ISO 26021-1:2022

Overview

ISO 26021-1:2022 specifies the application and communication interface for the end-of-life (EoL) activation of in-vehicle pyrotechnic devices using the vehicle’s electronic interface at the diagnostic link connector (DLC). The standard defines use cases, communication setup, message sequences and technical requirements to ensure on-board activation (scrapping) of pyrotechnic components (e.g., inflators, seatbelt pretensioners) so that no pyrotechnic substances remain in a vehicle at EoL. It describes interaction between a pyrotechnic device deployment tool (PDT) and vehicle pyrotechnic control unit(s) (PCU(s)), and references unified diagnostic services (UDS) from the ISO 14229 series over diagnostic communication on CAN (DoCAN) and Internet Protocol (DoIP).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & use cases: Discovery of communication interfaces (DoCAN/DoIP), authentication flows, system and PCU initialization, device scrapping sequences, and termination.
• Communication setup: Service and application layer definitions, OSI-layer service interfaces (A_Data.req/ind/conf), DoCAN and DoIP discovery and addressing.
• UDS integration: Mapping of required UDS services (ISO 14229 series) and message sequences for reading identifiers, VIN, PCU address info, and executing scrapping modules.
• Security & tamper protection: Optional credentials-based authentication and authorization between PDT and vehicle; measures to protect defined EoL activation processes against tampering.
• PCU technical requirements: Timing parameters, scrapping program module (SPM) and loader (SPL) behavior, loop identification tables and reporting requirements.
• Test equipment note: PDT-specific requirements and test-equipment behavior are defined in a separate PDT-specific standard (not within ISO 26021-1).

Applications - who uses this standard

• Automotive OEMs - to design PCUs and vehicle diagnostics that support safe EoL scrapping.
• Vehicle dismantlers and recyclers - to safely neutralize pyrotechnic devices before disposal or recycling.
• Test equipment and tool manufacturers - to build compliant PDTs and diagnostic tools for EoL activation.
• Regulators and safety engineers - to specify safe EoL handling procedures and verify compliance.
• Aftermarket service providers - when contracted for end-of-life neutralization workflows.

Benefits include verified elimination of pyrotechnic hazards without component removal, standardized communication and auditability, and secure authentication options to prevent misuse.

Related standards

• ISO 14229 (Unified Diagnostic Services - UDS) - required UDS services and message conventions.
• Diagnostic communication protocols: DoCAN (diagnostic over CAN) and DoIP (diagnostic over IP).