Entries by Maximilian Reinders

April 2026 – New Version of Kernel specification relased

The CPACE Kernel Functional Specification V1.2 is now available.  Please check it on the dedicated Specification webpage. The specification was redesigned to become more self-contained. This version uses a combination of flow charts and textual descriptions to completely describe the CPACE Kernel processes. The “Changes” document that can be found next to the Specifications document […]

April 2026 – Documents update

The revised version 1.4.3 of the document Implementation Conformance Statement (ICS) for the CPACE Kernel is now available.  Please check it on the dedicated Certification webpage. This new version now contains a reference to the CPACE Kernel Specification Bulletin N°5

March 2026 – ECPC Position Paper on Crypto-Agility Strategies

Currently, cryptography faces the challenge of the potential development of quantum computers which could break today’s asymmetric cryptographic schemes. This development potentially affects the card payment landscape. While online transactions based on AES are by the current state of knowledge not vulnerable to the quantum threat, for offline transactions and other use cases action is […]

February 2026 – Certification framework update

The revised version 1.9 of the document ECPC – Product (Card Application-POS Kernel-MPA) – Certification Framework is now available in the dedicated Certification webpage. This new version provides clarifications about required test sessions, content updates about CPACE references (ICS CPACE DIC 1.6) , and adjustments aimed at enhancing the consistency and accuracy of the information […]

Launch of the eSecCPACE Program- July 2024

The development and usage of the CPACE specifications continues to evolve. The specific Certification Framework: “ General Framework for Security Evaluation of Payment Cards and Similar Devices V1.1” has been published. After a validation phase, the eSecCPACE program (Evaluation of Security by ECPC for CPACE products) is now available to perform security evaluation and certify […]

Message from the ECPC Board of Directors

The ECPC was founded in April 2020, to develop and evolve the CPACE standard, when a pandemic was rapidly changing life as we knew it. Payments were no exception, and the contactless technology required an independent and cost-efficient standard to promote its usage. Only four years later, we are proud of the achievements in the […]

ECPC News – January 2024

The development and usage of the CPACE specs continues to evolve. The MB Portuguese scheme has recently launched several wearables (bracelets and key chains for example), using a CPACE chip, that enable users to perform contactless payments when shopping.

October 2023 – Specification Updates

The following updated specifications are now available CPACE DIC Functional Specification V1.1 Functional Specification for the Update of Directory Entries in PSE, PPSE and CPACE Applications V1.3 CPACE HCE Functional Specification V1.1 Please check it on the dedicated documents webpage.

ECPC News – September 2023

The ECPC acknowledges the many achievements that took place during the last three years, under the guidance of Ms Carmen Carnero as the company’s CEO. The Board of Directors thanks Ms Carnero and wishes her all the best in her new endeavours.A new CEO, Ms Ana Grade, has been elected at the July Board Meeting. […]