - Competence of testing and calibration laboratories (recommended for RA recognition)

Keywords: ISO 24631-1:2025, RFID animals, manufacturer code, ISO 11784, ISO 11785, transponder conformance, registration authority, FDX-B, HDX, animal identification.