January 2026: New Standard Sets Framework for On-Board Equipment Personalization in Transport Services

The field of transport services and organizational management has taken a significant leap forward this January 2026 with the publication of a major new international standard, prEN ISO 21719-1. This document introduces a robust framework for the personalization of on-board equipment (OBE) in electronic fee collection (EFC) systems. The update is set to drive improvements in interoperability, data security, and operational efficiency across road transport, administration, and broader quality-focused industries. With one essential new standard covered in this update, professionals must stay informed to maintain compliance and optimize electronic fee collection infrastructure.

Overview / Introduction

The transport services industry is rapidly evolving to accommodate advances in intelligent transport systems (ITS), particularly in the management of electronic fee collection and related administrative processes. On-board equipment (OBE)—the hardware integral to automated tolling and compliance—now requires a sophisticated approach to personalization, ensuring every device is uniquely and securely linked to individual vehicles or users.

International standards in this sector play a critical role by providing common frameworks, harmonizing requirements, and fostering interoperability among stakeholders. Whether you manage toll infrastructures, design ITS components, or oversee quality and compliance in transport services, understanding these updated specifications is essential. In this article, you’ll gain insights into the newly released prEN ISO 21719-1 standard, its technical underpinnings, industry impact, and best practices for implementation.

Detailed Standards Coverage

prEN ISO 21719-1 – Electronic Fee Collection: OBE Personalization Framework

Electronic fee collection – Personalization of on-board equipment (OBE) – Part 1: Framework (ISO/DIS 21719-1:2025)

The prEN ISO 21719-1 standard provides a systematic, overarching framework for the personalization of on-board equipment (OBE) used in electronic fee collection (EFC) applications. EFC systems are foundational to modern toll roads, congestion charging, localization augmentation, and compliance verification, all of which depend on the secure, reliable management of in-vehicle electronic devices.

Scope and Coverage

The standard covers:

• An overall description of the EFC personalization process
• Functional and technical requirements for carrying out personalization
• Types of data and assets utilized during OBE personalization
• System architecture supporting secure data handling and write operations
• Application interfacing for secure, authenticated personalization

It targets stakeholders responsible for issuing, managing, and maintaining OBE, including road transport operators, tolling agencies, system integrators, and service providers.

Key Requirements and Specifications

Key requirements include:

• Process management: Detailed definition of how OBE personalization is carried out within the responsible entity’s domain, covering initiation, data provisioning, and asset management.
• Security mechanisms: The use of access protection, encryption, and two-way authentication (write request/response authenticators) to safeguard personalized data.
• Conformance to harmonized terminology: Updated definitions, harmonized with ISO/DIS 17573-2, ensure compatibility and interoperability between different EFC standards.
• Application data handling: Specifications for securely writing user and vehicle-related data to OBE while mitigating risks of tampering or unauthorized access.

Target Audience

• Road transport authorities and tolling operators
• Providers and integrators of ITS and EFC systems
• Quality and compliance managers in the mobility and transport sectors
• Service providers responsible for OBE lifecycle management

Practical Implementation & Changes from Previous Editions

This edition supersedes ISO/TS 21719-1:2018, incorporating:

• Enhancements in terminology and definitions, aligning with the latest harmonized EFC vocabulary
• Expanded details on authentication protocols and personalized asset management
• Guidance on overall architecture, interfaces, and system roles

Key highlights:

• Robust process flow for OBE personalization
• Enhanced security with multi-layered authentication & data encryption
• Harmonized terminology fostering interoperability across EFC systems

Access the full standard:View prEN ISO 21719-1 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

With the publication of prEN ISO 21719-1, the landscape for EFC-equipped transport organizations is set for change. Adopting this standard brings several advantages:

• Improved interoperability: A harmonized framework facilitates seamless cross-border and multi-operator tolling, vital for transnational road networks and cooperative ITS deployments.
• Stronger data protection: The focus on authentication and encryption means stronger safeguards for sensitive user and vehicle data during OBE personalization and throughout its operational lifecycle.
• Streamlined compliance: The standard aligns with international regulatory trends, giving organizations a clearer path for demonstrating due diligence and managing compliance risk.
• Operational efficiency: Well-structured processes for asset management and secure device setup can reduce errors, fraud, and administrative overhead.

Compliance Considerations: Organizations implementing EFC or managing OBE should:

1. Review existing personalization processes for alignment with new requirements.
2. Update system documentation, standard operating procedures, and staff training.
3. Engage with vendors and integrators regarding system updates to support protocol compliance.
4. Establish a timeline for auditing and transitioning to the new framework, if necessary.

Risks of Non-Compliance:

• Interoperability issues when integrating with updated or cross-border systems
• Increased vulnerability to data breaches or tampering
• Barriers to legal compliance and contractual obligations
• Possible delays or disruptions in toll collection and enforcement

Technical Insights

The prEN ISO 21719-1 standard lays out several technical considerations that organizations must address:

Common Technical Requirements

• Personalization Asset Management: Clear delineation of roles and responsibilities in managing OBE assets before, during, and after personalization
• Security Function Design: Multi-factor authentication protocols to validate both requests and responses during communication with the OBE
• Write Function Specifications: Secure interfaces for writing and encrypting application-specific data, including unique identifiers, cryptographic keys, and usage credentials

Implementation Best Practices

• Holistic Process Mapping: Organizations should map out their current OBE lifecycle processes and identify integration points for the new requirements
• System Architecture Review: Ensure that IT infrastructure supports the latest standards, particularly regarding secure communication channels and encrypted data storage
• Staff Training and Change Management: Equip technical teams and operators with clear guidance on new procedures and their purpose

Testing and Certification

• Interoperability Testing: Conduct rigorous testing to validate compatibility with other EFC standards and ensure cross-operator effectiveness
• Certification and Auditing: Engage accredited testing agencies to certify compliance and implement routine audits for continuous improvement

Conclusion / Next Steps

The adoption of prEN ISO 21719-1 marks an important evolution for transport services, administration, and quality management across the mobility sector. The standard sets a modern framework for the secure and efficient personalization of on-board equipment used in electronic fee collection, underpinning both operational performance and regulatory compliance.

Key takeaways:

• Understand and apply the new personalization framework if you deploy or manage OBE
• Prioritize security enhancements and process documentation
• Plan and execute a compliance roadmap to integrate this standard into your operations

Recommendations:

• Stay engaged with industry updates and participate in relevant standardization discussions
• Explore the full text of prEN ISO 21719-1 to ensure you meet all technical and operational requirements

For further insight into implementing these requirements, or to obtain the official document, professionals are encouraged to review the full standard via iTeh Standards.

Access the full standard:View prEN ISO 21719-1 on iTeh Standards