In 2012, the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China embarked on a revolutionary journey in travel document by uniformly issuing a new version of ordinary passports to its citizens: the electronic passport (ePassport). 

This new passport contains an electronic chip that holds the biometric data and other personal information of the passport holder.

(Old Version Ordinary Passport vs New Version Ordinary ePassport, Ministry of Public Security of China)

Milestones in the Development History of Chinese Passports

1950 - The First Version of Passports was Launched

The 1950 version marked the genesis of Chinese passports, representing a symbolic document in the early years of the People's Republic of China.

1992 - The Era of Machine-readable Passports

China introduced the first machine-readable passport that is compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organization standards.

2012 - The Era of Electronic Passports

The Bureau of Exit and Entry Administration of the Ministry of Public Security began issuing new electronic passports.

The Implementation of ePassport

Starting from May 15, 2012, the Ministry of Public Security began issuing the new electronic passports to ordinary citizens.

EMPTECH, as a global leading identity products and solutions provider, was awarded the new electronic passport project through a competitive bidding process, and successfully delivered hundreds of centralized personalization equipment and personalization system within the project's required time-frame. The new passports were simultaneously launched across all 31 provinces in the country.

Features of the New ePassport

Compared to the old version passports, the new e-Passport aligns with ICAO standards, incorporating an embedded electronic chip storing the holder's biometric data and other personal information. Additionally, the most advanced anti-counterfeiting elements have been applied to the new ePassport and its production employs high-strength processes and materials, significantly enhancing its overall security.

EMPTECH's Personalization System

EMPTECH's ePassport Personalization System stands as a pinnacle of innovation align with the stringent standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for Machine-Readable Travel Documents (MRPs). This sophisticated system seamlessly integrates a multitude of functions, including automatic booklet transfer and collection, data transmission, chip encoding, color ink-jet printing, quality check and more.

Employing cutting-edge color ink-jet printing technology, the system delivers true-color and durable photo to the data-page. Furthermore, the system supports automatic page flipping that reduces the time and manual effort required to prepare each page for printing, which reduces the time and manual effort required to prepare each page for printing. The high-speed production capabilities and the innovative design of dual magazines significantly enhance efficiency in large volume issuance to meet substantial demands.

(EMPTECH’s Inkjet ProBook)

Distinguished by its capability to personalize two passports simultaneously, the Personalization System maximizes operational efficiency. The inclusion of automation features, facilitating booklet loading and collection, exemplifies its commitment to streamlining processes. Additionally, rigorous quality control measures ensures the accuracy and quality of the printed data. EMPTECH's ePassport Personalization System, with its distinctive features, represents a paradigm shift in passport issuance technology, upholding the highest standards of efficiency, precision, and quality.

The Development Trend

A passport, functioning as an individual's gateway for entry and exit and providing proof of nationality and identity abroad, carries profound importance for citizens. On a national scale, it serves as the quintessential "face" of a country, symbolizing and embodying its sovereignty. Reflecting on the nearly 70-year evolution of ordinary Chinese passports since the establishment of the People's Republic of China, a discernible trajectory emerges –marked by a gradual simplification of the issuance process, continual enhancement of production standards, and a growing level of quality and advancement.

Since 1950, the metamorphosis of Chinese citizens' passports has been characterized by a myriad of changes in production technology and anti-counterfeiting techniques, evolving from rudimentary to sophisticated levels. The advent of the new electronic ordinary passport represents a significant milestone in the realm of China's passport issuance management. The personalized features integrated into ePassports play a pivotal role in elevating document security, fortifying national security measures, streamlining citizen travel processes, fostering international exchanges, and contributing to the substantial development of China's economic and social spheres. In essence, the evolution of Chinese passports stands as a testament to the nation's commitment to modernization, security, and global engagement.

References

With trusted technologies and services, EMPTECH has successfully applied our advanced anti-counterfeiting security features and personalization technologies to government-issued credentials in more than ten countries and regions, including:

■ Chinese Citizen ePassport, Diplomatic ePassport and Service ePassport

■ Hong Kong SAR ePassport

■ Kazakhstani eID and ePassport

■ Kyrgyzstani eID and ePassport

■ Belarusian eID and ePassport

■ Nepalese ePassport

■ Nigerian Voter Cards

■ Mainland Travel Permit Cards for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, and more.