The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted new regulations for the use of improved RF identification systems in conjunction with commercial shipping containers. This order raises the maximum signal level permitted for RFID systems operating in the 433.5 to 434.5 MHz (433 MHz) band, which the FCC said would result in “more reliable transmissions with greater range” than allowed by the previous rules.

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Specifically, the FCC is increasing the maximum permitted field strength and transmission duration for 433 MHz RFID systems used to identify the contents of commercial shipping containers in commercial and industrial areas to allow more rapid and reliable data transmission. Such improved RFID systems could benefit commercial shippers and have significant homeland security benefits by enabling the entire contents of shipping containers to be easily and immediately identified, and by allowing a determination of whether tampering with their contents has occurred during shipping.

Consequently, according to FCC, the revamped regulations would result in improved security at ports, rail yards and warehouses by enabling RFID users to more rapidly inventory their shipments and determine whether the contents had been tampered.

“With more than two billion tons of freight traveling through U.S. ports and waterways yearly, ensuring the efficient flow of goods while reducing the possibility of terrorism and fraud is no easy task,” said FCC Chairman Michael Powell, in a statement. “I'm excited by the prospects for improved inventory control, lower costs, and increased homeland security that this technology promises to bring.”

For more information, visit www.fcc.gov.