LPS 1225 Issue 3.2 Requirements for the LPCB approval and listing of asset marking systems

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Asset marking device

A method of securely marking or tagging an asset so as to provide visible information uniquely linking the asset, via a nominated secure database register, to the legal owner of the asset.

Asset marking system

The system comprises marking devices (either overt or overt and covert) and a secure database register used to provide traceability of a marked asset to the legal owner.

Asset identification code

Series of at least four alphabetic and/or numeric characters incorporated on an overt marking device.

Covert asset marking device

This a method of uniquely identifying legal ownership of an asset via a nominated secure database register, that when applied to an asset, it is:

1. Secure and hidden from direct view.
2. Cannot be read with the unaided eye, assuming normal vision and average lighting conditions.

Fully cured state

Where an adhesive or chemical is used to attach or mark an asset, this is the state when the mark is fully cured, that is, a maximum bond / permanent mark has been achieved.

Manual intervention attack test

A manual attempt at preventing the effectiveness of the marking device.

Maximum test duration

The maximum duration of a manual intervention attack test which is the sum of the accrued working time, rest time of an operative for well being and safety reasons, time to change tools or exchange defective expendable tool elements and any inspection time.

Maximum working time

The aggregate time of a manual intervention attack test.

Note: This includes the working time of any treatments applied during the tests in an attempt to remove or damage the integrity of the asset marking device.

Overt asset marking device

This is a method of uniquely identifying legal ownership of an asset via a nominated secure database, that when applied to an asset, it is:

1. Can be read with the unaided eye, assuming average lighting conditions.
2. Links the asset to the legal owner.

Resistance rating

Indication of the degree of resistance of an asset marking device to manual intervention.

Secure database register

A system of recording the legal ownership of an asset using the unique asset identification code present on the marking device that is applied to the asset.

The marking system shall incorporate at least one form of overt marking device.

When installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s product instructions, the overt marking device shall be secure, visible and identify the owner of a marked asset via a nominated database. The marking device shall be linked to a secure database register which shall be either:

1224. A database that meets the requirements of LPS 1224.
1225. The DVLA register.

The asset identification code shall uniquely identify the marked asset and be capable of being transferred should the owner relocate, sell or cancel ownership of the asset.

Where possible, asset marking devices shall incorporate security elements to minimize the possibility of their replication and/or substitution.

Product instructions shall be supplied with the asset marking system together with documentation relating to registration of an asset and change of details / ownership.

• Overt asset marking devices

At least one overt asset marking device shall be placed in a clearly visible location so as to act as a deterrent to a potential thief.

• Covert asset marking devices

If a covert asset marking device is employed within the asset marking system then the device shall be:

Securely fastened to the asset.

1. Identify the legal owner of the asset via a nominated database using specific detection equipment.

The covert device in use shall be identifiable via the database to which the overt device is linked.

• Information to be displayed on an overt asset marking device

Information contained on an overt asset marking device shall be clearly readable with the unaided eye, assuming normal vision and average lighting conditions. All characters shall be at least 2 mm high.

The asset identification code shall be at least equal in resistance to removal as the marking device / asset on which it is printed.

Information to be present on each overt asset marking device:

The asset identification code.

1. The LPCB certificate number and telephone number of the database that the marking device is registered on. Where this is not practical, a separate warning label or labels shall be supplied with the marking system and shall include this information. Advice regarding application of any warning label shall be included in the instructions supplied with the asset marking system.
2. A code to identify any covert marking device incorporated in the asset marking system.

• The LPCB certificate number of the overt marking device. Where this is not practical, this information shall be displayed on any warning label as described in ii).

Information to be supplied by the applicant

Prior to examination and testing, an applicant shall furnish the LPCB with comprehensive information about the product for their consideration. All documents shall be dated and given a reference number and issue description. If the applicant is not the manufacturer then an application must be accompanied by written permission from the manufacturer for testing to be undertaken.

The applicant shall supply the following detailed information relating to the product and hardware to be tested.

1. Manufacturing responsibilities:
   1. Name of manufacturer.
   2. Place of manufacture.

• Relationship of applicant to manufacturer.

1. Company responsible for design and quality assurance.

1. Specifications and drawings accurately detailing the asset marking device(s) incorporated in the system, including:
   1. Data sheets for any adhesives, etching, curing or other chemical agents that affect the performance of the asset marking device.
   2. Material specifications for any tags, plates or stickers incorporated in the system.

• Appropriate material hazard data sheets.

1. Instructions and specification for secure and effective installation / use of the asset marking device(s) incorporated in the system.
2. Whether the product and hardware to be tested are prototypes or in series production.
3. Details regarding the secure database register to which the marking device is linked:
   1. Name of the operator.
   2. The LPS 1224 certificate number or application for certification of the secure database register.

• Asset registration and “change of detail” forms.

1. Relationship of the applicant to the database management company. Copy of agreement between the applicant and the database management company with respect to the device to be tested.

Specimens to be supplied for testing

Subsequent to the LPCB’s acceptance of an application for certification, the following shall be observed:

1. The applicant shall supply the agreed number of specimens.
2. If a prototype marking device is supplied for testing, certification will not be given until the drawings for subsequent series production have been examined and confirmed that they accord with the tested prototype or that any changes will not effect the resistance rating.
3. Additional components of some products may be requested for testing purposes.
4. When the product incorporates advances or changes in technology, then additional specimens or components may be requested for evaluation prior to the supply of the agreed specimens.
5. The number of specimens to be supplied for testing shall be specified by the laboratory and shall be dependent on the range and scope of application of the devices.

All specimens shall be supplied complete with any associated accessories and instructions.

• Examination
• Data

All information and drawings supplied will be reviewed to ensure suitability for test, certification and end-user purposes.

Resistance rating requirements for manual intervention attack testing

The overall objective is to confirm the resistance rating classification of the overt asset marking device for the scope of application stipulated in the product instructions that are supplied with the asset marking device. This is achieved by conducting a series of manual intervention attack tests in order to determine both the resistance to erasure of any marking that provides traceability, with or without damage to the asset, and resistance to complete removal of the marking without evidence of previous existence.

The requirements for both phases and each resistance rating classification are given in Table 1.

• Manual intervention attack testing

Using equipment from the list appropriate to the resistance rating classification

expected, see Table 1, attempts are made to:

1. Deface the overt marking device, such that the asset is no longer traceable to the legal owner, i.e. the asset identification code and any code identifying covert devices are no longer legible.
2. Remove the marking device and, where applicable, refurbish the asset such that there is no evidence of the asset having been marked.

Classification is determined in the fully cured state.

Resistance rating classification

The overall classification designation achieved is given by two numerals separated by a plus sign. The first numeral represents the resistance rating to erasure of traceability and the second numeral to complete removal / asset restoration, e.g. 2+6.

Explanation of resistance rating classifications

Attack equipment

The equipment manifest for the manual intervention attack tests and the ascribed equipment category is as follows.

Manual dexterity without the aid of any tool. Equipment category B

Manual intervention attack testing

The test laboratory shall be nominated by the LPCB in agreement with the applicant.

The apparatus for the manual intervention attack tests shall consist of:

1. A representative asset or a sample of substrate material simulating the surface of an asset in accordance with that specified by the applicant as being compatible with the marking device. Either shall be securely mounted to a suitable sub-structure in order to prevent excessive movement during testing.
2. Attack equipment of the appropriate category as specified in Clause 4.4.

Apply the asset marking device under test to the representative asset or simulated surface in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and mount as described in Clause 4.5.2, with the mark confronting the test operative.

A series of attack tests using equipment of the appropriate category relative to the resistance rating expectation shall then be undertaken. For each attack only one test operative may be used.

Each individual attack test shall be continued until one of the following occurs:

• The objective of the attack test is achieved.
• The maximum test duration is exceeded.
• It is decided to abandon the test owing to ineffectiveness for classification purposes.

Attack tests shall only be aimed at specimens which have not been damaged by a previous test to the same target area.

During each individual attack test the timing device used to measure test duration shall remain activated. The resolution of this device shall be at least 1 second. The timing device(s) used to record working time shall have a resolution of at least 0.01 second. At the conclusion of the test the aggregate working time shall be rounded to the next full second.