NATO STANDARDIZATION AGENCY

AGENCE OTAN DE NORMALISATION

MILITARY COMMITTEE LAND STANDARDIZATION BOARD (MCLSB)

3 November 2010 NSA(ARMY)1155(2010)AST/2233

MCLSB

STANAG 2233 AST (EDITION 3) - NATO CONSIGNMENT AND ASSET TRACKING BY

RADIO-FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION

References:
A. NSA(ARMY)0286(2007)AST/2233 dated 27 March 2007 (Edition 2)
B. NSA(ARMY)1116(2009)AST/2233 dated 19 October 2009

(Edition 3) (Ratification Draft 1)

1. The enclosed NATO Standardization Agreement, which has been ratified by nations
as reflected in the NATO Standardization Document Database (NSDD), is promulgated
herewith.

2. The references listed above are to be destroyed in accordance with local document
destruction procedures.

ACTION BY NATIONAL STAFFS

3. National staffs are requested to examine their ratification status of the STANAG and,
if they have not already done so, advise the MCLSB NSA, through their national delegation
as appropriate of their intention regarding its ratification and implementation.

~
eclaSSified for rel~ase to the public

in accordance with C-M(2002)60.

Reference of decision for release:

I ~t-J/
NSA(ARMY)0815(2010)1/AST i

i Dated 22 July 2010 I Cihangir AKSIT, r.fuR Civ

' - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Director, NATO Standardization Agency

Enclosure:

STANAG 2233 AST (Edition 3)

NATO Standardization Agency - Agence OTAN de normalisation

B-1110 Brussels, Belgium - Internet site: http://nsa.nato.int
E-mail: army@nsa.nato.int - Tel +32 2707 5584 - Fax +32 2 707 5718
 STANAG 2233
(Edition 3)

NORTH ATLANTIC TREATV ORGANIZATION

(NATO)

NATO STANDARDIZATION AGENCY

(NSA)

STANDARDIZATION AGREEMENT
(STANAG)

SUBJECT: NATO CONSIGNMENT AND ASSET TRACKING BY RADIO-FREQUENCY

IDENTIFICATION

Promulgated on 3 November 2010

C;h'~.
Director, NATO Standardization Agency
 RECORD OF AMENDMENTS

Reference/date of
No. Date entered Signature
amendment

EXPLANATORY NOTES

AGREEMENT

1. This STANAG is promulgated by the Director NATO Standardization Agency under

the authority vested in him by the NATO Standardization Organisation Charter.

2. No departure may be made from the agreement without informing the tasking
authority in the form of a reservation. Nations may propose changes at any time to the
tasking authority where they will be processed in the same manner as the original
agreement.

3. Ratifying nations have agreed that national orders, manuals and instructions
implementing this STANAG will include a reference to the STANAG number for purposes of
identification.

RATIFICATION, IMPLEMENTATION AND RESERVATIONS

4. Ratification, implementation and reservation details are available on request or

through the NSA websites (internet http://nsa.nato.int; NATO Secure WAN
http://nsa.hq.nato.int).

FEEDBACK

5. Any comments concerning this publication should be directed to NATO/NSA – Bvd

Leopold III - 1110 Brussels - Belgium.
 STANAG 2233
(Edition 3)

NATO STANDARDIZATION AGREEMENT

(STANAG)

NATO CONSIGNMENT AND ASSET TRACKING BY RADIO-FREQUENCY

IDENTIFICATION

Annexes: A. RFID System Requirements

B. Miscellaneous Considerations
C. Listing of Tag Data Routing Codes for NATO and PfP Countries

Related Documents:
AAP-6 NATO Glossary of Terms and Definitions (English and French)
STANAG 1059 Letter Code for Geographical Entities
STANAG 2183 NATO Consignment Tracking Communication and Security
Requirements
STANAG 2185 NATO ASSET TRACKING ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI)
STANAG 2494 NATO Asset Tracking Shipping Label and Associated Symbologies
STANAG 2495 Data Formats for Asset Tracking Technology
STANAG 4281 NATO Standard Marking for Shipment and Storage
STANAG 2345 Evaluation and Control of Personnel Exposure to Radio Frequency
Fields – 3kHz to 300GHz
ISO 9735 Electronic data interchange for administration, commerce and transport
(EDIFACT) -- Application level syntax rules
ISO/IEC 15418 Information technology -- Automatic identification and data capture
techniques -- GS1 Application Identifiers and ASC MH10 Data Identifiers
and maintenance
ISO/IEC 15434 Information technology -- Automatic identification and data capture
techniques -- Syntax for high-capacity ADC media
ISO/IEC 15961 Information technology -- Radio frequency identification (RFID) for item
management -- Data protocol: application interface
ISO/IEC 15962 Information technology -- Radio frequency identification (RFID) for item
management -- Data protocol: data encoding rules and logical memory
functions
ISO/IEC 15963 Information technology -- Radio frequency identification for item
management -- Unique identification for RF tags
ISO/IEC 19762 Information technology -- Automatic identification and data
capture (AIDC) techniques -- Harmonized vocabulary
ISO/IEC 18000-3 Information technology -- Radio frequency identification for item
management -- Part 3: Parameters for air interface communications at
13,56 MHz
ISO/IEC 18000-6C Information technology -- Radio frequency identification for item
management -- Part 6: Parameters for air interface communications at
860 MHz to 960 MHz
ISO/IEC 18000-7 Information technology -- Radio frequency identification for item

-1-
 management -- Part 7: Parameters for active air interface
communications at 433 MHz
ISO/IEC TR 24729-1 Information technology -- Radio frequency identification for item
management -- Implementation guidelines -- Part 1: RFID-enabled
labels and packaging supporting ISO/IEC 18000-6C
ISO/IEC TR 24729-2 Information technology -- Radio frequency identification for item
management -- Implementation guidelines -- Part 2: Recycling and RFID
tags
ISO/IEC TR 24729-3 Information technology -- Radio frequency identification for item
management -- Implementation guidelines -- Part 3: Implementation and
operation of UHF RFID Interrogator systems in logistics applications
ISO 3166-1 Codes pour la représentation des noms de pays et de leurs subdivisions
– Partie 1 : Codes de pays
Recommandation ERC/REC/70-03 relative à l’utilisation des appareils de faible portée (SRD)
ETSI EN 302 208 Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM) -
Radio Frequency Identification Equipment operating in the band
865 MHz to 868 MHz with power levels up to 2 W
ETSI EN 300 330-2 Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM) -
Short Range Devices (SRD) - Radio equipment in the frequency range
9 kHz to 25 MHz and inductive loop systems in the frequency range
9 kHz to 30 MHz - Part 2: Harmonized EN covering the essential
requirements under article 3.2 of the R&TTE Directive
ETSI EN 300 440 Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM) -
Short range devices - Radio equipment to be used in the 1 GHz to
40 GHz frequency range
ETSI EN 300 220 Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM) -
Short Range Devices (SRD) - Radio equipment to be used in the
25 MHz to 1000 MHz frequency range with power levels ranging up to
500 mW - Part 1: Technical characteristics and test methods
Directive 94/9/CE Appareils et systèmes de protection destinés à être utilisés en
atmosphère explosible
FCC Part 15 Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations

AIM

1. The purpose of this agreement is to achieve Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)

interoperability to support consignment and asset tracking within NATO.

SCOPE

2. The scope of this STANAG is limited to the use of RFID capabilities to support
consignment and asset tracking and applies to NATO Operations. Nations (including NATO
Agencies) are encouraged to utilize the provisions of this STANAG internally. This STANAG
excludes radio frequency data communications and the application of Radio Frequency (RF)
tracking using satellite tracking capabilities and Real Time Locating Systems. This STANAG
is in addition to the requirements of STANAGs 2494 and 4281.

-2-
AGREEMENT

3. Participating nations agree to implement the procedures for passive and/or active RFID
as described in this STANAG when introducing an RFID consignment and asset tracking
system.

DEFINITIONS

4. Terms and definitions used for the purpose of this agreement are defined in AAP-6, and
ISO/IEC 19762.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

5. The principles followed in this STANAG and which will apply to subsequent amendments
and supplements are as follows:

a. Subject to overriding operational considerations, the RFID media should be the same
in peacetime as in time of conflict.

b. The RFID media should comply, insofar as practicable, with commercial

requirements when it meets military needs.

c. This STANAG deals with the unique identification of a consignment or asset using
RFID.

d. Each RFID tag shall have a Unique tag ID. This tag ID shall conform to ISO/IEC
15963. For active RFID Tags it shall be possible to identify the tag ownership from
the Tag Data Routing Code (TDRC) found in the broadcast message response
format (ISO/IEC 18000-7).

a. The format of the TDRC for active RFID tags shall be in the K plus a two alpha
character code format as shown in Annex C, e.g. Kxx. Nations shall register
their Kxx character codes with the Nederlands Normalisatie-Instituut (NEN).
For registration procedures, see Annex C.

e. Information systems receiving, storing or processing TDRCs should be capable of

handling the varying length commercial TDRCs described in ISO/IEC 18000-7.

f. Each active high capacity RFID tag shall contain the Serial Shipping Container Code
(SSCC) of the consignment when available.

g. Other transmission of data of distinct national interest is permitted insofar as it does

not detract from the clarity of this minimum data.

h. Data message protocols for exchange of information between nations shall conform
to STANAG 2185.

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 i. All active tag data shall be identified and structured in accordance with ANS
MH10.8.2 and GS1 General Specifications (to which ISO/IEC 15418 refers) and
ISO/IEC 15434. Passive tag data formats should conform to ISO/IEC 15961and
ISO/IEC 15962 and the specific implementing application of these standards (e.g.
EPC Tag Data Standard Version 1.3 or later).

j. The air interface protocols between the interrogators and tags shall be in accordance
with ISO/IEC 18000 series for the specified operating frequency as shown in Table 1.

k. RF transmission, power levels, duty cycles, channel width and separation

(if applicable) will have to be approved by the host nation in which the equipment is
to be used.

l. In peacetime and whenever practical in times of conflict, users of active RFID

devices shall ensure compliance with National and International air safety
regulations, including Airworthiness Certifications, controlling or limiting radio
transmission when air carriage is involved.

DETAILS OF THE AGREEMENT

6. Details of the agreement are described in the Annexes as follows:

a. Annex A describes the system attributes that NATO requires to satisfy the
requirements of this STANAG.

b. Annex B describes those requirements and cautions not included in Annex A.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT

7. This STANAG is implemented when the necessary orders/instructions to adopt the

methods described in this agreement have been issued to the forces concerned.

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 ANNEX A TO
STANAG 2233
(Edition 3)

RFID SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL

1. This agreement is designed to be used in conjunction with STANAG 2495.

2. The mandatory qualifier standards and associated formats are as follows:

a. ASC MH10 Data Identifiers (DIs) and GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) in accordance
with STANAG 2495 and ISO/IEC 15418 shall be used in conjunction with data
formats in the high capacity active RFID tags. The authoritative reference for DIs is
ANS MH10.8.2. The authoritative reference for AIs is the GS1 General
Specifications.

b. The message syntax in accordance with STANAG 2495 and ISO/IEC 15434 shall be
used in conjunction with data formats and syntax in the high capacity active RFID
tags. Message syntax for passive tags shall be in accordance with ISO/IEC 15962.
ISO/IEC 15961 can be used to convert/translate the bit oriented data to and from
traditional STANAG 2495 and ISO/IEC 15434 data format structures. Additionally,
use of EPC Tag Data Standard Version 1.3 or later, simplifies the use of GS1 data
structures found in STANAG 2495.

c. Air interface standards shall be in accordance with ISO/IEC 18000, Part 3 Mode 3
(Passive), ISO/IEC 18000, Part 6C (Passive) and ISO/IEC 18000, Part 7 (Active).

d. Frequency and RF power requirements shall be agreed upon between the user and
the host nation(s) before installations are initiated. Properties such as bandwidth,
data transmission rates, duty cycle and frequency deviation are examples of
additional considerations. These requirements can be found in the host nation’s radio
regulations e.g. FCC Part 15, ETSI EN 300 220.

e. Asset tracking messages shall be in accordance with STANAG 2185.

f. RFID systems (tags and interrogators) shall conform to all safety and regulatory
requirements of the host nation and operating nation. These include but are not
limited to:

(1) The limits of human exposure as defined in NATO STANAG 2345.

(2) The limits for exposure to fuels and fuel vapours are as defined in EC 94/9.
(3) RFID tags and interrogators shall comply with ERC Rec. 70-03, ETSI EN 300
330-2 V1.1.1, EC 94/9; ETSI EN 302 208; ETSI EN 300 220 and ETSI EN 300
440 as appropriate.

3. Those implementing this agreement are encouraged to become familiar with the

A–1
following ISO Technical Reports:

a. ISO/IEC TR 24729-1 Information technology - Radio frequency identification for

item management - Implementation guidelines - Part 1: RFID -enabled labels and
packaging supporting ISO/IEC 18000-66.

b. ISO/IEC TR 24729-2 Information technology - Radio frequency identification for

item management - Implementation guidelines - Part 2: Recycling and RFID tags.

c. ISO/IEC TR 24729-3 Information technology - Radio frequency identification for

item management - Implementation guidelines - Part 3: Implementation and
operation of UHF RFID interrogator systems in logistics applications.

4. It is the intent that RFID should be used in harmony with other Automatic Identification
Technology (AIT), specifically linear bar code and 2D symbols.

5. Considering the key NATO Asset Tracking applications, the ISO references are:

a. In-transit container tracking – ISO/IEC 18000-7.

b. Shipping and receiving applications – ISO/IEC 18000-6 (Type C) for packages and
boxes of product; ISO/IEC 18000-7 for freight containers. Either technology is
applicable for returnable transport items.

c. Container park management – ISO/IEC 18000-7.

d. Individual high value asset tracking – ISO/IEC 18000-6 (Type C).

e. Individual asset tracking – ISO/IEC 18000-3 (Mode 3) or

ISO/IEC 18000-6 (Type C).

A–2
 Uses and applications of RFID technology are listed below in Table 1:

Table 1
Matching Application Requirements to Technology (Capability)

Application Parameter Value RFID Technology

In-transit container
Distance / Speed ≥ 10 m / ≤ 20 kph ISO/IEC 18000-7
tracking
Shipping and
Distance / Tags in
receiving ≤ 5 m/ 100 tags ISO/IEC 18000-6C
Field of View (FoV)
(Packages, Parcels)
Shipping and
Distance / Tags in
receiving (Freight ≤ 5 m/ 100 tags ISO/IEC 18000-7
FoV
containers)
Shipping and
receiving Distance / Tags in ISO/IEC 18000-6C
≤ 5 m/ 100 tags
(Returnable FoV or ISO/IEC 18000-7
transport item)
Container park Distance / Tags in
≤ 100 m / 100 tags ISO/IEC 18000-7
management FoV
< 0.5 m / 500 tags
18000-3 Mode 3
Asset Management Distance / Tags in
< 5 m /500 tags
– product tagging FoV
ISO/IEC 18000-6C

"Requirements for each system may or may not be identical and the values are for guidance
only. The distances and number of tags in the field of view may vary by application."

A–3
 ANNEX B TO
STANAG 2233
(Edition 3)

MISCELLANEOUS CONSIDERATIONS

1. RF SITE SURVEYS. Site surveys for RF coverage by fixed interrogators may be

required:

a. When the area to be covered is large:

Large areas are those areas that cannot be effectively covered by one omni-directional
antenna. Large areas may not be able to be covered by a single interrogator. This may
be due to the size or shape of the area. Examples of areas that may cause a problem
because of shape would include “L”-shaped areas and long narrow piers.

b. When directional coverage is necessary:

Directional coverage is often desired in a choke point scenario where coverage is

desired in only one direction and RF signals might be minimized in directions where
containers may be stored or RF interference may occur. In some cases the RF power
level of the interrogator is reduced so that only nearby containers will respond. In other
cases, devices, such as proximity detectors, may be used to trigger the interrogators,
thereby transmitting only when a container is in the field of view.

c. When materiel, terrain, or other obstacles interfere with the RF field:

A site survey should be accomplished if there is any possibility that buildings,

equipment, or containers may affect tag readability in the field of view, i.e. blocked field
of view. It should also be noted that the human body may affect readability if a person is
standing in the immediate vicinity of the tag. Another scenario within this category is
when tags of interest are inside a totally enclosed metal trailer. In such cases the tags
may be unreadable from interrogators located alongside or over the roadway.

d. Where other RF devices may be present:

Other RF generation devices such as mobile radios, wireless local area networks, alarm
systems, radio microphones, wireless audio, amateur broadcasting, radio location
devices, sealing machines, and other machinery may emit RF signals that may
unintentionally interfere with RFID devices. A site survey will enable potential users to
identify the amount, type, and source of potentially interfering emissions.

e. Where explosive ordnance and or fuels may be present:

Installation of RFID equipment where fuel and or ordnance may be present must be
subject to a site survey to ensure adherence to all relevant safety regulations.

B–1
2. ACTIVE TAG MAINTENANCE AND RETURN POLICY. The owner of active RFID tag
is responsible for the inventory, maintenance and battery replacement of the tag. Active tags
will be returned to the owner of the tags at the owner’s expense as soon as possible following
the completion of the shipment. To avoid unintended interrogations and extend battery life,
the batteries of these tags shall be reversed or disabled in accordance with the
manufacturer's instruction. Nations are encouraged to use external labels and or logos to
assist in identifying ownership and return of tags.

B–2
 Annex C TO
STANAG 2233
(Edition 3)

TAG DATA ROUTING CODES FOR NATO AND PFP COUNTRIES

Country K plus Two Code

Albania KAL
Armenia KAM
Austria KAT
Azerbaijan KAZ
Belarus KBY
Belgium KBE
Bosnia and Herzegovina KBA
Bulgaria KBG
Canada KCA
Croatia KHR
Czech Republic KCZ
Denmark KDK
Estonia KEE
Finland KFI
France KFR
Georgia KGE
Germany KDE
Greece KGR
Hungary KHU
Iceland KIS
Ireland KIE
Italy KIT
Kazakhstan KKZ
Kyrgyzstan Republic KKG
Latvia KLV
Lithuania KLT
Luxembourg KLU
The Former Yugoslav KFY
Republic of Macedonia 1
Malta KMT
Moldavia KMD
Montenegro KME
Netherlands KNL
Norway KNO
Poland KPL
Portugal KPT
Romania KRO
Russian Federation KRU

1
Turkey recognizes the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.

C–1
 Serbia KRS
Slovakia KSK
Slovenia KSI
Spain KES
Sweden KSE
Switzerland KCH
Tajikistan KTJ
Turkey KTR
Turkmenistan KTM
Ukraine KUA
United Kingdom KGB
United States KUS
Uzbekistan KUZ
NATO KXM

Registration procedures: Nations shall register their use of the Tag Data Routing Code with
the ISO registration Authority NEN.

Registration forms are available from the NEN at:

Nederlands Normalisatie-Instituut
P.O. Box 5059
2600 GB, Delft
The Netherlands

and on the web at WWW.NEN.NL

C–2