ISO 24631-2:2017

Overview

ISO 24631-2:2017 is an international standard developed by ISO for the evaluation of conformance of radiofrequency identification (RFID) transceivers used in animal identification. This standard ensures that RFID transceivers comply with the requirements set out in ISO 11784 and ISO 11785, which define the code structure and technical specifications for animal RFID devices. The standard covers procedures for conformance testing, application for registration, and outlines the rights and obligations of involved parties. The testing methods outlined are recognized by major veterinary associations, facilitating reliable and standardized animal identification practices globally.

Key Topics

• Conformance Evaluation: ISO 24631-2:2017 describes in detail how to evaluate whether an RFID transceiver meets the requirements of ISO 11784 and ISO 11785, including mandatory testing for frequency, functionality, and synchronization (specifically for mobile transceivers).
• Registration Process: The standard specifies the procedure for manufacturers to apply for RFID transceiver conformance testing, detailing submission requirements and the process for obtaining a transceiver registration reference number.
• Test Procedures: It outlines comprehensive test setups for activation field frequency, timing, functional code reading, and wireless synchronization for mobile RFID readers.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Defines the responsibilities of manufacturers, registration authorities (RA), and RA-recognized test centers in the conformance process.
• Scope Limitation: The document applies a wireless synchronization test only to mobile transceivers and does not include tests for wired synchronization of stationary units.
• Association Recognition: The procedures are officially recognized by the Federation of European Companion Animals Veterinary Association (FECAVA) and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).

Applications

ISO 24631-2:2017 is applied in several critical domains related to animal management:

• Livestock Management: Ensures accurate and standardized individual animal identification, supporting traceability and health monitoring for agricultural animals.
• Companion Animal Tracking: Facilitates reliable RFID usage for pets, as recognized by major global veterinary associations.
• Animal Movement and Trade: Meets regulatory requirements for tracking movements of animals across borders and within supply chains.
• Breeding and Research Programs: Provides confidence in the traceability and documentation of animals in breeding and scientific research.
• Veterinary Practice: Enables consistent use of RFID readers in clinics, shelters, and during microchipping initiatives.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports compliance with national and international regulations on animal identification and traceability.

Related Standards

• ISO 11784: Specifies the code structure for animal RFID, foundational for conformance.
• ISO 11785: Details the technical concept for animal RFID systems, to which transceivers must conform.
• ISO 24631-1: Covers evaluation and conformance requirements for RFID transponders and the granting of manufacturer codes.
• ISO/IEC 17025: General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, relevant for RA-recognized test centers.
• ISO/IEC 17000: Provides vocabulary and general principles for conformity assessment.
• ISO 3166-1: Defines country codes, used within the RFID code structure.

Practical Value

Implementing ISO 24631-2:2017 ensures that RFID transceivers for animal identification are tested against internationally recognized criteria, promoting interoperability, compatibility, and reliability across RFID systems worldwide. Manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and veterinary professionals benefit from enhanced traceability, reduced errors, and streamlined registration, ultimately supporting animal health, welfare, and food safety initiatives.

Keywords: ISO 24631-2:2017, RFID transceivers, animal identification, ISO 11784, ISO 11785, conformance testing, veterinary RFID, animal traceability, registration authority, wireless synchronization, livestock management.