What is this PAS about?
A forensic code is a uniquely identifiable organic or inorganic code that can be verified by laboratory analysis and is used to link an item to an owner, manufacturer or location, or a suspect to a stolen item or crime scene. A product that incorporates a forensic code in a ready-to-use format is known as a forensic marking product. This PAS exists to help manufacturers assess the functional life of forensic codes and products under accelerated weathering conditions.
Who is this PAS for?
Why should you use this PAS?
PAS 820 aims to provide a credible and repeatable test method to assess the functional life of a forensic code within a forensic marking product under accelerated weathering conditions.
It provides a classification scheme to help end users identify the conditions under which the forensic code has been tested and compare tested products against their needs.
The functional test life of forensic codes can be measured in years and it is often not viable to undertake testing in real time. However, it is necessary to determine the likely effects of filtered or unfiltered ultraviolet (UV) light and exposure to moisture on the performance of the forensic codes.
Artificial weathering tests use specific test procedures, allowing exposure to be conducted under controlled conditions, accelerating the natural degradation of materials.
This PAS describes a method for assessing the performance of the forensic code as used in a forensic marking product over time and through exposure to artificial weathering simulating both internal and external environments.
It also specifies requirements for manufacture, record keeping, labelling of the forensic code and the uniqueness of the forensic code. It applies to forensic codes that require laboratory analysis to verify their unique code.