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Mobile Level 1 Approval Process

Mobile Level 1 approval is granted to a mobile product that supports NFC-based payment (e.g. mobile phones used for proximity payment). The Mobile Level 1 approval process attests the compliance of the mobile device to the EMV Contactless Communication Protocol Specification. It also evaluates the extent to which the mobile device impacts transaction time and verifies how well the mobile device interoperates with real payment terminals.

Search approved Mobile Level 1 Products

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 3-year Letter of Approval (LOA).

Process Summary

This summary describes the standard process for the approval of a new Mobile Level 1 product. Specific processes may apply for a product change or a derivative product submission. These additional processes are described in the administrative process.

Obtain the detailed mobile L1 Administrative process

Obtain the mobile type approval update bulletins

Obtain the contactless protocol reference specification

Obtain the specification bulletins

1 of 4 Step 1 Registration

The product provider shall fill out the Registration form. Once EMVCo accepts this 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 Mobile L1 ICS Form

Obtain the list of EMV accredited laboratories for Mobile L1 testing

3 of 4 Step 3 Product Validation

Once EMVCo has accepted the ICS, Level 1 testing is performed. The level 1 testing includes analogue, digital, validation, interoperability, and performance testing. The test results are documented in a test report that the laboratory submits to the product provider.

Obtain the Validation and Interoperability Testing Requirements specification

Obtain the Mobile L1 Test Application Requirements Specification

Obtain the activation and deactivation date of the 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 EMVCo the test reports. 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 Mobile L1 Request for Approval Form

Prerequisites

There are currently no prerequisites that product providers must complete before submitting a product for Mobile Level 1 approval.

Fee Structure

For each submission of a Mobile product for approval, either for a new product, or an update, specific fees shall be paid to EMVCo. These fees are detailed in MTA Bulletin 22. Additional information on fees may be found in the Mobile L1 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 Mobile Level 1 approval fees