ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2
(Amendment)Identification cards — Integrated circuit cards — Part 15: Cryptographic information application — Amendment 2: Quantum safe cryptography
- Status
- Not Published
- Technical Committee
- ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17 - Cards and security devices for personal identification
- Current Stage
- 5020 - FDIS ballot initiated: 2 months. Proof sent to secretariat
- Start Date
- 01-Oct-2026
- Completion Date
- 01-Oct-2026
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ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 - Identification cards — Integrated circuit cards — Part 15: Cryptographic information application — Amendment 2: Quantum safe cryptography
REDLINE ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 - Identification cards — Integrated circuit cards — Part 15: Cryptographic information application — Amendment 2: Quantum safe cryptography
ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 is an ISO/IEC amendment to Part 15 of the ISO/IEC 7816 series for integrated circuit cards. It updates the cryptographic information application to support quantum safe cryptography (QSC), including how key usage, key templates and profile references are encoded. It is for people designing, implementing or integrating card-based cryptographic data structures and commands.
What does ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 specify?
ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 specifies targeted changes to the cryptographic information application in Part 15. The amendment focuses on QSC naming, key usage, supported operations and references to QSC templates inside ISO/IEC 7816-4 structures.
| Location | What it changes |
|---|---|
| Subclause 4.1 | Adds the abbreviations KEM, MSE and QSC |
| Subclause 8.2.9 | Adds usage rules for QSC key encapsulation methods |
| Subclause 8.10 | Updates supportedOperations, ProfileIndication and QSC template discoverability |
| Subclause 8.4.1 | Extends private key references to QSC templates |
| Subclause 8.5.1 | Extends public key references to QSC templates |
| Subclause 8.8.1 | Defines how QSC configuration templates are encoded in EF.DCOD |
| Clause A.10 | Mirrors the updated ProfileIndication definition |
The amendment is written as insertions and replacements to existing clauses rather than as a full standalone rewrite. In practice, that means implementers need to apply the new encodings and references to the existing Part 15 model.
What are the key requirements of ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2?
QSC terms and key usage
ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 adds the abbreviations KEM, MSE and QSC in subclause 4.1. This gives implementers the shared vocabulary used by the rest of the amendment.
In subclause 8.2.9, the usage component for QSC keys involved in a key encapsulation algorithm shall be set to encipher for KEM.Encapsulate() and to decipher for KEM.Decapsulate(). That makes the key role explicit in the card profile, so the same object is interpreted the same way by different systems.
Operation signalling and card capabilities
ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 updates subclause 8.10 so QSC supportedOperations values encode BIT STRING {encipher} or BIT STRING {decipher} for the two KEM methods. It also allows QSC operations to be identified by AlgorithmInfo.algRef and triggered at the card interface using APDU with MSE and a CRT.
In practice, a card can expose QSC either through operation bits or through an algorithm reference. That helps issuers and reader software advertise and select the right QSC capability without inventing a separate mechanism.
Profiles, templates and references
ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 changes ProfileIndication in subclause 8.10 to a CHOICE of profileOID, profileName or profilePath. This gives profile data a path-based reference, which is useful when the profile is stored in card structures rather than named only by an identifier.
The same subclause allows profilePath to reference the QSC discoverability templates DO'7F78' and DO'7F79' from ISO/IEC 7816-4 structures. Those templates describe how to combine single keys and how KEM variants can be triggered, including variants with or without authentication.
Key and configuration template encoding
In subclauses 8.4.1 and 8.5.1, othergenericPrivateKey and othergenericPublicKey may reference QSC key templates DO'7F75' and DO'7F76' by encoding ReferencedValue as Path. The common parameters template DO'7F77' can be referenced from either template.
Subclause 8.8.1 defines how QSC parameterized configuration templates are encoded in EF.DCOD. Proprietary templates use opaqueDO, while the standardized DO'7F78' and DO'7F79' use an ISO/IEC 7816-4 compatible iso7816DO entry that can be retrieved by GET DATA. That matters when a card must expose standardized template data instead of opaque application-specific content.
What terms does ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 define?
- KEM -
key encapsulation mechanism; the amendment ties this term toKEM.Encapsulate()andKEM.Decapsulate(). - MSE -
manage security environment; the command context used to set up the security environment for QSC operations. - QSC -
quantum safe cryptography; the cryptographic category introduced by this amendment. - ProfileIndication - a
CHOICEthat can identify a profile byprofileOID,profileNameorprofilePath. - profilePath - a path-based reference used to point to QSC templates and other data objects inside ISO/IEC 7816-4 structures.
- AlgorithmInfo.algRef - the algorithm reference used to identify card capabilities when QSC operations are not signalled only by
supportedOperations. - EF.DCOD - the file context named in subclause 8.8.1 where QSC configuration templates may be nested.
Who uses ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2?
ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 is used by smart card architects, card operating system developers, security module vendors and system integrators that handle cryptographic objects on integrated circuit cards. It is relevant when they define card profiles, encode key templates, expose QSC capabilities or build reader software that selects QSC operations.
It also matters to test laboratories and quality teams that verify card data objects, APDU behaviour and the encoding of standardized templates. Those teams need the document when checking that the card and the reader use the same QSC references and usage values.
What changed in ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 from the previous edition?
ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 adds QSC-related updates to ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016. The amendment states these main changes:
- adds KEM, MSE and QSC in subclause 4.1
- sets the usage component for
KEM.Encapsulate()andKEM.Decapsulate() - updates
supportedOperationsandAlgorithmInfo.algRefhandling for QSC - expands
ProfileIndicationto includeprofilePath - extends private key, public key and configuration template references
- carries the
ProfileIndicationupdate into Clause A.10
Which standards are used with ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2?
- ISO/IEC 7816-4 - provides the data object framework, ISO/IEC 7816-4 compatible entries and
GET DATAretrieval used forprofilePathand template access. - ISO/IEC 7816-8:2021/Amd.1:2023 - is cited for the meaning of
supportedOperationsbits and the KEM-related operation encoding. - ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/Amd.1:2018 - is the earlier amendment text that the private key and public key clauses extend.
What does the ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 document contain?
ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 contains ASN.1 updates, data object encoding rules and template references for QSC. It covers discoverability and retrieval of QSC keys, common parameters and configuration templates, including DO'7F75' through DO'7F79'.
It also describes how cards signal QSC capability through supportedOperations, AlgorithmInfo.algRef and MSE-based APDU use. Annex A carries the matching ProfileIndication change for the annexed definition.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 07-Jan-2025
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ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 - Identification cards — Integrated circuit cards — Part 15: Cryptographic information application — Amendment 2: Quantum safe cryptography
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Frequently Asked Questions
ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 is a draft published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Identification cards — Integrated circuit cards — Part 15: Cryptographic information application — Amendment 2: Quantum safe cryptography". This standard covers: Identification cards — Integrated circuit cards — Part 15: Cryptographic information application — Amendment 2: Quantum safe cryptography
Identification cards — Integrated circuit cards — Part 15: Cryptographic information application — Amendment 2: Quantum safe cryptography
ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 35.240.15 - Identification cards. Chip cards. Biometrics. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAmd 2 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
FINAL DRAFT
Amendment
ISO/IEC
7816-15:2016/
FDAM 2
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17
Identification cards — Integrated
Secretariat: BSI
circuit cards —
Voting begins on:
2026-10-01
Part 15:
Cryptographic information
Voting terminates on:
2026-11-26
application
AMENDMENT 2: Quantum safe
cryptography
Cartes d'identification — Cartes à circuit intégré à contacts —
Partie 15: Application des informations cryptographiques
AMENDEMENT 2
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
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Reference number
ISO/IEC 781615:2016/FDAM 2:2026(en) © ISO/IEC 2026
FINAL DRAFT
ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAM 2:2026(en)
Amendment
ISO/IEC
7816-15:2016/
FDAM 2
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17
Identification cards — Integrated
Secretariat: BSI
circuit cards —
Voting begins on:
Part 15:
Cryptographic information
Voting terminates on:
application
AMENDMENT 2: Quantum safe
cryptography
Cartes d'identification — Cartes à circuit intégré à contacts —
Partie 15: Application des informations cryptographiques
AMENDEMENT 2
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
© ISO/IEC 2026
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
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© ISO/IEC 2026 – All rights reserved
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ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/FDAM 2:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are
members of ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical
committees established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity.
ISO and IEC technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the ISO/
IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives or www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs).
ISO and IEC draw attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the
use of (a) patent(s). ISO and IEC take no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any
claimed patent rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO and IEC had not
received notice of (a) patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers
are cautioned that this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent
database available at www.iso.org/patents and https://patents.iec.ch. ISO and IEC shall not be held
responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
In the IEC, see www.iec.ch/understanding-standards.
This document was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 17, Cards
...
ISO/IEC 7816-15:2016/DAMFDAmd 2:2025(en)
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17
Secretariat: BSI
Date: 2026-0309-16
Identification cards — Integrated circuit cards —
Part 15:
Cryptographic information application - Amendment
AMENDMENT 2: Quantum safe cryptography
Cartes d'identification — Cartes à circuit intégré à contacts —
Partie 15: Application des informations cryptographiques - Amendement
AMENDEMENT 2 : Mise à jour pour le support de la cryptographie post quantique
FDIS stage
© ISO/IEC 20252026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel.Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
© ISO/IEC 2026 – All rights reserved
ii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members
of ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees
established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC
technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental
and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the ISO/IEC
Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives or www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs).
ISO and IEC draw attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of
(a) patent(s). ISO and IEC take no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed
patent rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO and IEC had not received
notice of (a) patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are
cautioned that this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database
available at www.iso.org/patents and https://patents.iec.ch. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for
identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
In the IEC, see www.iec.ch/understanding-standards.
This document was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 17, Cards and security devices for personal identification.
A list of all parts in the ISO/IEC 7816 series can be found on the ISO and IEC websites.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html and www.iec.ch/national-
committees.
© ISO/IEC 2026 – All rights reserved
iii
Identification cards — Integrated circuit cards —
Part 15:
Cryptographic information application - Amendment
AMENDMENT 2: Quantum safe cryptography
Subclause 4.1
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