BSI PAS 820:2012

This PAS describes a method for assessing the performance of the forensic code as used in a forensic marking product over time and through exposure to artificial weathering simulating both internal and external environments.

NOTE 1 Forensic codes in forensic marking systems can be used, for example, in the identification of the legitimate ownership of an item; for confirmation that an item is genuine (anti-counterfeiting) and to link a suspect with the scene of a crime.

It also specifies requirements for manufacture, record keeping, labelling of the forensic code and the uniqueness of the forensic code.

It is applicable to forensic codes that require laboratory analysis to verify their unique code.

It also specifies a classification system based on performance under artificial weathering conditions, which comprises the following classification codes:

• Grade A (external);
• Grade A (internal);
• Grade B (external);
• Grade B (internal);
• Grade C (external);
• Grade C (internal).

NOTE 2 Grade A represents the longest functional test life and Grade C the shortest.

This PAS does not cover:

• forensic codes, or forensic marking products, where the forensic code cannot be verified using laboratory analysis;
• the performance of the forensic code within a forensic marking product in resisting removal from a surface, whether deliberate or accidental;

  NOTE 1 This does not include the effects of artificial weathering.

  NOTE 2 This property is determined by the composition of the forensic marking product and the surface to which it is applied.

• the performance of covert and overt markers that might be components of forensic marking products;
• the requirements for other components of a forensic marking product (e.g. polymers, adhesives, dyes, solvents, greases, fluorescent or phosphorescent pigments, anti-fungicides);
• requirements for forensic marking products, i.e. the product in/on which the forensic code is used;
• forensic codes intended to have a functional test life of less than 6 months.

NOTE 3 Testing a forensic code in isolation is not usually possible. Testing is undertaken on a forensic code within a representative forensic marking product. The results might not be applicable for the same forensic code as used in different forensic marking products.