Uniqueness of transponder numbering is guaranteed for those devices and manufacturers that are ICAR approved. Some consumers have expressed concerns as to whether manufacturer's claims of ISO compliance are valid. ICAR will examine products submitted by manufacturers to ensure that they comply with ISO 11784 and 11785. The Codes are allocated to manufacturers to enable them to produce devices and readers which can be submitted for approval testing. There are obvious implications for, companion animal recovery, international livestock trade, commerce, residue management and disease control.
Manufacturers now face a real challenge.
As an increasing number of users insist on ISO products, manufacturers lose their ability to keep their existing markets closed. They now have to compete with other manufacturers on performance and price. This in turn, within the confines of the standards encourages developments which give competitive advantage through superior performance, reduced cost or some other feature attractive to users. Standardisation and approvals will lead to more RFIDs being used. This will reduce costs, and competition for market share in the standardised markets will reduce prices.