ISO 24631-4:2017

Overview

ISO 24631-4:2017 sets out standardized procedures for evaluating the performance of radiofrequency identification (RFID) transceivers used in the individual identification of animals. Specifically, it focuses on transceivers that conform to the widely adopted ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 standards. This standard forms a critical part of the global framework for animal identification, supporting traceability, health management, and regulatory compliance in both agricultural and companion animal contexts.

Internationally recognized, ISO 24631-4:2017 provides manufacturers, test centers, and registration authorities with a unified approach for objectively testing RFID transceivers. Test methods specified by this standard are acknowledged by major veterinary organizations, such as FECAVA and WSAVA, enhancing its relevance for companion animal RFID systems as well.

Key Topics

• Performance Evaluation of RFID Transceivers: Establishes rigorous test methods to assess the functional effectiveness of transceivers compatible with ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 coding and transmission protocols.
• Conformance and Registration: Details the process for manufacturers to apply for performance testing and RA (Registration Authority) registration, ensuring that only compliant devices are recognized.
• Test Procedures: Describes required apparatus such as transponder emulation circuits (TECs), standardized test conditions, and measurement methodologies including reading distance and transceiver response times.
• Test Center Accreditation: Outlines criteria for test centers to be recognized by the RA, typically requiring ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, which assures competence in performing standardized measurements.
• Documentation and Confidentiality: Specifies reporting procedures and options for manufacturers regarding the public availability of performance test results.

Applications

ISO 24631-4:2017 is widely applied wherever reliable animal identification is essential, supporting robust systems for:

• Livestock management: Enabling traceability, health monitoring, and regulatory compliance for cattle, sheep, pigs, and other farm animals through accurate and consistent RFID reading.
• Companion animal identification: Providing a trusted basis for microchip reader performance used in veterinary practices, shelters, and border control, as recognized by key international associations.
• Quality assurance for RFID device manufacturers: Facilitates global market access by ensuring transceivers undergo standardized, internationally accepted testing procedures.
• Regulatory agencies and registration authorities: Supplies authorities with verifiable information about transceiver compliance, promoting harmonized animal identification systems across borders.

Related Standards

Organizations involved in animal RFID deployment may also need to reference the following standards complementary to ISO 24631-4:2017:

• ISO 11784: Defines the code structure for animal identification via RFID.
• ISO 11785: Details the technical concept and air interface for RFID-based animal identification.
• ISO 24631-1: Concerns conformance evaluation for RFID transponders and issues manufacturer codes.
• ISO 24631-2: Focuses on the conformance assessment procedure for RFID transceivers in line with ISO 11784 and ISO 11785.
• ISO 24631-5: Provides additional testing procedures to verify the capability of transceivers in reading standard transponders.
• ISO/IEC 17025: General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
• EN 300 330: Specifies technical characteristics and test methods for radio equipment operating in relevant frequency ranges.

By adhering to ISO 24631-4:2017 and related RFID standards, stakeholders can achieve high assurance in animal identification solutions, facilitating safer and more efficient animal management worldwide.