What is ISO/IEC 19794-7 about?
ISO/IEC 19794-7 specifies data interchange formats for signature/sign behavioural data captured in the form of a multi-dimensional time series using devices such as digitizing tablets or advanced pen systems.
The data interchange formats are generic, in that they can be applied and used in a wide range of application areas where handwritten signs or signatures are involved.
ISO/IEC 19794-7 contains:
- A description of what data can be captured
- Three binary data formats for containing the data
- A full format for general use, a compression format capable of holding the same amount of information as the full format but in compressed form, and a compact format for use with smart cards and other tokens that does not require compression/ decompression but convey less information than the full format
- An XML schema definition
- Examples of data record contents and best practices in capture
Who is ISO/IEC 19794-7 for?
ISO/IEC 19794-7 on biometric data interchange formats is useful for:
- Forensic laboratories
- Criminal Police Institutions
- Law enforcement department
- Healthcare department
- Civil identification department
Why should you use ISO/IEC 19794-7?
ISO/IEC 19794-7 is advisable that cryptographic techniques be used to protect the authenticity, integrity, and confidentiality of stored and transmitted biometric data.
ISO/IEC 19794-7 specifies elements of conformance testing methodology, test assertions and test procedures as applicable.
ISO/IEC 19794-7 establishes test assertions on the structure and internal consistency of the signature/sign time series data formats.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS ISO/IEC 19794-7:2021 supersedes BS ISO/IEC 19794-7:2014+A1:2015. BS ISO/IEC 19794-7:2021 includes some technical changes with respect to BS ISO/IEC 19794-7:2014+A1:2015. These include:
- Inclusion of ISO/IEC 19794-7:2014/Amd 1:2015, XML encoding, and correction of technical defects therein

