FIME has announced that it will work with the Central Bank of Uzbekistan to supply its physical durability test tools for e-passports.
According to FIME, the suite of test tools will be implemented by Uzbekistan’s state production enterprise, Tashkent Paper Mill of GPO Davlat Belgisi, to ensure that all passports comply with physical durability specifications defined by the International Organization for Standardization.
FIME’s test tools examine the document’s ability to withstand bending, twisting and general wear and tear to ensure the quality and longevity of the product for up to ten years. In addition to supplying the test equipment, FIME will also provide on-going support and maintenance to Davlat Belgisi.
The Uzbekistan e-passport project is being rolled out in two stages, according to FIME. Phase one, which began in 2010, has already seen the biometric passport issued to citizens working for the country’s ministries, authorities and institutions, as well as those living outside of the country. The second phase, which is due to commence later this year, will equip the remaining citizens with the new passports.
The initiative is expected to raise national and civil aviation navigation security and provide quick and accurate personal identification for the country’s 28 million citizens. ![[end]](/resources/bullet/contactlessnews-4.gif)
