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IFM Level 1 Approval Process

The IFM Level 1 approval is granted to a contact Interface Module (IFM) of an acceptance device. The IFM Level 1 approval process attests the compliance of the IFM to the EMV Level 1 Specification.

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The Approval Process

Step 1 PROVIDER

Download & Sign registration form to receive a contract and registration number.

Step 2 PROVIDER

Select a laboratory & declare the product. Complete a conformance statement.

Step 3 LAB

Test the product and submit a test report to the product provider.

Step 4 EMVCo

Evaluates the test reports and issues a 4-year Letter of Approval (LOA).

Process Summary

This summary describes the standard process for the approval of a new IFM level 1 product. A specific process, described in the administrative process, may apply for a product renewal.

Obtain the detailed IFM administrative process

Obtain the IFM L1 reference specifications: EMV Book 1

1 of 4 Step 1 Registration

The Product Provider shall fill out the Registration form. Once EMVCo reviews and accepts the form, the Product Provider will receive a contract. Once the contract is signed, EMVCo will assign a Product Provider registration number. Registration is a one-time process.

Registration Form

2 of 4 Step 2 Product Declaration

The Product Provider shall select a Laboratory and execute bilateral, required agreements and contracts. The Product Provider shall complete an Implementation Conformance Statement (ICS) document in which it provides detailed information about the Product and supported features. The Laboratory will validate and submit the ICS to EMVCo for verification.

Obtain the IFM L1 ICS Form

Obtain the list of EMV accredited laboratories for IFM L1 testing

3 of 4 Step 3 Product Validation

Once EMVCo has accepted the ICS, the laboratory performs state type approval testing. The test results are documented in test reports that the laboratory submits to the Product Provider.

Obtain the Terminal Level 1 Mechanical and Electrical Test Cases

Obtain the Terminal Level 1 Loopback Upper Tester Specification

Obtain the Terminal Level 1 Protocol Test Cases

4 of 4 Step 4 Product Approval

Upon receipt of the test reports from the Laboratory, the Product Provider decides if it will submit the product to EMVCo for approval. Assuming so, the product provider shall complete a Request for Approval form and ask the laboratory to send the test reports to EMVCo. EMVCo will grant a Letter of Approval (LOA) when a test report demonstrates sufficient product conformance. Applicable fees must be paid before the LOA is granted.

Obtain the Request for Approval Form

Prerequisites

There are currently no prerequisites to completing the IFM Level 1 approval process.

Fee Structure

For each submission of an IFM product for approval (either for a new product, a renewal or update), specific fees shall be paid to EMVCo, as detailed in TTA Bulletin 185. Additional information on fees may be found in the IFM Administrative Process.

Note: EMVCo Accredited Laboratories will have a fee structure for laboratory testing services. EMVCo is not responsible for laboratory testing fees.

Obtain the IFM Level 1 approval fees