Grasp EMV® Level 1 Reduced Range testing for SoftPOS
The new EMV Level 1 Reduced Range testing process released by EMVCo, applies to NFC mobile devices used for contactless payments.
The purpose of this new testing process is to evaluate the capability of COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) mobile devices like smartphones and tablets to read contactless payment cards.
Unlike traditional payment terminals, COTS devices are not specifically designed to perform contactless transactions.
Introducing the new EMV Level 1 Reduced Range testing for SoftPOS solutions (in addition to Level 2 contactless, PCI security, Acquiring evaluation) reinforces the reliability requirements of these devices. The aim of this process is to ensure smooth and efficient experience for users (merchants and customers), during Tap to Phone (AKA TAp on Phone or Tap on Mobile) transactions.
Scope of EMV Level 1 Reduced Range testing
The Reduced Range testing process evaluates the minimum compliance of mobile devices with EMV Level 1 specification. The EMV Level 1 type approval typically measures the capability of contactless card readers to read and exchange data with different types of contactless payment cards.
The testing process for EMV level 1 Reduced Range is based on the EMV Level 1 test plans for PCD type approval. It includes analog, digital and interoperability tests, with specific characteristics to evaluate the performances of such mobile devices, whether smartphones or tablets.
Reduced Range 1 vs Reduced Range 2
While digital tests are the same for all types of devices submitted to EMV L1 type approval, EMVCo distinguishes different measures for Reduced Range testing among analog and interoperability tests.
According the capabilities of NCF-enabled consumer devices, manufacturers must choose to submit their product to Reduced Range 1 or Reduced Range 2. This choice must be clearly identified in the ICS provided for EMV Level 1 Contactless Terminal Type Approval.
About administrative process
Several documents are at the disposal of product providers to define the scope of the Level 1 Reduced Range testing process, including ICS (Implementation Conformance Statement), administrative process, registration form, test guidelines, interoperability acceptance criteria. They are all available on EMVCo website.
The devices shall be submitted to the chosen laboratory for official testing sessions. The delivery must at least include the full device testing environment, a loopback application, at least 3 identical samples, additional components if necessary for the proper conduct of tests, along with guidance documentation.
Applicability
The evaluation of NFC-capable smartphones against EMV Level 1 Reduced Range Testing is already possible. The dedicated test tools are available and some laboratories are accredited for this process. The list is available on EMVCo website.
For now there is no obligation to certify NFC smartphones with EMV Level 1 Reduced Range. EMVCo encourages mobiel device manufacturers to submit their solutions to this evaluation, by applying a waiver for the payment of fees, offered to the first products submitted before September 30th 2025.
The first card brand to introduce a roadmap for the requirement of such certification is VISA. In their Tap to Phone framework document, Visa classifies the hardware eligible for Tap to Phone approval and defines a calendar for the requirement of EMV Level 1 Reduced Range approval according to the type of hardware. (eg mobile computer for business, regular smartphone, tablet). Contact us for more information about Visa Tap to Phone requirements.
For more information about EMV technology, contact and contactless specifications, or other topics related to digital payment solutions, feel free to contact our team : contact@alcineo.com
EMV® is a registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries and an unregisteredtrademark elsewhere. The EMV trademark is owned by EMVCo, LLC.