Bio Metric Devices Certification

Biometric devices are fundamental in the most modern forms of authentication in applications, such as the Aadhaar program in India, wherein the proper and safe deployment of such devices for effective biometric identification is essential. The proper certification of biometric devices ensures that they meet defined standards in the areas of safety, security, and performance. Biometric device certification is a critical requirement to be assured of authentication systems reliability and security. Once the device is certified under UIDAI specifications, this will assure the users' comfort while enabling access to secure services. As technology develops, constant improvements in certification processes are inevitable to meet upcoming challenges and sustain public trust in biometric systems.

Objectives of Bio Metric Devices Certification

The objective of the Certification of the QR code scanner is to facilitate the availability of the Quality Assessed Devices to user agencies. The objective is to ensure the device suppliers are certified based on their capability to supply QR Code Scanner which meets the technical specification of the UIDAI and the suppliers must have an adequate support system that ensures the availability of device functions/ services.

The main aim of Testing and Certification is to ensure that the Device under Testing (DUT) complies with the requirements, relevant standards, specifications, which includes specifications released by UIDAI for UID application.

The objectives verify that:

• The extent to which the requirements are prescribed in the UIDAI specifications have been fulfilled.
• The extent to which the applicable regulations, standards and specifications are set out in the applicable Quality Specification. 
• Provide opportunity for the Vendors to understand defects/ non-conformance and rectification for the same.
• To grant certification and provide assurance to users of device that the certified product meets UIDAI requirements.

Scope of Certification:

• Scope of Certification covers various types of Biometric Authentication/Enrolment Devices for Aadhaar Ecosystem.
• Certification Committee will issue the certificate after getting satisfied with the recommendation of the certificate committee. On completion of the activities and the fulfillment of the certification and evaluation criteria and receipt of the payment, the certificate gets issued along with the test report.

Lock/Unlock Biometrics:

• It will enable the Resident to lock and temporarily unlock their biometrics. This is to protect the privacy and confidentiality of Resident’s Biometric Data which includes fingerprint and iris. Locked Biometrics ensures the Aadhaar holder will not be able to use their biometric for authentication. Registered Mobile Number is essential to avail this service. 

The assurance necessary for the characteristic of the device:

• Device Portability
• Image Quality leading to data quality
• Durability for varied environmental and climatic conditions
• Safety and Electro-magnetic compatibility of the devices
• Functional Testing
• Security Testing
• Authentication accuracy management

Supplier (Services)

Supplier is that party which is responsible for providing Devices and is also able to ensure that Quality assessment is performed. The supplier can also be client, vendor, channel partner, authorized agent with a legal entity in India. For this purpose, supplier is the applicant and is also responsible for placing devices in the market after obtaining the certification.

Manufacturer (Product)

Legal Entity anywhere in the world that makes device through a process which involves raw materials, components (optical, optoelectronics, electronics, embedded software, etc.) or assemblies, usually on a large scale with different operations divided among different workers. They are also responsible for Quality Assurance of the produced devices which are including Testing of Devices as per UIDAI requirements.

Quality Assessment

The total measures carried out consistently and systematically, that ensures the devices for the UIDAI Application which conform to the requirements of the stated specifications.

Device

Device submitted for certification includes Fingerprint scanner, IRIS Scanner, Pre-certified Hardware, and QR Code Scanners.

Certification Agreement

An agreement which is part of the Certification System, and which details the mutual rights and obligations of the certificate holder and the Certification Body, and which includes the right to use the certificate.

All biometric devices which are used for authentication shall be certified as required and as per specifications issued from time to time by the Authority for this purpose.

Certification Body

This body conducts certification for compliance/conformity with respect to published standards and any supplementary documentation required under the system. All the operations and functions of the Certification body will be performed by STQC Directorate.

QR code is an image of a matrix barcode that helps to store data in two dimensions. UIDAI has developed a secure QR code for e-Aadhaar / Aadhaar letter which carries demographic information & photograph digitally signed by UIDAI. Users can read the information in Secure QR code to verify the details of the person presenting the e-Aadhaar / Aadhaar letter thus, facilitating offline identity verification.

The ultimate goal of biometric device certification is to give confidence to the users about the reliability and safety of these devices. Certified devices are very important for various applications, such as:

• Quality assurance: The devices can be ensured as being built according to stiff QMS.
• User Confidence: Assures the end-users that the certified devices are safe and reliable.
• Market Access: Certified devices can be marketed to different agencies that require compliance with UIDAI standards.

In addition, certified manufacturers are more capable of assisting enrollment agencies through training and maintenance services.

The certification scheme covers a wide range of biometric devices, such as:

Authentication Devices:

• Fingerprint scanners
• Iris recognition devices (both discrete and integrated)

Enrollment Devices:

• Fingerprint scanners
• Iris devices
• QR code scanner devices for offline authentication
• Pre-certified hardware (PCH)

• Test and certification charges 
• Technical construction file 
• GeM (Government e-Marketplace) Registration Number
• Certification Agreement 
• Three Nos. of QR Code Scanner Device to be tested. 
• Test environment for functional testing 
• Compliance statements and Test reports
• Arrangement to witness the specialized testing (if applicable) at manufacturer facility, in case the in-house facility for the same is not available with STQC.

Application Submission

To start with the certification process, producers are required to submit a properly filled application form accompanied by several supporting documents, such as:

• Technical Construction File (TCF)
• Test and certification charges
• Document providing details of device specifications along with compliance with UIDAI requirements

STQC assesses these applications to ensure that they match the set criteria before advancing to the testing process.

The testing process contains several key stages:

Preliminary Test: The STQC tests the TCF to check if it meets the preliminary criteria.

Device Testing: Devices are tested to their utmost limits to test against a range of parameters such as:

• Hardware feature testing
• Environmental testing
• Image quality evaluation

Final Report: After testing, a final test report is produced detailing the results and corrective actions that may be needed.

Certification Levels of Bio Metric Devices

There are two fundamental certification levels

• Provisional Certificate: It is provided after primary tests suggest there is some level of assurance of the devices' conformity
• Certificate of Approval: It is offered only after advanced testing is used to show that the devices meet every technical specification, as well as the overall standards of quality.

Compliance with UIDAI Specifications

Compliance with UIDAI specifications is a critical aspect of the certification process. The UIDAI sets forth specific guidelines that biometric devices must adhere to, including:

• Unique device identification for traceability
• Secure processing of biometric data within a protected environment
• Elimination of unencrypted biometric data transmission

These measures help prevent fraud and enhance the overall security of biometric systems.

While the certification process is important for quality and security, it also poses some challenges:

• Fast Pace of Technological Innovation: Biometric technology advances very rapidly, which makes it hard to keep up with certification processes.
• Resource-Intensive Process: The testing and evaluation process requires many resources from manufacturers and the certification body.
• Market Competition: As more players enter the market, maintaining high standards while ensuring timely certifications can be challenging.

Future Directions in Biometric Certification

Looking ahead, several trends may shape the future of biometric device certification:

• Integration of Advanced Technologies: Incorporating AI and machine learning into biometric systems could enhance accuracy and security.
• Higher Standardization: Because the demand for biometric solutions is increasing around the globe, there could be more uniform standardization of the process in different regions.
• Emphasis on Data Protection: As the concerns of data privacy grow, certifications might focus more on data protection during the authentication process.

By responding to such trends, certification bodies will ensure that they are well-aligned and relevant in a technologically evolving environment.

Corpseed can assist with Biometric Devices Certification by guiding you through the application process, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and coordinating testing with accredited labs. Our expertise helps streamline the certification process, making it efficient and hassle-free.