NFC and RAIN RFID in a Single Label for the Digital Product Passport
One RFID label, two access methods: The CT Dual Label from CRAFT Technologies combines NFC for direct access via smartphone with UHF | RAIN RFID for batch-level tracking in logistics and production. IDCRAFT markets the solution in Europe and provides support with selection and integration.
A Single Product Identity for NFC and RAIN RFID
With the CT Dual Label from CRAFT Technologies, IDCRAFT offers a dual-frequency RFID label based on the em | echo-V (EM4425) from EM Microelectronic. The chip supports UHF | RAIN RFID in accordance with EPC Gen2v2 / ISO/IEC 18000-63, as well as HF RFID in accordance with ISO/IEC 15693 and NFC Forum Type 5.
em|echo-V
em|echo-V's integration of dual RAIN RFID and NFC with shared memory enhances connected packaging and product authenticity.
The key mechanism: Both interfaces use the same chip and shared memory. A product can therefore be automatically recorded via UHF in production, warehousing, or logistics and later read via NFC directly on the individual item.
For example, this allows EPC-based processes in the supply chain to be combined with NFC access to digital product information or a digital product passport.
Digital Product Passport Makes the Data Carrier More Important
The European Commission’s central registry for the Digital Product Passport (DPP) has been operational since July 2026. At the same time, EN 18220:2026 specifies data carriers for the DPP and includes not only 2D codes but also HF RFID, NFC, and RAIN RFID.
For manufacturers, this means that it is not only relevant what data a product passport contains, but also how the connection between the physical product and the digital data record is established.
The CT Dual Label combines two different use cases for this purpose: RAIN RFID enables the rapid identification of many products within the supply chain, while NFC allows targeted access to a single product via smartphone.
Authentication Directly on the Product
The EM4425 offers additional security features such as AES-128-based authentication, digital signatures, and tamper detection. This allows the data carrier itself to become part of an authentication strategy.
“The Digital Product Passport is only as trustworthy as the link between the product and the data record,” says Patrick Kochendörfer, Managing Director of IDCRAFT GmbH. “Even on a counterfeit product, a copied QR code leads to the genuine passport. With an authenticatable dual-frequency label, the data carrier itself becomes verifiable. The same identifier also serves for batch tracking in the supply chain.”
This allows the same RFID data carrier to be used for traceability, inventory processes, and digital access to the product.
Compact Dual-Frequency Label
The CT Dual Label measures 45 × 25 millimeters as standard, with the antenna measuring 40 × 20 millimeters. It operates at 13.56 MHz as well as in the UHF range from 860 to 960 MHz and is available as a dry inlay or self-adhesive label.
IDCRAFT offers pre-printing and data encoding as well as custom formats upon request. Planning a DPP, RFID, or NFC project? IDCRAFT provides support with selection and integration.
More information: https://www.idcraft.com/all-products/uhf-hf-rfid-label