The EU-funded RFID research project BRIDGE has concluded that security measures can be added to standard RFID tags to disable them at the point of sale.

In a white paper released by the Tag Security Research Group, details are given of the development of an anti-counterfeiting solution which conforms to the EPCglobal standard for RFID.

The technology allows tags to be ‘stunned’ as they exit the store – meaning they cannot then be read elsewhere to provide consumer privacy. However, the tags can then be reactivated, if needed, when the item is returned to the retailer for applications such as reverse logistics and product maintenance.

EPCglobal business manager David Lyon from standards body GS1 UK said: “With the issues of standards-compliant security addressed, retailers can now gain all the benefits that RFID can deliver in product authentication, maintenance, repairs, returns and reverse logistics.

This will result in an improved customer experience through faster returns and greater efficiency. It will also provide secure product history which can guarantee the authenticity of the goods they buy. Retailers will also be able to effectively track items that need to be disposed of, recycled and re-sold.”